Meet the site
Yonge Reef lies about 55 minutes from Lizard Island and 25 minutes from the Cod Hole, and the resort describes it as an adventure drift dive and snorkel site featuring beautiful colours, at depths of 5–20 m, with nudibranchs, moray eels and whitetip reef sharks. The drift format means the tide carries divers along the reef, giving a sense of flying over the coral. The reef edge is colourful – hard and soft corals in a range of hues – and hosts reef fish, moray eels peering from holes, and nudibranchs on the reef surfaces. Whitetip reef sharks rest on ledges or cruise along the reef. Snorkellers can also drift along the reef, making it a site for both divers and snorkellers. Guides manage the drift with a surface marker buoy and boat pick-up. Yonge Reef is named after Maurice Yonge, leader of the 1928–29 Great Barrier Reef Expedition based at Low Isles. It lies on the outer barrier north of Lizard Island, near the passage through which Captain Cook took the Endeavour out of the reef in 1770 (Cook's Passage). The site suits divers comfortable with drift diving. Depths are moderate, and the reef's colour makes it popular with photographers. Current strength depends on the tide, and guides choose timing accordingly. Like all outer-reef sites reached from Lizard Island, it is weather-dependent: strong south-east trades can cancel the crossing, and the nearest recompression chamber is in Townsville, several hours away by aeromedical evacuation, so conservative profiles and evacuation-inclusive dive insurance are strongly advised.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Yonge Reef is recorded as Drift 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.
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 Yonge Reef suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced 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 Yonge Reef 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
Moray eels, nudibranchs, whitetip reef sharks, reef fish, colourful hard and soft corals
Location
An outer reef about 55 minutes from Lizard Island and 25 minutes from the Cod Hole, dived and snorkelled as an adventure drift.
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.