Meet the site
Old Settlement Beach, at the northern end of the lagoon, is where many visitors have their first encounter with a Lord Howe green turtle. Divernet describes it as a snorkel site with turtles, the island's pocket guide notes turtles visible here, and Pinetrees Lodge lists it among the three shore-access snorkelling beaches. The name comes from the island's first settlement site in the 1830s.
The beach is sandy and shallow, with sea grass and patches of coral in the lagoon in front. Green turtles come to graze and can often be seen from the surface with only a mask and snorkel. The sanctuary zone at Sylph's Hole is a short swim away, with coral and McCulloch's anemonefish.
The turtles are the reason to go, and the etiquette is simple: float quietly, keep your distance and let the turtle decide how close to come. Chasing or touching them disturbs their feeding. The lagoon's sand is fine and easily stirred, so keeping fins off the bottom helps visibility.
The site suits snorkellers of all ages and abilities in calm weather and is one of the most family-friendly spots on the island. It is sheltered in the prevailing south-easterlies but can be choppy in northerlies. The water is shallow – a few metres at most – so scuba is not needed, and depths here are estimates. Being inside the lagoon, the beach is best at mid to high tide, when more water covers the flats. Bikes are the usual transport to the beach.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Old Settlement Beach is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Lord Howe Island. The listed access is shore. 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 Old Settlement Beach 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 Old Settlement Beach 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, lagoon reef fish, sea grass, coral patches; McCulloch's anemonefish at nearby Sylph's Hole
Location
A beach at the northern end of the lagoon, near the airport end of the settlement, known for green turtles grazing in the shallows.
Facilities nearby
Bike parking at the track head; no facilities at the beach – toilets and cafes in the settlement.
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
divernet.comlordhoweisland.infopinetrees.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.