Far Rocks is one of the snorkel sites listed in the Lord Howe Island pocket guide published by the island's tourism body. The guide lists McCulloch's anemonefish and three-striped butterflyfish there, the same two species it highlights at Neds Beach, North Bay and Comet's Hole.

McCulloch's anemonefish is endemic to Lord Howe and nearby reefs, and the three-striped butterflyfish is another species characteristic of the island's subtropical reef fauna, so a site listed for both is likely to have healthy anemones and coral. Most of the island's listed snorkel sites are either in the lagoon, reached by boat or kayak, or at the beaches, reached on foot.

Visitors interested in Far Rocks should ask at the visitor centre or the Lagoon Road boatsheds, where operators give daily advice on which snorkel sites are best for the conditions. The lagoon sites are sheltered by the barrier reef in most weather, while the beaches on the east and north coasts are exposed to the trades and northerly swell respectively.

The general rules apply: check tide and conditions before entering, wear footwear when wading because of sea urchins and reef shells, avoid standing on coral, and respect sanctuary zones, where fishing and collecting are prohibited. All of Lord Howe's snorkel sites are unpatrolled, and there is no chamber on the island for divers.

Lord Howe is reached only by air: QantasLink flies from Sydney daily (about 1 h 50 min), with Brisbane and seasonal Port Macquarie services. Accommodation must be booked before flights (visitor numbers are capped at about 400) and the checked-baggage limit is 14 kg, so most divers hire gear on the island. Far Rocks is listed in the island pocket guide without a location.

Ask at the Lord Howe Island visitor centre or at the Lagoon Road boatsheds, where snorkel operators can advise on access (on foot, by kayak or by boat) and whether conditions suit on the day. Snorkel gear can be hired at the boatsheds.

The lagoon is protected by the fringing barrier reef on the island's western side and is diveable in almost all weather, which is why operators use it when the outer reef is closed. Strong westerly and south-westerly winds – mainly with winter fronts – make it choppy and push swell over the reef, stirring the sand and cutting visibility. The holes are deep enough to dive at any tide, but the surrounding lagoon floor is very shallow at low tide and boats time runs accordingly.

Visibility is usually around 10–20 m (lower than outside the reef), and water is warmest from January to April.

Snorkel with a guide or local advice; location and conditions not published.

Dive Lord Howe – lagoon dives used daily as a sheltered option and for courses; snorkel and glass-bottom boat tours by Islander Cruises (daily access to the southern and northern sanctuaries), Marine Adventures, Lord Howe Environmental Tours, Reef N Beyond and Liv For The Sea.