Meet the site
Shearwater Island is a small islet – roughly 100 m east–west and 150 m north–south – immediately south of Sugarloaf in the Admiralty Islets, and Michael McFadyen calls it 'one of the most interesting dive sites at LHI'. The dive covers the western and southern sides of the island, where a series of rocky fingers jut out from the shore and drop to sand at about 16 m. The main reef sits at around 10 m, which keeps the dive shallow and bottom times long.
What sets it apart is coral cover. McFadyen describes all the rocks as covered in hard coral, with abundant gorgonias, and compares the coverage with the Great Barrier Reef – a striking thing to see at the southern limit of coral reefs. The gutters between the fingers are where the fish concentrate: moray and other eels, firefish, butterflyfish, anemonefish in their hosts, and schools of trevally and almaco jacks overhead. Humphead wrasse and Spanish dancers are both recorded, and there are nudibranchs and flatworms for macro photographers.
McFadyen's May dive had at least 40 m visibility and 21.8°C water. The site is a good option in southerly winds, when the southern dive sites of the island are rough and the Admiralty Islets are in the lee.
The route is simple: west through the boulders of the main reef, south-east through the finger gutters, then back north to the anchor. It suits Open Water divers and snorkellers can see a good deal of the top of the reef on calm days, though the boat does not usually carry snorkellers here. For photographers wanting a coral-rich shallow site with good light, this is one to ask for.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Shearwater Island 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 Shearwater Island 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 Shearwater 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 corals, gorgonias, eels and morays, firefish, butterflyfish, anemonefish, trevally, almaco jacks, humphead wrasse, Spanish dancers, nudibranchs, flatworms
Location
Finger reefs off the western and southern sides of Shearwater Island, south of Sugarloaf Island in the Admiralty Islets.
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.infoprodive.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.