Meet the site
The Favourite was an American tuna vessel that was wrecked in 1965 and now lies at the entrance to the North Passage off North Bay, according to Pinetrees Lodge. The island's tourism site says it has rested on the sea floor since 1965, and snorkel operators including Islander Cruises and Marine Adventures include it as an optional stop on their North Bay trips.
Little of the ship's structure remains as a hull. Pinetrees describes the main engine, refrigeration piping and steel boxes lying among the reef, with rusted metal forming the wreck's basic framework. Over six decades the metal has become part of the reef, with live coral growing on it and fish sheltering among the pieces. Anemonefish clean their anemones on the wreck, and large blue doubleheader wrasse – a Lord Howe speciality – are common. Islander Cruises describes diverse coral gardens and tropical fish around it, and Pinetrees notes turtles and garfish in the wider bay.
The wreck is shallow and can be seen well with a mask and snorkel. Pinetrees describes shore access from the end of the beach as 'a bit of a chore' and says a boat is easier; the walk to North Bay and the swim out take some effort, so most people visit on a snorkel tour.
Its position near North Passage means tidal flow is stronger than in the rest of the bay, so it is best visited near slack water and on a calm day. It suits competent snorkellers. North Bay is a sanctuary zone, so nothing may be taken from the wreck or the reef. The depth and exact position have not been published; the figures here are estimates, and the vessel's original length and tonnage are not recorded in the sources.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Favourite wreck (North Bay) is recorded as Wreck in Lord Howe Island. The listed access is shore or boat. 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
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 Favourite wreck (North 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 Favourite wreck (North 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
Live coral on the wreck, anemonefish and anemones, doubleheader wrasse, tropical reef fish, turtles and garfish nearby
Location
The broken remains of an American tuna boat lost in 1965 near the entrance to North Passage at the end of the beach in North Bay.
Facilities nearby
No shops at North Bay; bring water.
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
pinetrees.com.aulordhoweisland.infolordhoweisland-australia.comislandercruises.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.