Meet the site
Johnnystone Rock is one of Norfolk's deeper pinnacle dives. Oceanatik (which spells it 'Johhnystone') describes 'this beautiful rocky pinnacle' rising to within 2 m of the surface and dropping to 30 m, with rock formations, walls and reef, multiple caverns and swim-through passages, abundant marine life and an 'excellent display of enveloping coral formations'. The Marine Life Network describes it as a rocky pinnacle to 30 m with abundant fish. Oceanatik rates it advanced.
The structure offers a lot in one dive. The upper pinnacle is washed by swell and current and attracts schooling fish; the caverns and swim-throughs lower down give shelter and frame the blue water; and the walls carry coral, sponges and fans. Norfolk's fish fauna around pinnacles like this includes kingfish, trevally, groper, morwong, rock cod and moray eels, and Galapagos sharks are sometimes seen around the island's offshore rocks.
The depth makes careful planning important. Most of the interest is between 15 and 30 m, so no-decompression times are short, and with no chamber on Norfolk Island divers should dive conservatively and consider nitrox if available. The caverns should be entered only within sight of daylight.
Norfolk Island Diving will choose the launch pier according to the wind. It suits Advanced divers comfortable at 30 m and in swim-throughs. Visibility is typically 15–45 m, and the combination of structure, depth and coral makes it one of the island's more rewarding dives.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Johnnystone Rock is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie in Norfolk Island. The listed access is boat (day trip). 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.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
- Water movement
- Ask how swell and local exposure affect the proposed entry, exit and route.
- Overhead environments
- Ask whether the plan stays entirely in open water. A wreck or cave listing is not permission or training to enter.
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 Johnnystone Rock suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced Open Water. 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 Johnnystone Rock 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
Enveloping coral formations, sponges, abundant reef fish; likely kingfish, trevally, groper, morays
Location
A rocky pinnacle rising to within about 2 m of the surface and dropping to 30 m, with caverns and swim-throughs; exact position not published.
Facilities nearby
Departure from Kingston or Cascade Pier (crane launch).
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
oceanatik.comoceanatik.commarinelife.org.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.