LORD HOWE ISLAND SNORKEL FIELD GUIDE
Eye to eye with Lord Howe’s Galapagos Whaler: a two‑hour snorkel in shark country
A two-hour guided snorkel with Dive Lord Howe that includes a pre-dive briefing on shark etiquette and an opportunity to contribute images to ongoing shark research.
Eye to eye with Lord Howe’s Galapagos Whaler: a two‑hour snorkel in shark country.
Experience the thrill of swimming with the Galapagos Whaler Shark — a reef shark both curious and beautiful, and the only place in Australia where it can be seen is Lord Howe Island. Under the guidance of trained professionals you receive a clear briefing on shark interaction etiquette, are taken to known congregation sites and invited to contribute your images to research being collated by local shark biologists.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A shark found nowhere else in Australia
The Galapagos Whaler Shark is a distinctive reef shark that congregates around Lord Howe Island — seeing them here is a rare, island‑specific wildlife encounter.
Professional, safety‑first interactions
Dive Lord Howe runs the experience with trained staff who brief guests on etiquette, set up safety lines and manage the interaction so snorkelers can experience the sharks with minimal disturbance.
Contribute to local shark research
The operator works with shark biologists from the Sydney Institute of Marine Science to collect data; participants are encouraged to share images from their encounter to support that research.
What the day feels like
What it feels like
The trip begins with a focused briefing on shark‑interaction etiquette; you are then taken to a site where Galapagos Whaler Sharks congregate. Crew set up safety lines and outline procedures before swimmers enter the water, after which the guided snorkel places participants within close but controlled proximity to these curious reef sharks — a compact, intense encounter that returns to shore within about two hours.
THE SPECIES
A shark found nowhere else in Australia
The Galapagos Whaler Shark is a distinctive reef shark that congregates around Lord Howe Island — seeing them here is a rare, island‑specific wildlife encounter.
THE GUIDES
Professional, safety‑first interactions
Dive Lord Howe runs the experience with trained staff who brief guests on etiquette, set up safety lines and manage the interaction so snorkelers can experience the sharks with minimal disturbance.
THE SCIENCE
Contribute to local shark research
The operator works with shark biologists from the Sydney Institute of Marine Science to collect data; participants are encouraged to share images from their encounter to support that research.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits — and who should make additional preparations.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Swimwear, a towel from your lodge, drinking water, reef‑safe sun protection and any sea‑sickness medicine that suits you.
A 5mm wetsuit is suitable year‑round; during cooler months a hood and/or vest is recommended — these items are available from Dive Lord Howe.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How do I book?
You can book online or contact Dive Lord Howe on 02 6563 2253. See the operator’s Terms & Conditions for booking policies.
Do I need to book before arriving on the island?
Yes — Dive Lord Howe takes only small groups, so it’s recommended to pre‑book all dive packages prior to arrival to avoid disappointment.
Where on the island do you dive?
Dive Lord Howe works across a variety of sites surrounding the Lord Howe Island Group and selects sites based on prevailing circumstances and conditions.
What if I haven't dived in a while?
If you haven't dived within a few months a quick refresher dive is recommended; this can be completed on the island or at a dive centre before you come.
What happens if the diving is cancelled because of weather?
If weather conditions are unsuitable the trip will be postponed to the next suitable day; check the cancellation policy and consider travel insurance.
How do I get to the dive shop?
The dive shop is located along the foreshore of the Lagoon within easy walking or riding distance of most lodges; your accommodation will direct you on arrival.
When is the best time to visit for this trip?
Anytime from September to May is good, with December–March being peak time; Dive Lord Howe is closed 1 June–31 August for annual servicing of SCUBA equipment.