Meet the site
Cemetery Bay is the small bay at the eastern end of Kingston, named for the historic convict-era cemetery that sits above it. Norfolk Island's tourism body lists 'Cemetery Bay & Bumboras' among its top snorkelling sites, with the best conditions at mid to high tide when the water is calm; Bumboras is the adjacent stretch of coast and reserve to the east.
The bay has a reef close to shore and the same Norfolk reef fauna that makes Emily Bay popular – wrasses, cardinalfish, marblefish, morays and a range of subtropical reef fish. It is less sheltered than Emily Bay because it lies outside the main Kingston lagoon and faces the prevailing south-east trades, so the tide and swell matter more here.
The bay's management under the Norfolk Marine Park differs from its neighbours. From February 2023, Cemetery Bay became a no-take area for echinoderms – sea urchins, sea cucumbers and sea stars – while finfish fishing remains permitted; Emily and Slaughter Bays became complete no-take areas at the same time. The rules support herbivores that control algal growth on the reef, which has been under pressure from run-off.
It suits competent snorkellers on calm days at the right tide, and is a quieter alternative to Emily Bay. The historic cemetery, with headstones dating from the convict settlements, is worth a walk before or after. Check conditions with the Visitor Information Centre, as the beach is unpatrolled and can have surf. Depth fields are estimates or left blank.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Cemetery Bay is recorded as Reef in Norfolk Island. The listed access is shore. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Cemetery Bay suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Cemetery Bay through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Norfolk reef fish (wrasses, cardinalfish, marblefish, morays), echinoderms (protected), corals
Location
A small bay east of Emily Bay beside the historic Kingston cemetery, with reef snorkelling; the Bumboras Reserve coast lies adjacent.
Facilities nearby
Parking near the cemetery and beach; toilets at Emily Bay; shops and cafes in Burnt Pine.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
norfolkisland.com.auaustralianmarineparks.gov.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.