Meet the site
The north coast of Lord Howe between North Head and Fishy Point is made of volcanic rock, and the sea has cut ocean caves into it. Pro Dive's description of this stretch mentions Twin Caves and a blowhole cave that 'penetrates in about 100 metres', with striking light effects in the cave systems. The area's overall depth range is given as 2–37 m.
Ocean caves like these are formed where the sea exploits weaknesses in the basalt, and they often connect to the surface through a blowhole, which lets light in and creates shafts and beams through the water. The walls are covered in encrusting corals and sponges, and caves at Lord Howe typically shelter crayfish, slipper lobsters and soldierfish. Outside the caves, Pro Dive notes large schools of kingfish and trevally along this coast.
The important thing to understand is the difference between the two features. Twin Caves are twin entrances best treated as a swim-through and cavern dive in daylight. The blowhole cave that runs about 100 m into the island is a much more serious proposition: a long overhead environment in which surge from the blowhole can move divers around. Recreational divers should enter only as far as the guide leads and within sight of daylight.
The north coast is sheltered in southerly and south-easterly weather, and that is when the caves are dived; any northerly swell makes them dangerous. This is a site for Advanced divers with good buoyancy who are comfortable in overheads. Its current use by operators should be confirmed.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Twin Caves is recorded as Cave/Cavern 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.
- 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.
- 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 Twin Caves 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 Twin Caves 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
Kingfish and trevally schools (outside), encrusting corals, sponges, crayfish, soldierfish
Location
Ocean caves in the volcanic cliffs of the north coast between North Head and Fishy Point, including a blowhole cave that runs about 100 m into the rock.
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
prodive.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.