Meet the site
North Bay is a secluded white-sand beach at the northern end of the lagoon, below Mt Eliza, and one of the NSW marine park authority's named snorkel sites, reached by a short swim from shore. It is accessible only on foot or by water, which keeps it quiet. The bay is very shallow, so wading in is easy, and the coral reef in front holds an impressive range of fish, stingrays and sea turtles.
The island's pocket guide lists McCulloch's anemonefish, three-striped butterflyfish and turtles here. At the end of the beach lies the wreck of the Favourite, an American tuna boat lost in 1965, whose engine, refrigeration piping and steel boxes sit among the reef; it is described as its own entry. Pinetrees notes that the North Bay area is a sanctuary zone and attracts turtles and garfish.
North Bay is also a hub for walks. Short tracks lead to Old Gulch and the Herring Pools – rock pools and a boulder beach on the north coast – and up Mt Eliza, which has views over the Admiralty Islets. Snorkel-boat tours usually combine the snorkelling with a walk, and seabirds nest in the area.
The bay suits snorkellers of all abilities in calm conditions and is sheltered in the prevailing south-easterlies. It is shallow, so scuba is not needed, and depth figures here are estimates. A day trip here, combining snorkelling, the wreck and a walk, is one of the classic Lord Howe outings. Bring water and sun protection, because there are no shops at the bay.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
North Bay is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform 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.
- 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 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 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
Green turtles, stingrays, McCulloch's anemonefish, three-striped butterflyfish, garfish, doubleheader wrasse, coral
Location
A secluded white-sand bay at the northern end of the lagoon below Mt Eliza, reached only on foot or by water, with coral, turtles and the wreck of the Favourite.
Facilities nearby
No shops; picnic area and toilet reported 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
lordhoweisland.infolordhoweisland-australia.comdpi.nsw.gov.aulordhoweisland.infoislandercruises.com.aupinetrees.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.