Meet the site
North Direction Island lies about 35 minutes by boat from Lizard Island and, according to the resort, was used historically by Captain Cook for navigation. It is a dive site with a sandy bottom at 12–25 m, rich in macro life – nudibranchs, lionfish, eels and triggerfish – with resident eagle rays. In 1770, after the Endeavour was repaired at the Endeavour River (modern Cooktown), Cook sailed north seeking a way through the reef; the Direction Islands helped guide his course before he climbed Lizard Island to look for a passage. Underwater, the site is a mix of sandy seabed and fringing reef around the island. The sand is the key habitat: nudibranchs, gobies, shrimps and other small creatures live here, and the resident eagle rays forage for molluscs and crustaceans. Lionfish hover near reef patches, eels peer from holes, and triggerfish patrol. The site suits divers who enjoy macro life and slow exploration rather than big walls or reef sharks. Photographers with macro lenses will find plenty of subjects. Depths range from 12 to 25 m, so dives should be planned accordingly. North Direction Island is more exposed than the Lizard Island bays, and trips depend on weather. The resort does not offer it as a snorkel site. 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.
What you might see
Spotted eagle rays (resident), nudibranchs, lionfish, moray eels, triggerfish, gobies and shrimps
Location
A high granite island about 35 minutes by boat from Lizard Island, dived over a sandy bottom rich in macro life, with resident eagle rays.
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 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.