Meet the site
Sylph's Hole is one of the island's best-known shore snorkel sites and a designated sanctuary zone. The NSW marine park authority names it, with North Bay, as a site reached by a short swim from shore, and the island's pocket guide lists McCulloch's anemonefish, coral and turtles here and marks it as a sanctuary zone. It is at the northern end of the lagoon, off Old Settlement Beach, which is itself known for turtles.
The attraction is the combination of easy access and good marine life. Green turtles graze in the area and are often seen by snorkellers, while the coral holds McCulloch's anemonefish – an endemic found only around Lord Howe and nearby reefs – along with the lagoon's usual mix of reef fish. The water is shallow and generally calm, sheltered by the barrier reef from the open ocean.
The pocket guide and marine park materials recommend checking conditions and the tide before snorkelling. Mid to high tide gives more water over the coral and makes the swim easier; at low tide the lagoon floor is very shallow and it is easy to damage coral. Footwear helps when wading because of sea urchins and reef shells.
It is suitable for snorkellers of all abilities in calm conditions, including families. There is no need for a boat or guide, though the snorkel tour operators include it on some trips. As a sanctuary zone, fishing and collecting are prohibited. Depth figures here are estimates; the hole itself has not been described in detail by any source found.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Sylph's Hole is recorded as Reef 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.
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 Sylph's Hole 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 Sylph's Hole 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, McCulloch's anemonefish, hard corals, lagoon reef fish
Location
A sanctuary-zone snorkel spot a short swim from shore at the northern end of the lagoon, off Old Settlement Beach.
Facilities nearby
Bike parking at Old Settlement Beach; 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
lordhoweisland.infodpi.nsw.gov.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.