Meet the site
Casuarina Beach is one of the snorkel sites on Lizard Island Resort's guided local tours. The resort describes it as a place to snorkel with resident green turtles, where visitors can watch them grazing in the shallows and see Hawaiian (Picasso) triggerfish hiding in their little coral homes. Green turtles feed on seagrass and algae, and the shallows off the beach provide both. Snorkelling here is mostly about watching the turtles as they go about their business – grazing on the bottom, surfacing to breathe, resting on the sand. They are generally relaxed if approached slowly and given space. The reef patches in the shallows host reef fish, including the triggerfish mentioned by the resort, which dart into holes in the coral when approached. The water is shallow, making the site suitable for snorkellers of all abilities. Depths are not published but are likely no more than a few metres. Conditions depend on wind and tide; the resort's guides choose the best time and place. Casuarina Beach lies close to the resort, and access for non-guests is limited; campers and yachties should respect resort boundaries. For a gentle, wildlife-focused snorkel, Casuarina Beach is a highlight of a stay at Lizard Island. Remember that turtles are protected – never touch, chase or ride them, and avoid blocking their path to the surface. Lizard Island is remote: the nearest recompression chamber is in Townsville, several hours away by aeromedical evacuation, so divers should dive conservatively, stay well within no-decompression limits and hold dive insurance that covers evacuation.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Casuarina Beach (Lizard Island) is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Ribbon Reefs & Lizard Island. The listed access is shore or boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Casuarina Beach (Lizard Island) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Casuarina Beach (Lizard Island) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Green turtles (resident), Picasso (Hawaiian) triggerfish, reef fish, seagrass, coral patches
Location
A beach on Lizard Island where resident green turtles graze in the shallows, visited on the resort's local snorkel tours.
Facilities nearby
Lizard Island Resort (guests only) – dive centre, gear hire, air fills; Queensland Parks camping ground at Watsons Bay with toilets, picnic tables and a hand-pumped freshwater supply; no shop or fuel for visitors.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
lizardisland.com.auRecord updated 26 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.