Meet the site
Malabar Third Reef is another of the named Malabar sites Nigel Marsh logged with Dive Lord Howe. He describes ledges and caves with morays, spiny lobsters, slipper lobsters and nudibranchs – and, memorably, 25 black-blotched stingrays on one dive. That last detail makes it one of the more unusual sites on the north coast.
Black-blotched stingrays are large rays that rest on sand patches near reefs and often gather in groups. At Malabar Third Reef the sand at the base of the reef provides that habitat, while the ledges and caves in the reef itself hold lobsters and morays. The wider Malabar area is volcanic rock with plateaus, swim-throughs and archways covered in plate and table corals, with anemones and nudibranchs throughout, and depths from 10 to 21 m according to Pro Dive.
This is an easy dive for most divers. The north coast is sheltered from the prevailing south-east trades and southerly swell, and the modest depth gives long bottom times. It suits Open Water divers and anyone interested in rays, crustaceans or macro photography. The number of stingrays will vary, but the ledges and caves are reliable.
The exact position and depth are not published, so the figures here are taken from the Malabar area generally. Ask Dive Lord Howe whether it is on the rotation during your visit; with more than 350 sites surveyed around the island, not every named site is dived every week. Like the other Malabar reefs, it is closed by northerly winds and swell.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Malabar Third Reef is recorded as Reef in Lord Howe 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.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Lines and obstructions
- Discuss any known entanglement concerns and the suitability of the planned area.
- 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 Malabar Third Reef 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 Malabar Third Reef 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
Black-blotched stingrays (up to 25 recorded), morays, spiny lobsters, slipper lobsters, nudibranchs, plate corals, reef fish
Location
One of the Malabar reefs on Lord Howe's north coast, with ledges and caves.
Facilities nearby
Departure from the Lagoon Road boatsheds.
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
diveplanit.comprodive.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.