Snorkelling Norfolk Island Lagoon

Summertime is almost here, and as the water in the Kingston lagoon warms up, it is time to enjoy the underwater world exploring the coral reef and beautiful fish in the bay. Everyone’s favourite place to be is the sheltered water in Emily Bay or Slaughter Bay. On calm days, it is also very rewarding to enjoy a swim and snorkel in Bomboras Bay.

If you are looking for me during the summer afternoons, you need to go down to Emily Bay or Slaughter Bay, which would be the place to find me out snorkelling. The snorkelling here on Norfolk Island is so relaxing and enjoyable, what a great way to get your daily exercise and cool off after a hot day at work.

My love of photography and to share the images also includes this underwater world. I enjoy looking for new fish and learning about the corals and their hidden treasures, some of them unique to Norfolk Island. We have the friendliest and most colourful Wrasse who has been nick named “Fred the Friendly Fish”. They are always there to escort you around the reef. They are green, blue and yellow fish with a very colourful red stripped face.

The “Puffer Fish” also look lovely, but not to be touched as they are poisonous. I have read that they are called the “Panda of the Sea.” Sometimes I am lucky enough to come across a school of “Juvenile Catfish” swimming in a tight group together, I really enjoy watching the “Eagle Rays” as they rest on the sandy floor of the bay.

We have an abundance of “Aatuti”, also known as the “Book Book Fish” in Lord Howe because of the sound they make. These fish think they are in charge and bully all the fish around especially the lovely “Surgeon Fish”. It doesn’t seem to matter if the fish are much bigger than them, they will chase anyone away.

The “Snake Eels” gave me a fright when I first saw them, but the locals quickly let me know that they are eels pretending to be snakes and they love to dig into the sand to find food and live on the sandy floor. The ‘Moray Eels” are colourful and hide in the holes in the coral and have open jaws filled with sharp teeth.

I have been photographing the sea anemones and corals. The coral grow in so many different shapes and sizes. Nature is so clever, the coral patterns are so intricate and come in many colours. There is concerns the coral is under stress as the effect of global warming and coral bleaching in recent years. During the past year the pollution levels also increased in the area with the heavy rain fall and the amount of swamp water flushed into the lagoon.

It is always important to take care when in the water, to be aware of tidal changes and weather conditions. On a calm day the bay can be like a swimming pool, when the swell is rolling in the conditions can change quickly.

Caring for the reef and coral environment is also important. The corals have so many colours and shapes and the fish are so friendly, and they follow you about hoping you may have something for them to eat. Please remember not to feed the fish, they have their natural food. Do not stand on the coral, as this can damage the corals which are living creatures. Also remember to care for yourself, with sun protection, I prefer to use a swimming vest instead of sunscreens.

If you get a chance to go snorkelling, come down to the bay and enjoy a swim and snorkel. I always enjoy low tide snorkels in the water at Kingston. If you are unable to swim, it is worthwhile spending some time on the glass bottom boats and the timetables are on the signs next to the tractors at the far end of Emily Bay or available from the Information Centre in town.

The snorkelling here on Norfolk Island is so relaxing and enjoyable. It is the place to see all the beauty below the water and it is the world I love to capture on my camera. Here are a few underwater photographs I have taken in recent years.

Happy Summer Snorkelling Yorli

Betty Matthews

October 2022