Meet the site
Emily Bay is Norfolk Island's favourite swimming beach and its best-known snorkel. Norfolk's tourism body calls it calm, clear and family-friendly, suitable for all levels and home to more than 60 marine species. Oceanatik describes a beautiful shallow reef system on the seaward edge with pristine coral outcrops, a maximum depth of 6 m and a protected bay ideal for newer divers.
The bay sits within the lagoon formed by the fringing reef at Kingston, and the reef takes the swell, leaving the water inside calm. Nigel Marsh describes Emily Bay and Slaughter Bay as connected bays with hard coral gardens and sandy patches, up to 4 m deep and with visibility up to 20 m. The fish are a highlight for anyone interested in Norfolk's unusual fauna: surge wrasse, green wrasse, the Norfolk cardinalfish, the notch-headed marblefish and the Lord Howe moray, along with numerous other species found only in this part of the Pacific.
Since 15 February 2023, Emily and Slaughter Bays have been a complete no-take area within the Norfolk Marine Park, introduced to protect the herbivorous fish and echinoderms that keep algae in check. The bays have come under pressure from run-off, and the no-take rule is part of the response. Glass-bottom boat tours also operate over the lagoon.
The bay is part of the Kingston and Arthur's Vale Historic Area, a World Heritage-listed convict settlement, so a swim here comes with a backdrop of Georgian buildings and Norfolk pines. It suits everyone from children to divers doing a relaxed shore dive, and it is diveable on most days of the year. Stay inside the reef, where it is calm.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Emily 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 Emily 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 Emily 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
Surge wrasse, green wrasse, Norfolk cardinalfish, notch-headed marblefish, Lord Howe moray, 60+ species, hard coral outcrops
Location
Norfolk Island's main swimming beach at Kingston, a sheltered lagoon behind the fringing reef with coral outcrops along its seaward edge.
Facilities nearby
Parking at Emily Bay and along Quality Row/Bay Street; toilets, picnic shelters and BBQs at Emily Bay; nearest cafes and shops in Burnt Pine (about 10 minutes' drive).
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.auoceanatik.comnigelmarshphotography.comaustralianmarineparks.gov.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.