Diving Norfolk Island

Norfolk Island is a short 2hour flight from Auckland with reasonably priced accommodation, fresh island produce, good food, sub-tropical rainforest and some overwhelming scenery with its rugged coastline.

Bounty Divers has been a locally owned, family dive operation for almost 30 years now, building Norfolk Island's reputation as one of the premier dive destinations in the South Pacific. Bounty Divers is the only dive operator on Norfolk at this point which allows them to enjoy a number of advantages over other dive destinations such as, small groups, personal service and uncrowded dive sites. Combined with Norfolk's amazing natural beauty and attributes, Norfolk Island and Bounty Divers can deliver some of the best diving in the world.

Norfolk Island and its off shore islands Nepean and Philip Islands are of volcanic origins rather than a coral reef. Because of this, swim throughs, caves, arches and walls dominate the underwater terrain. These are covered in a wide variety of marine life in which hard corals predominate. The water temperature varies between 18 degrees in the winter to 24 degrees in the summer months. Norfolk's marine environment is one of the last remaining pristine and unspoiled in the world. Situated 1450 km of the Australian east coast there is no pollution, no rivers running into the ocean and no commercial exploitation of marine resources.

Visibility in the water normally exceeds 20 meters and on many a day exceeds 40 meters. Because of Norfolk's isolated position in the Pacific, the mixture of marine life is unique with a blend of tropical and more temperate marine animals living side by side. At present there are over 250 species of fish, 275 species of algae and 35 species of hard corals known in Norfolk's waters. These numbers are likely to grow as further studies are undertaken. No formal studies of other marine phyla have been conducted to date and it is highly likely that other new species are awaiting discovery.

For the qualified diver; Norfolk offers a wide choice of dive sites with over 30 sites to choose from, depending on the prevailing weather conditions. Each site has it's own characteristics. To quote Peter Stone from Sports Diving in Australia and the South Pacific:-

"The diving off Norfolk is nothing short of fascinating. If you are into caves and chasms and chimneys and grottoes then this place is definitely for you........ Huge groupers, schools of yellowtail kingfish and trevally and tiny 'big eyes'. Incredible rock and reef formations, fields of hard corals and colourful algae and superb visibility."

The depth of dives varies between 15 and 30 meters although most sites are no deeper than 21 meters. Weather permitting there are usually daily boat dives. Norfolk has two launching sites on opposite sides of the island, Cascade on the northern side and Kingston on the southern side, both enabling you to get out on most days. Launching a boat on Norfolk is an experience in itself, and an experience in which you'll be asked to assist. Why not pay a visit and discover the delights that Norfolk has to offer as thousands of divers have done before you. Norfolk makes an ideal destination for those who wish to bring non-diving members of the family or friends as well. There is something on Norfolk for everybody! Nothing is far away!!

Not interested in diving but still want to swim with our fish? Join the snorkel boat and snorkel in Emily Bay – gear is available for rent. Or simply join the scenic boat cruise around the island.