Islander Cruises
Islander Cruises
4.6
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Explore the beautiful lagoon of Lord Howe Island with the most experienced and friendly Glass Bottom boat, snorkel turtle tour operators. Islander Cruises is a one-stop shop for all your aquatic needs. We offer snorkel tours, turtle tours, Aquascooter tours, hire gear including snorkel gear, wetsuits, GoPro's, kayaks and stand up paddle boards.
Lord Howe Island, Australia
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.6
83 reviews
Excellent
67
Very good
8
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Explore06083173586
2 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
You have to remember this is an island with very changeable weather so be prepared to be flexible with tour dates times and itinerary. We booked for the Wednesday but were moved to the Thursday for very sound reasons but we had walked all the way there before being told so I would phone to confirm the trip is going ahead. Once out on the boat it was fantastic we saw the turtles and learnt a lot about the whole ecology, it is a must for Lord Howe.
Written 16 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter W
Greater Adelaide, Australia8 contributions
Feb 2025 • Friends
After a shaky start with confusion over our booking, the two hour Glass bottom Boat Turtle Tour went from strength to strength. At the first snorkel stop, the skipper Peter was extremely patient with two elderly ladies who had never snorkelled, offering them noodles for buoyancy. Within five minutes he had them in the water marvelling at the coral and the amazing range of fish. We then moved onto another spot where we had great views of a number of turtles swimming through the glass bottom. The real highlight came next when we had our second snorkel and swam with the turtles. It was a wonderful two hours and I will never forget the look on the faces of those two elderly women. Well done Peter!
Written 27 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen Donnellan
Gerringong, Australia25 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
Island cruises LHI are very friendly, professional and have a wealth of knowledge of the local area and marine life.
My partner and I went on a two hour glass bottom boat, turtle and snorkel tour of North Bay. Pete and his crew are absolutely amazing and very informative. We had the most amazing time and I would highly recommend Islander Cruises for all your LHI tours on Lord Howe Island. There tours are suitable for any age group, including children and our older folks. We were very fortunate to be able to see quite a few turtles on our tour.
We also hired a kayak with Islander Cruises, which was great fun, although wish I had gone on one of their guided kayaking tours earlier on.
My partner and I went on a two hour glass bottom boat, turtle and snorkel tour of North Bay. Pete and his crew are absolutely amazing and very informative. We had the most amazing time and I would highly recommend Islander Cruises for all your LHI tours on Lord Howe Island. There tours are suitable for any age group, including children and our older folks. We were very fortunate to be able to see quite a few turtles on our tour.
We also hired a kayak with Islander Cruises, which was great fun, although wish I had gone on one of their guided kayaking tours earlier on.
Written 3 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maree C
5 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Trip ended up good but was booked 5 days before trip and we didn't have it confirmed as going until late the afternoon prior. We chose this company due to being recommended but became stressful due to we only had 2 days left on island if cancelled. Information given during tour was informative and he was very knowledgeable. Feel he is dropping the ball as when we arrived for trip everyone gathered was informed was now cut from 3 hours down to 2 as he had to pick someone up, no discussion of refund. On return from trip chatted to a lady we picked up that she was quoted $30 for this but was told it was $50 when she arrived, she was not happy either. Seems they are now just cashing in on tourists with little concern.
As stated trip was knowledgeable and professional but changes and confirmation of trip was inadequate. Other companies the afternoon before were only to happy to add us with no upfront fee. Look at others first l would suggest.
As stated trip was knowledgeable and professional but changes and confirmation of trip was inadequate. Other companies the afternoon before were only to happy to add us with no upfront fee. Look at others first l would suggest.
Written 5 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventuress01
5 contributions
May 2024 • Family
As many people wrote on the review, Peter obviously need vacation from his job and tourists. Right from the beginning 2 ladies arrived late and he got upset and told us what he won’t wait for them!! 2 minutes later they arrived. Ok, let’s enjoy our 2 hour’s snorkel.
After the 1st snorkel, a lady came back to the boat 10 minutes after he tried to signal her to come back. While he tried to signal her, he got upset and couldn’t stop tell us that we will miss out 10 mins on our next snorkel because of the lady. He couldn’t stop repeating it and make her look really bad. What is the rush????? Obviously he didn’t care!
When we arrived at the 2nd snorkeling place, he told us to get in the water faster otherwise we will miss out. He reminded us that we already lost 10 mins because of the lady. At that point, I had enough and I told him to stop stressing everyone out and told him we need to get our snorkel kit properly. I went in the water shaking of what just happened and couldn’t enjoy my snorkeling.
So 80$ for a 2 hours snorkeling but really snorkel 40 mins. The boat ride to the reef took longer than the time we snorkel !!
Please Peter, change your attitude otherwise just don’t go out at sea!!!
After the 1st snorkel, a lady came back to the boat 10 minutes after he tried to signal her to come back. While he tried to signal her, he got upset and couldn’t stop tell us that we will miss out 10 mins on our next snorkel because of the lady. He couldn’t stop repeating it and make her look really bad. What is the rush????? Obviously he didn’t care!
When we arrived at the 2nd snorkeling place, he told us to get in the water faster otherwise we will miss out. He reminded us that we already lost 10 mins because of the lady. At that point, I had enough and I told him to stop stressing everyone out and told him we need to get our snorkel kit properly. I went in the water shaking of what just happened and couldn’t enjoy my snorkeling.
So 80$ for a 2 hours snorkeling but really snorkel 40 mins. The boat ride to the reef took longer than the time we snorkel !!
Please Peter, change your attitude otherwise just don’t go out at sea!!!
Written 12 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
simon A
Sydney, Australia8 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
With high hopes praised upon Islander Cruises by our wonderful hosts at Pinetrees, we rocked up to Islander Cruises the day after we arrived and was greeted by the effervescent April who booked us a 2 hour snorkelling tour at 1pm a few days out. We paid including surcharge to “secure our seats”, left our resort name and room number details.
Excited we arrived at 12.30pm to prep for the tour, no April, to be told that they had moved the time forward and had already left at 12pm. Our ‘Not April’ customer service person then explained how bad a day she was having, how it was the boss’s job to contact customers of changes of time. Apparently he’s the only one that can approve refunds too. Dismissive, unapologetic and unfriendly.
After hiring gear next door and hearing Not April on the CB with her boss, We returned after the designated 2pm and Not April explained she had been in touch with the boss and given him an earful, then explained how the Australian banking system works on credit card fee refunds when wanting to credit me the amount paid less the surcharge (she was wrong) and on crediting me the correct full amount remarked “well there’s plenty more where that came from”
Oh well, they might need that “plenty more” with service like that
Btw the service next door at Pro Dive (can’t recall the rename) was exceptional
Excited we arrived at 12.30pm to prep for the tour, no April, to be told that they had moved the time forward and had already left at 12pm. Our ‘Not April’ customer service person then explained how bad a day she was having, how it was the boss’s job to contact customers of changes of time. Apparently he’s the only one that can approve refunds too. Dismissive, unapologetic and unfriendly.
After hiring gear next door and hearing Not April on the CB with her boss, We returned after the designated 2pm and Not April explained she had been in touch with the boss and given him an earful, then explained how the Australian banking system works on credit card fee refunds when wanting to credit me the amount paid less the surcharge (she was wrong) and on crediting me the correct full amount remarked “well there’s plenty more where that came from”
Oh well, they might need that “plenty more” with service like that
Btw the service next door at Pro Dive (can’t recall the rename) was exceptional
Written 17 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debb
38 contributions
Oct 2022
Pros, Knowledgeable tour operator regarding history and birdlife. We returned safely.
Cons, cancel 24 hours prior if weather is inclement to receive refund, operator will go unless it's dangerously windy or storming. Booked for a snorkel tour in the lagoon, but those who braved the overcast and windy conditions had about 20 minutes max. The boat went to North Bay to view the terns nesting and the Island from a different angle. A walk thru to the Old Gulch, a small rocky cove about 150 metres from landing, nothing to write home about. Unfortunately it had rained the night before and the track was flooded and at times was waist deep, we were told it was safe, the water was muddy and uneven underfoot, and where was the tour operator? back on the beach, didn't even lead the group thru. If this was on the mainland OH&S would have a field day. Where there was a boardwalk parts were rotted and dangerous when unable to see thru the water.
Not worth the money and uncomfortable and cold due to weather, even the turtles didn't appear. If you want to snorkel out further in the lagoon use another operator.
Cons, cancel 24 hours prior if weather is inclement to receive refund, operator will go unless it's dangerously windy or storming. Booked for a snorkel tour in the lagoon, but those who braved the overcast and windy conditions had about 20 minutes max. The boat went to North Bay to view the terns nesting and the Island from a different angle. A walk thru to the Old Gulch, a small rocky cove about 150 metres from landing, nothing to write home about. Unfortunately it had rained the night before and the track was flooded and at times was waist deep, we were told it was safe, the water was muddy and uneven underfoot, and where was the tour operator? back on the beach, didn't even lead the group thru. If this was on the mainland OH&S would have a field day. Where there was a boardwalk parts were rotted and dangerous when unable to see thru the water.
Not worth the money and uncomfortable and cold due to weather, even the turtles didn't appear. If you want to snorkel out further in the lagoon use another operator.
Written 29 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ric C
17 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
Superb snorkeling but very mixed experience. Booked on the Wednesday based on the 7 day forecast but arrived at the island to receive a message that we should move it forward to Monday because the weather was going to be bad on Tuesday/Wednesday. Enjoyed Monday and booked our group again for Thursday. Needless to say Wednesday turned out to be the best weather day of the week.
Weather was horrible on Thursday and Islander shifted us to Friday. Arrived Friday with four of our five group as one already had plans for Friday made previously and tried to cancel one person. Peter refused citing 24 hr cancellation policy; which clearly didn't apply to him on Thursday.
Another good snorkel on Friday but Peter, mate:
1. Lighten up. If you don't like tourists don't operate a tourist boat.
2. Don't be economical with the truth and use bogus weather predictions to improve your load factors
3. Interesting rescheduling/cancellation policy. How do you spell "NSW Fair Trading?"
As I said great snorkeling but we will use the green boat next time.
Weather was horrible on Thursday and Islander shifted us to Friday. Arrived Friday with four of our five group as one already had plans for Friday made previously and tried to cancel one person. Peter refused citing 24 hr cancellation policy; which clearly didn't apply to him on Thursday.
Another good snorkel on Friday but Peter, mate:
1. Lighten up. If you don't like tourists don't operate a tourist boat.
2. Don't be economical with the truth and use bogus weather predictions to improve your load factors
3. Interesting rescheduling/cancellation policy. How do you spell "NSW Fair Trading?"
As I said great snorkeling but we will use the green boat next time.
Written 23 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa C
4 contributions
Oct 2022
Peter & his team went out of there way to ensure we got on the 3hr snorkel & turtle tour prior to our flights changing. We really appreciate you accommodating us. It truly was such a nice end to a wonderful holiday. Albeit around weather & altered flights.
Written 30 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lara
Sydney, Australia19 contributions
Dec 2019
I was traveling with my mum, so a glass bottom boat was perfect and we managed to see around 5 or 6 turtles. I thought that was pretty ace, considering I've taken two trips to Far Nth Qld and not one!? I was also shocked at just how big most of them are, about a metre long. The view of the coral is great, you get to see a decent amount of colour, plenty of colourful fish darting around, and the urchins look devastating, the tour guide is upbeat and informative... I was super impressed to see one of the turtles actually approach the boat, playfully snort a little water out of it's nostrils and then appear to play “chase me” as it swam off again!? How great is that, a place where turtles actually feel so confident of their safety that they play “chase” with the tour boats!? Proof that LHI is pretty much heaven! Whether you snorkel or just view through the glass, this tour is a neat little introduction to the Lagoon.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We like to snorkel. Is late November a very good time for visibility? Will we need to wear a wet suit due to either water temperature or stinger season? Is all gear rentable at your facility or elsewhere on the island?
Written 4 July 2018
The visibility is usually fine then, we don't have stingers here but we wear wetsuits at that time of year
I supply free wetsuits on all of my tours or you can rent them by the day or for the week from my boatshed
Written 5 July 2018
Alzie63
New South Wales, Australia
We have booked our trip to Lord Howe for the end of August, we just want to relax...im not really into snorkeling, (maybe my husband will) I just want to know ,do you just have boat cruises available , not with the stops for snorkelling , thanks heaps Allie
Written 6 June 2016
We are thinking of coming to Lord Hpwe Island and sour queries are:
Is it possible to snorkel in the lagoon and see large turtles close up? Is there provision for snorkelling in shallow water i.e. always being able to stand up when required? We don't like clambering over the side of a boat and being in very deep water.
thanks for your help
Helen
Written 29 July 2015
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.