Best Old Settlement Beach Snorkeling

Northeast of Sydney off Lord Howe, the snorkeling at Old Settlement Beach is best known for the deep Sylphs Hole. The Sylphs Hole Sanctuary Zone is a protected area within Hunter Bay and is located just offshore of Old Settlement Beach. The sanctuary zone covers within 50 metre circumference from all the yellow marker buoys. The zone protects the fresh water spring and the two unique coral species which provide habitate to diverse marine life. During Old Settlement Beach snorkeling, you may encounter spotting green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles and butterfly-cod (aka lionfish).

Lord Howe Island is an exceptional place to explore as the southernmost coral reef in the world with over 90 coral species and 500 fish species. It has verdant rain-forests, white sand beaches and volcanic peaks. There is a long coral reef along the southwestern side of the island that encloses a lagoon. It is about 600km northeast of Sydney.

Lord Howe Island is reached by a two hour flight from Sydney or Brisbane (the main air service is provided by QantasLink).

Overall, Old Settlement Beach is the 3rd most popular snorkel dive spot of all 6 snorkeling dives in Lord Howe Island.