TV – Explore Slaughter Bay

Don’t let the seemingly ominous name deter you. Slaughter Bay is derived from an old English word that means ‘slow-moving water’ – setting the scene for exactly what you can expect here.

Find it tucked away in the Kingston and Arthurs Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) of the island. Its calm crystal-clear waters play host to a living aquarium, and with a maximum depth of four metres Slaughter Bay remains one of the best spots to snorkel on the island. You can also catch some waves off the reef when the conditions are right, so bring your surfboard along for the ride.

“With summer coming, the water will be warming up again (it gets a little chilly during the winter months and only the hardy take a dip). Slaughter Bay is a great place to snorkel and discover the reef, but if you don’t snorkel, you can still get up close and personal with the reef.

Venture down to Slaughter Bay at low tide, and you will find the rock pools (around the 2 big bommies opposite the Gallows Gate at the Prisoners Barracks. At first glance, it appears there’s nothing much to see, but look a little closer and you’ll find the pools offer a variety of marine life. Comb the beach for sea glass, walk on the reef, explore the rock pools looking for sea slugs, small fish, marine plants, shells, etc. I have spent many a happy few hour here both alone and with my tour groups.

Another great way for non-snorkellers to discover the reef is with Don & Les Christian on their Glaas Bohtom Boet Tour. Don and Les talk about the reef ecology, show you some spectacular coral formations and introduce you to some local marine critters. It’s an excellent tour! Tours are run subject to tides and info about tour departures is posted on a notice board beside the boats at Emily Bay. Book through a local travel agent or just front up at the boat before a tour departs and pay Don & Les direct”. (Julia Hartwig – Discover Norfolk Island)

Read More: The best swimming spots on Norfolk Island ( Australian Traveller Magazine )

https://www.australiantraveller.com/norfolk-island/the-best-swimming-spots-on-norfolk-island/

Credit : Banner Photos – Norfolk Island Reef