Lord Howe Island · Lord Howe Island
Scuba Diving at Admiralty Islands
Volcanic pinnacles, walls and trenches off Lord Howe's northern end.
The Admiralty Islands, a group of volcanic outcrops off Lord Howe's northern end, provide the island's deeper and more dramatic diving.
Terrain includes pinnacles, trenches, caves, walls and volcanic drop-offs, with sites such as the Tenth of June and Malabar among the best known.
These are the sites that give experienced divers considerably more range than the lagoon and outer reefs alone.
Recommended: Advanced Open Water Diver. Parts of the site reach 40 m, which needs Deep specialty and recent deep experience. What can I dive with my cert?
Max depth
40 m
typically 25 m
Access
boat
Current
variable
Water temp
19–26°C
Level
intermediate
up to advanced
| Region | Lord Howe Island |
|---|---|
| State | Lord Howe Island |
| Access | boat |
| Site type | wall, island, reef |
| Minimum depth | 8 m |
| Typical depth | 25 m |
| Maximum depth | 40 m |
| Current | variable |
| Visibility | Often 20–40 m |
| Water temperature | Roughly 19–26°C |
| Experience level | intermediate, advanced |
These are guidance categories, not guarantees. Conditions on the day, and an operator’s own requirements, override any classification here.
- Galapagos whaler sharks
- kingfish and trevally schools
- turtles
- black coral
- Spanish dancers
- endemic species
Access
- Boat access from Lord Howe Island.
- More exposed than the lagoon and outer reefs.
- Conditions determine which sites are diveable.
Hazards
- current
- surge around the pinnacles
- depth
- exposure to open ocean swell
Businesses documented as regularly diving this site.
Useful Training for Diving Admiralty Islands
Not a list of everything available — the qualifications that actually change what you can do at this site.
Dive Sites Similar to Admiralty Islands
Worth reading alongside this one.
Planning Guides for Diving Admiralty Islands
Practical guides selected from this site's access, environment, wildlife and experience profile.
Dive Sites Near Admiralty Islands
Other documented sites within range, nearest first — useful for building a trip rather than a single dive.
Admiralty Islands Diving FAQs
How deep is Admiralty Islands?
Depths range from around 8 metres to roughly 40 metres, with a typical profile around 25 metres. Conditions and route selection change this considerably.
Is Admiralty Islands suitable for beginners?
Better suited to divers with some experience beyond entry level, particularly in the local conditions. Discuss your recent diving honestly with the operator rather than relying on certification alone.
How do you get to Admiralty Islands?
Boat access from Lord Howe Island. More exposed than the lagoon and outer reefs.
Is there current at Admiralty Islands?
Current is recorded as variable. Conditions vary daily and should be checked close to the day.
What will I see at Admiralty Islands?
Commonly reported marine life includes Galapagos whaler sharks, kingfish and trevally schools, turtles, black coral, Spanish dancers, endemic species. Sightings are never guaranteed.
When is the best time to dive Admiralty Islands?
Conditions vary through the year. Visibility is often 20–40 m. Check with local operators close to your dates.
Where is Admiralty Islands?
Admiralty Islands is in the Lord Howe Island region of Lord Howe Island.
Last researched: September 2026. Dive businesses change frequently — confirm current services, prices and requirements directly with the operator before booking.