Meet the site
South Island is one of three Admiralty sites Diveplanit names in its survey of the islets, alongside the Tenth of June bommie and Roach Island. Diveplanit gives a combined profile for these sites – a top around 18 m, a median of 22 m and a bottom around 30 m – and describes steep drop-offs presented as walls of coral, bommies and large boulders, with swim-throughs where the islets meet below the surface.
The survey's species list gives a good idea of what to expect: tasselled flathead lying on the boulders, mosaic morays in the cracks, black-and-white lionfish including juveniles, dusky hydroids and gorgonian fans on the wall, blue nudibranchs and painted morwong. Diveplanit classes the Admiralty sites as wall and scenic reef dives with macro interest and occasional mega fauna, and Galapagos sharks, kingfish and trevally are the usual larger visitors.
As its name suggests, South Island lies at the southern end of the group, closest to Lord Howe itself. That position may give it more shelter than the outer islets in some conditions, but its exact location and the usual dive route are not published, so the coordinates are left blank. Operators choose among the Admiralty sites on the day according to wind and swell, and all of them are sheltered in southerly weather and exposed in north-easterlies.
It suits Open Water divers with some experience on calm days, and Advanced divers if the wall is dived below 20 m. The mix of coral walls, boulders and macro life makes it a good all-round dive, and it is about 20 minutes from the lagoon by boat.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
South Island (Admiralty Islets) is recorded as Island 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 South Island (Admiralty Islets) 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 South Island (Admiralty Islets) 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
Tasselled flathead, mosaic moray, black-and-white lionfish, painted morwong, blue nudibranchs, dusky hydroids, gorgonian fans, Galapagos sharks, kingfish, trevally
Location
The southernmost islet of the Admiralty group off Lord Howe's north-east tip, with coral drop-offs and boulders.
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
diveplanit.comRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.