When you arrive at Cairns Airport you transfer to the General Aviation terminal and fly on the scheduled flight to Lizard Island, about a one hour flight.
Lizard Island is one of a kind – a work of nature’s art. Located right on the Great Barrier Reef, it is a private paradise with 24 powdery white beaches. During his epic voyage of 1770, Captain James Cook climbed the peak on Lizard Island to chart a course out to sea through the maze of reefs which confronted him. Today Lizard Island offers an escape of a different kind, a unique holiday on the Great Barrier Reef's premier island.
Lizard Island offers a plethora of activities (https://wetu.com/iBrochure/en/Home/10589_58274/lizard_island_great_barrier_reef), some at additional cost, all of which can be arranged in situ. Options include:
- climbing Cook’s Look, the island’s highest point, for a stunning view over the Coral Sea back to the mainland,
- snorkel the fringing reef around the island,
- take advantage of the non-motorised water craft available,
- take a glass bottom boat ride, or
- pamper yourself with a spa treatment (at additional cost).
No activities have been planned and the afternoon is at your leisure.
Sometime this afternoon please make your way to the Beach Club to collect your snorkel gear for use throughout your stay. If you are a diver and plan to dive during your stay please also complete your pre-dive paperwork and measure up for your dive gear.
Note: Luggage limit is restricted to a total of 25kg per person including one small carry-on piece of hand luggage not exceeding 4kg. Soft suitcases are preferable. Luggage storage facilities are available whilst on the island.
Today you might like to venture to the Outer Barrier Reef aboard the MV Duyfken (at additional cost).
Duyfken is a 51 foot Flybridge Cruiser that provides the perfect platform for snorkelling/diving and fishing. Your captain will show you some wonderful locations that are within easy reach of the island. You dive/snorkel the spectacular drop offs on the edge of the outer barrier reef and the sensational coral bommie gardens which abound on the leeward side of the Ribbon Reefs. The Cod Hole, famed for its family of potato grouper and maori wrasse is sure to provide the highlight of your dive experience (weather dependent).
If you'd like to fish this can also be arranged. The warm summer waters abound in pelagic fish species such as spanish mackerel, wahoo and mahi mahi. The rich diversity of bottom dwellers like coral trout and red emperor not only provide great sport fishing but are considered to be the prime eating species in Australia.
The Great Barrier Reef is a world “icon” and is home to an amazing variety of fascinating animals. While most people are familiar with the colourful corals and the beautifully bright fish, other creatures on the reef are just as intriguing. First time visitors can expect to be amazed at the many thousands of animals found throughout the reef. The variety of organisms found beneath a coral rock is astonishing, ranging from different types of colourful encrusting sponges, softer colonial and solitary sea squirts, delicate lace corals or bryozoans, slithering serpent stars and worms, and scores of colourful and oddly shaped animals.
The water temperature is conducive to spending many hours in the water. It is advisable to bring sun protective shirts for swimming in to prevent excess sun exposure. A hat and sunscreen will be essential.
Divers - please be advised that safety regulations require that you are not permitted to fly for a minimum of 24 hours after your last dive. As you will fly to and from the island, this is critical for your planning.
If a private charter reef trip is not for you you may choose to join MV Serranidae (shared basis) for either a full or half day reef trip to dive or snorkel.
No activities have been planned and these days are at your leisure.
We suggest you consider taking a either a hike up to Cook's Look, enjoy a picnic to a deserted beach or have the staff drop you at the end of the airstrip and snorkel the mangroves of Blue Lagoon. Please speak to the Activities Coordinator for activity ideas and to obtain best local.information. Please view the activities brochure under the "Documents" tab.
Today you depart Lizard and fly on the scheduled flight to Cairns where you check-in for your onward flight.
END OF ARRANGEMENTS
The scheduled flight time will be dependent on your onward flight. If either of these times do not allow you to connect with your homeward flight then a private charter flight can be arranged. Alternatively an overnight stay in Cairns can also be arranged.
