Meet the site
Cobia Hole is a small dive site about 10 minutes from Lizard Island, described by the resort as boulders and rocks stacked on one another with an incredible abundance of fish. It requires a smaller vessel and is a dive-only site – there is no snorkelling, as the structure lies at 14–18 m. The stacked boulders create a maze of gaps, caves and overhangs that shelter a remarkable number of fish for such a small site. The resort lists schools of barracuda, giant Queensland groupers, clown anemonefish, octopus, tawny nurse sharks and eels. The giant groupers are the stars – huge fish that can exceed 2 m and 300 kg, often seen hanging in the gaps between boulders. Tawny nurse sharks rest under overhangs during the day, and octopus hide in crevices. Barracuda school above the boulders, and anemones with clownfish grow on the rock surfaces. Eels peer from holes. The fish density is the main attraction – a small pile of rocks acting as an oasis on the seafloor. Because the site is compact and deep, divers spend the whole dive at 14–18 m, so no-decompression limits must be watched. Current can run over the site. It suits open water divers comfortable at that depth; the resort's guides lead dives. The name refers to cobia, a large pelagic fish that may once have been common here. For resort guests who dive, Cobia Hole offers a quick, fish-packed dive close to the island, and a chance to see giant groupers without a long boat ride.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Cobia Hole is recorded as Reef in Ribbon Reefs & Lizard Island. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Current and timing
- Ask how the operator assesses the current window for the actual route. Historical tide notes are not a departure instruction.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
- Planned depth
- Confirm the intended route and training requirements; the recorded maximum is not a target.
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 Cobia Hole suitable for my certification?
The record lists Open Water. 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 Cobia Hole 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
Giant Queensland groupers, chevron barracuda (school), tawny nurse sharks, octopus, moray eels, clown anemonefish
Location
A small dive site of stacked boulders and rocks about 10 minutes by boat from Lizard Island, known for an incredible abundance of fish.
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.