Fish Bowl is a captivating offshore reef site off Nepean Island, just south of Norfolk Island, accessible only by boat. This rocky coral reef features a scenic terrain of caves, ledges, and overhangs with maximum depth of 18 m and exceptional visibility that can reach 40 m. It is famous for encounters with Galapagos sharks, which patrol the site in small groups, alongside schooling fusiliers, trevally, kingfish, and a wealth of endemic subtropical fish species. The site's dramatic underwater topography and clear waters make it a premier dive destination, though snorkelers require boat access to reach it.
Fish Bowl
IntermediateGO
GO
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.6 mSwell Period 6.5 sWind Speed 2.8 knPrecipitation 17 mmTidal Phase ebb
Last evaluated
The spot
Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
Know before you go
Logged by the community, confirmed by mods
Low risk: Boat-dependent access
Boat access required — open ocean site with no shore entry. Swell and wind can prevent boat launches from the jetties, making access weather-dependent.
Low risk: Shark presence (Galapagos & dusky whalers)
Galapagos sharks and dusky whalers are present at the site. While generally not aggressive to divers, their presence demands respectful distance and calm behaviour.
Low risk: Weather-dependent conditions
Easterly winds can affect both jetties on Norfolk Island, preventing boat launches and stranding divers.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Boat
Entry
Fish Bowl is located off Nepean Island, just south of Norfolk Island. Boat access only, typically departing from Kingston Jetty with Norfolk Island Diving. The operator crane-launches an open boat from the jetty for the short trip to Nepean Island.
Parking & facilities
Parking available near Kingston Jetty.
parking
Boat dive fees apply — contact Norfolk Island Diving for current pricing. Snorkelers cannot reach this site by shore entry.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports