Guided and self-guided activities include snorkelling, diving, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, visits to the Lizard Island Research Station, tennis under night lights, morning yoga on the beach and indulgent spa treatments.
Please note: it is best to pre-book your island activities prior to arrival, especially private requests and scuba diving to avoid missing out. All tours are subject to change due to weather conditions and schedule changes.
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Try the most exciting way to explore Anchor and Watson Bays. Our tour guide escorts guests on an adrenalin charged marine adventure exploring the fringing reefs of Anchor and Watson Bays and the famous Clam Gardens.
What you can expect to catch: Mackerel, Tuna, Trevally, Mahi-mahi, Sailfish and even small Black Marlin at certain times of the year.
Your Half Day Reef Tour departs from the Beach Club at approximately 8:30 am and returns at approximately 11:30 am and takes you to either the nearby continental islands with their own unique fringe reefs, or to patch reefs which consist entirely of coral. Tours run to the inner and outer reefs on alternating days.
For an extra indulgent experience, book our Private Charter for a full day excursion tailored to meet your exact requirements.
Your Full Day Reef Tour will depart from the Beach Club at approximately 8:30am and return at approximately 3:30pm. You will explore two incredible dive sites on the outer ribbon reefs, such as the world renowned Cod Hole*. Lunch and refreshments are provided. Tours run to the inner and outer reefs on alternating days. *Subject to weather conditions
Explore the underwater world alongside our resident naturalist at the famous Clam Gardens. This is the perfect way to learn about our amazing fish and coral life.
Experience the majestic Green Sea Turtles at Casuarina Beach and Watson’s Bay. This tour involves travelling to the beach where there is an option to snorkel with the turtles. You’ll be accompanied by our experienced naturalist, who will provide informative insights into the amazing world of the Green Sea Turtles.
Join our guide on a land and sea adventure with a short hike across to the beautiful Watson’s Bay, home of the famous Clam Gardens.
Cruise across Anchor Bay with a guided tour in a glass bottom kayak and experience the wonderful reef life from on top and in the water.
Join our resident naturalist on an educational walk over Chinaman’s Ridge.
What you can expect to catch: Mackerel, Queenfish, Trevally and other pelagic species.
Should you have a pre-existing medical condition such as Asthma, Australian Scuba Diving Standards require you have a current Medical Form (AS4005.1) completed by a Medical Practitioner. If you do not have any pre-existing medical conditions, you will simply be required to sign a medical declaration before diving.
Please be advised, safety regulations require that divers are not permitted to fly for a minimum of 24 hours after their last dive. As most guests will fly to and from the island, this is critical for your planning.
Essentia Day Spa offers an holistic selection of indulgent and pampering facial and body treatment balanced with health and wellbeing choices that include yoga, stress management personal fitness.
Our freshwater swimming pool is centrally located between the Resort Lodge and Essentia Day Spa. Relax poolside with a cocktail and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of your tropical surroundings.
The resort gymnasium is equipped with cardio machines, pin-loaded weight machines and free weights. The gym is accessible and included for all guests of the resort.
Use of the resort tennis court is included for all guests of the resort. Tennis balls and racquets are also available.
Take your own private dinghy to a secluded beach and explore the local waters.
The Lizard Island Research Station is a coral reef research facility, owned and operated by the Australian Museum.
If you have never snorkelled before, or it has been a while and your confidence is lacking, we recommend that you participate in a snorkelling lesson. Please collect your snorkelling equipment from the Beach Club and let the marine and dive team know you'd like a lesson.
Bella carries 6 passengers and one crew member operates the vessel for beach excursion drop-offs, fishing, diving and snorkelling.
Nemo was built specifically for Lizard Island and she carries up to 18 passengers and one crew member, operating as a drop-off, dive and snorkelling vessel.
Lizard Island's 51ft Riviera Cruise Vessel awaits you, with a cruise speed of 20 knots and a capacity for just 8 passengers.
Stand-up paddle boarding is a serene and self-paced way to navigate the waters of Anchor Bay.
Get up close to the marine and plant life in the waters of Anchor Bay in a clear view sea kayak.
Resident Naturalists share their knowledge and passion of local flora and fauna with guided walks across the island and at pre-dinner video and talk presentations.
Designed for those with no prior experience who want a taste of diving without committing to a full course.
If you have not dived recently, $150 hour and a half refresher dive courses are available on the beach, before you head out for your first dive.
Join our resident naturalist for an informative guided tour of our beautiful reef in Anchor Bay.
Explore our magnificent nearby reefs on a guided local snorkel tour with our expert marine and dive team.
Hike in the footsteps of Captain Cook to the highest point on the island and take in the panoramic views that can only be enjoyed from this vantage point.
The ultimate in luxury and privacy – your own Private Charter.
Lizard Island is a continental island situated 28km from the North Queensland coast and is surrounded by fringing reefs and breathtaking, world renowned dive sites including the Cod Hole - home of the huge, but friendly and curious, Potato Cod.
Situated 240 kilometers north of Cairns and 27 kilometers off the Queensland coastline, Lizard Island is a one-hour scenic flight from Cairns, traveling over a 200 kilometers of the Great Barrier Reef. It is here that you will gain your first glimpse of the beauty, scale and diversity of the reef. It is truly a breathtaking way to arrive at the island.
Lizard Island’s amazing location directly on the Great Barrier Reef means that the reef is literally on your door step. So close and convenient for you to explore straight off the beach or by taking a short boat trip to the inner and outer reefs. This is just one of our natural wonders that makes Lizard Island like nowhere else.
11:00 - Depart Cairns via the East Air Terminal, bound for Lizard Island Resort. Enjoy an unforgettable scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef
12:00 - Arrival at Lizard Island, enjoy lunch in Salt Water Restaurant before checking in to your resort room
14:30 - Visit the resort Beach Club for an afternoon of water activities – pick up your snorkelling gear for your stay and enjoy stand up paddle boarding and clearview sea kayaking over the reef
19:00 - Dinner in Salt Water Restaurant
06:00 - Climb to the highest vantage point on the island and experience unbelievable panoramic views of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding islands on the hike to Cook’s Look. If undertaking this hike without a guide, please register at reception upon departure
08:00 - Breakfast in Salt Water Restaurant
09:00 - Walk or take a motorised dinghy to Watson’s Bay and enjoy snorkelling over the Clam Gardens
12:30 - Lunch in Salt Water Restaurant
14:00 - Relax and enjoy the tranquility of Essentia Day Spa
16:00 - Gin Tasting experience
18:15 - Beachside Degustation Dining in a private pavilion on Anchor Bay
07:00 - Breakfast at Salt Water Restaurant
08:15 - Meet at the Beach Club for a Half Day Reef Tour
12:30 - Lunch in Salt Water Restaurant
17:00 - Sunset Cruise with wine and cheese
18:00 - Casual dinner and drinks at Marlin Bar
8:30 - Full day excursion to the outer reef for snorkelling and diving. Visit world-renowned dive sites such as the Cod Hole where you’ll experience incredible marine life up close
18:00 - Dinner at Salt Water Restaurant
07:00 - Breakfast in Salt Water Restaurant
09:30 - Research Station Tour – learn about the research, conservation efforts and protection of the Great Barrier Reef
13:00 - Turtle Tour – swim with turtles and experience these majestic creatures up close
17:00 - Sunset Fishing – embark on a fishing excursion as the sun sets. If you’re successful, our chef will cook your catch for your evening meal
19:00 - Dinner in Salt Water Restaurant
08:00 - Bird watching walk with one of our expert naturalists
09:00 - Breakfast in Salt Water Restaurant
11:00 - Check out
12:25 - Departure from Lizard Island, returning to Cairns
Guests are encouraged to pre-book either their full itinerary or individual excursions prior to arrival.
