Meet the site
North Head Bommie sits about 70 m offshore and 800 m north-west of North Passage, the northern entrance to the lagoon. Michael McFadyen, who dived it in May, describes it as 'a pretty interesting dive site' with dramatic structure. The bottom drops from 12 m to 14 m and then gradually to about 18 m, while the bommie itself rises to 7–8 m, which keeps the whole dive comfortably shallow.
What gives the site its character is the way the bommie is cut up. McFadyen records narrow slits and canyons, overhangs, small swim-throughs, large holes or craters and porthole-like openings that frame the blue water – good material for wide-angle photographers. The gullies run continuously around the structure, so an anti-clockwise circuit from the western anchor point takes you through a series of cracks and overhangs.
Fish life is typical of the outer reef near the lagoon. Galapagos sharks are regular, crayfish shelter under the overhangs, and the reef fish include butterflyfish, firefish, leatherjackets, one-spot pullers and a few trevally. McFadyen saw no nudibranchs on his dive, so this is more of a structure and fish dive than a macro site.
McFadyen recorded 21.6°C and at least 30 m visibility. Being close to the lagoon, the site is a short boat ride and is a good option for a second dive or for newer divers, although it is outside the barrier reef and so exposed to westerly and north-westerly swell. It suits Open Water divers and anyone who likes photogenic reef structure.
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 Head Bommie is recorded as Pinnacle/Bommie 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.
- 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 Head Bommie suitable for my certification?
The record lists 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 North Head Bommie 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
Galapagos sharks, crayfish, butterflyfish, firefish, leatherjackets, one-spot pullers, trevally
Location
A bommie about 70 m offshore and 800 m north-west of North Passage, outside the lagoon near North Head.
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
michaelmcfadyenscuba.infoRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.