Malabar is the name used for a run of protected reefs on the north coast of Lord Howe beneath Malabar Hill, stretching towards Fishy Point. Pro Dive's description of the area is of underwater plateaus and swim-throughs, archways, plate and table corals, and depths of 10–21 m, and it singles out Malabar itself for large anemones, anemonefish, extensive nudibranchs and Spanish dancers – calling it one of the best macro photography sites on the island. Howea Divers describes Malabar Reef as soft and hard coral gardens with modest drop-offs and sandy spots from 5 to 20 m, suitable for beginners.

The north coast is sheltered from the prevailing south-east trades, which makes Malabar one of Lord Howe's most dependable sites. The reef structure is volcanic rock with a strong coral cover, broken into plateaus with swim-throughs and arches cut through them. Plate and table corals spread across the tops, and the large anemones host McCulloch's anemonefish, a Lord Howe endemic.

For macro photographers the nudibranchs are the draw, and Spanish dancers – the big red nudibranch – are common enough to be a feature. Reef fish include butterflyfish, parrotfish and wrasse, and reef sharks and turtles visit. Several distinct sites along this coast are named separately by operators and in trip reports – Malabar West, Malabar Third Reef and Malabar Landslide – and are listed as their own entries here.

Because the maximum depth is only 21 m and the site is sheltered, it suits Open Water divers, refresher dives and courses, and it is a good first dive on the island. The combination of easy conditions and good macro makes it popular with photographers.

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. Dive Lord Howe's shop is at 2 Lagoon Road beside the Lagoon Beach boatsheds; most lodges transfer divers or it is a short bike ride.

Divers board the boat, which is moored in the lagoon, and leave the lagoon through North Passage, then turn east along the island's north coast between North Head and Fishy Point (below Malabar Hill). The run takes 10–15 minutes. The boat anchors on sand beside the reef or picks up a mooring where one is available.

Lord Howe sits in the path of the prevailing south-east to east trades and winter westerly fronts. The north coast between North Head and Fishy Point is protected from the prevailing south-east trades and from southerly and south-westerly swell, so it is one of the most reliable parts of the island and is dived in most weather. It is blown out by northerly and north-easterly winds and by north or north-west groundswell, which makes the caves and gutters surgy and pushes white water onto the cliffs.

The caves should be entered only when the swell is small. Visibility is usually 20–40 m. Diving is possible year-round, but the dive shop's main season runs September–June.

Descend the anchor line to the plateau at about 12–15 m. Explore the swim-throughs and archways with the guide, then drift slowly along the reef looking at the anemones for McCulloch's anemonefish and under the plate corals for nudibranchs. Return shallower along the reef top to the anchor for a safety stop at 5 m.

Dive Lord Howe (PADI 5-star, 2 Lagoon Road) – morning double boat dives daily in season, afternoon single dives on demand; site chosen on the day by wind and swell. Howea Divers has also advertised dives here.