Lizard Island Lodge

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The team at Lizard Island Lodge are, frankly, exceptional. This isn’t a high-volume operation, it’s a tailored experience, the kind we always recommend for divers wanting that little bit extra privacy and attention on the northern Great Barrier Reef. We love that the dive groups are tiny, often just a handful of divers and a guide, which means you’re not fighting for space or bumping into fins. Out on the Ribbon Reefs, a short boat ride away, you’re looking at some spectacular drop-offs. We’ve seen dwarf minke whales here in winter, a truly humbling encounter, and the schools of fusiliers are so dense they sometimes obscure the light. Our favourite experience, though, is a quiet drift along the coral gardens near Mrs. Watson’s Bay; keep an eye out for mandarinfish at dusk – their mating dance is a rare treat. While visibility varies, we’ve generally found it excellent, often 20 metres plus, with a gentle current making for easy diving. If you’re PADI certified and looking for a truly personalised, upscale dive holiday away from the crowds, Lizard Island Lodge hits the mark every time.