Meet the site
Reids Folly is a rock pinnacle on the northern side of Nepean Island. Oceanatik describes a pinnacle dropping to no more than 24 m and a large coral-covered archway partway down, and the Marine Life Network describes 'unique rock topography with archway' at 24 m. It is rated suitable for beginners in calm conditions.
The arch is the feature that draws divers. Coral-covered arches are a hallmark of Norfolk's diving – Cooks Arch, Turtle Arch and Little Organ all have them – and at Reids Folly the arch sits on the flank of the pinnacle, so the dive combines a swim-through with a circuit of the rock. The pinnacle's faces are covered with the mix of hard and soft corals, sponges and sea fans that Norfolk's reefs support.
Marine life is described simply as abundant, but the fish fauna of the Nepean Island sites is well recorded by Nigel Marsh at nearby Fish Bowl and The Crack: Galapagos sharks, kingfish and trevally, goldribbon cod, black cod, morays, striped boarfish, green turtles and a range of subtropical reef fish. The Marine Life Network lists a broader Norfolk species set including butterflyfish, wrasse, parrotfish, anemonefish, sweep, groper, morwong, rock cod and emperors.
The name suggests a local story, but its origin is not documented in the sources found. The site suits Open Water divers comfortable to about 20 m, with the deeper base better for Advanced divers. Like the other Nepean dives, it is reached from Kingston Pier in a few minutes and is dived when the southerly swell is down. Visibility is typically 15–45 m.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Reids Folly (Nepean Island) 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.
- 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 Reids Folly (Nepean Island) 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 Reids Folly (Nepean Island) 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
Hard and soft corals, sponges, sea fans; Galapagos sharks, kingfish, trevally, goldribbon cod, morays, butterflyfish, wrasse (Nepean fauna)
Location
A rock pinnacle with a large coral-covered archway on the northern side of Nepean Island, to 24 m.
Facilities nearby
Departure from Kingston Pier (crane launch); public toilets at Emily Bay and Kingston.
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.aunigelmarshphotography.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.