Cruise to picturesque North Bay, have a picnic or BBQ under the shade of the beautiful kentia palms, climb Mt. Eliza, discover the Old Gultch and Herring pools, or get up close to our seabirds nesting on the beach.
Join Peter snorkelling the wreck of "The Favourite," which was deliberately scuttled on the coral reef in 1965 to prevent it from sinking. She could not be salvaged and was eventually burned so that her wooden planks would not endanger flying boats landing on the lagoon. Peter started regular snorkelling tours on this site in 1994, and has developed the site over the years. He has a permit to hand feed the tame fish around the wreck, and has extensive knowledge of the site. Peter snorkels with you and guides you over the wreck, showing you where resident fish call home.
Common fish seen daily include:
Bluefish, 14 species of Wrasse, 10 species of Butterflyfish, 4 species of Angelfish, 3 species of Lionfish, Cardinalfish, Damselfish, Morwong, Parrotfish, Crayfish, Hermit Crabs, Moray Eels, Banded Snake Eels, and Bannerfish. Green turtles and Stingrays are commonly seen. Brain, Staghorn and Branching corals are found throughout the site, as well as extensive seagrass beds.
From the picnic area, a short climb up Mt. Eliza provides one of the most spectacular and memorable views of the island, including commanding views of the lagoon, Old Gultch, and Admiralty Islands. The beach foreshore is also a nesting area for Brown Noddy's, Black Noddy's, White Terns, Sooty Terns, and the occasional Red-tailed Tropicbird. Many species of wading birds can also be seen at low-tide.
Furthermore, you can explore the Old Gultch and Herring Pools, two popular fishing and fossicking spots on the island.
Half Day Tour
Adults - $30 Child - $15
Full Day BBQ Tour
Adults - $40 Child - $20
Ian Hutton North Bay Nature Walk
While on our North Bay tour, we often offer visitors guided walks with island naturalist and author Ian Hutton. Ian has a vast knowledge of island bird and marine life, and elaborates on many of the island's unique treasures. Ian's tours are highly sought and not to be missed!
Full Day with Ian Hutton
Adults - $20 Child - $10
Half Day with Ian Hutton
Adults - $10 Child - $5
*We have exclusivity to Ian Hutton North Bay tour and Sea bird scenic trips to Ball's Pyramid.
Ferry Service available by request.
Adults - $15 Child - $10
Wetsuit hire - $5
Our specialised snorkelling tour explores the middle sanctuary zone of the lagoon. 4 sites are snorkelled on this 2 hour tour including Comet's, Erscott's, Horseshoe, and Steven's holes.
These sites all vary in coral and fish varieties, with depths from 3 - 7 metres. On all sites corals come within 1 - 2 metres of the surface, with tours running to suit the tides for optimum visibility and conditions.
Our boat MV Islander is 7 metres and has comfortable seating with a sun canopy, overhead storage, and roll-down curtains for passenger comfort in case of a change in conditions. Islander is equiped with bow and stern water access, and solid, stable deep water ladder access. All tours include complimentary top quality snorkelling gear, buoyancy noodles, spyboards, tea and coffee, and Pete's wife Vicky's famous chocolate cake.
Our skippers and guides are all PADI qualified Divemasters and Instructors, and are extremely knowledgable on all facets of Lord Howe Island marine life and topography. Fish identification charts are also available on board to help you identify the hundreds of fish you will see on the tour, including parrotfish, wrasse, sharks, spangled emperor, stingrays, damselfish, anemonefish, silver drummer, unicornfish, sweetlips, and turtles.
The latest Olympus 7.1 megapixel underwater digital cameras are available for hire, or disposable film cameras can be purchased.
Adults - $30 Child - $15
Wetsuit hire - $5
**All tours include snorkelling gear, spyboards, tea, coffee and Vicky's famous chocolate cake.
SUNSET CRUISES
Our 2 hour sunset cruise takes in the whole of the lagoon from under the southern mountains to Blackburn (Rabbit) island and North Bay. We supply delicious cheese and fruit platters served on board, with complimentary drinks and local commentary.
Adult - $40
EQUIPMENT HIREKayaks
Single: Hour - $15 / 4 Hours - $35 / 8 Hours - $50
Double: Hour - $20 / 4 Hours - $45 / 8 Hours - $60
Snorkel Gear
Day - $5 / Week - $25
Paddleboards & Spyboards
Hour - $5 / 4 Hours - $10 / 8 Hours - $20 / Week - $50
Noodles
Hour - $2 / Day - $5 / Week - $20
Noodle Chairs
Hour - $2 / Day - $10 / Week - $30
Umbrellas
Hour - $2 / Day - $10 / Week - $30
Mega Fun Raft
Hour - $5 / Day - $20 / Week - $50
