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Lizard Island is unlike anywhere else on the planet. The resort sits on more than 2,500 acres of Australia national parkland and in fact, it literally sits on the Great Barrier Reef. A vacation here offers untold natural privacy and breathtaking beauty beyond measure. Lizard Island was declared a national park in 1937 and its waters recognized as a marine park in 1974.

One of the most magical experiences this island offers is the opportunity of exploring the complex ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef with its more than 2,000 species, most of which live beneath the waters.

The Great Barrier Reef

Snorkeling and diving at Lizard Island provides the greatest vantage point for exploring everything this natural wonder has to offer. The locations in both the inner and outer reef regions or just around the island itself, are truly unbelievable.

The Great Barrier Reef is an astonishing 2,300 kilometers long and is one of the world’s Natural Wonders. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, the reef consists of some 2,500 individual reefs of varying sizes and shapes, and more than 900 islands, ranging from small sandy cays and larger vegetated cays, to large rugged continental islands rising, in one instance, more than 1,100 meters above sea level. Collectively these landscapes and seascapes provide some of the most spectacular maritime scenery on the planet.

UNESCO says, “Biologically the unique diversity of the Great Barrier Reef reflects the maturity of an ecosystem that has evolved over millennia; evidence exists for the evolution of hard corals and other fauna. Globally significant marine faunal groups include more than 4,000 species of molluscs, more than 1,500 species of fish, plus a great diversity of sponges, anemones, marine worms, crustaceans, and many others.”

As the world's most complex tract of coral reefs, the reefs contain about 400 species of corals in 60 genera. There are also large ecologically important inter-reef areas with shallow marine areas supporting half the world's diversity of mangroves and many seagrass species. The waters also provide major feeding grounds for one of the world's largest populations of the threatened dugong. At least 30 species of whales and dolphins visit here, and it is a significant area for Humpback whale calving.

UNESCO says, “Biologically the unique diversity of the Great Barrier Reef reflects the maturity of an ecosystem that has evolved over millennia; evidence exists for the evolution of hard corals and other fauna. Globally significant marine faunal groups include more than 4,000 species of molluscs, more than 1,500 species of fish, plus a great diversity of sponges, anemones, marine worms, crustaceans, and many others.”

As the world's most complex tract of coral reefs, the reefs contain about 400 species of corals in 60 genera. There are also large ecologically important inter-reef areas with shallow marine areas supporting half the world's diversity of mangroves and many seagrass species. The waters also provide major feeding grounds for one of the world's largest populations of the threatened dugong. At least 30 species of whales and dolphins visit here, and it is a significant area for Humpback whale calving.

Meet Lizard Island’s “Pet”

When you vacation on Lizard Island, you’ll have the rare privilege of simply stepping off the beach and snorkelling onto parts of the reef to experience the wonders of giant clam gardens and schools of tropical fish both large and small, manta rays, turtles and coral. Friendly resident grouper, Simon, who weighs more than 200 kilos, likes to hang around close to shore and make friends.

The Birth of New Coral

Lizard Island says in November 2021, an explosion of color, along with a show-stopping sign of life made itself known with billions of coral babies born on the reef, marking another milestone in the reef’s life.

“There were some areas affected by coral bleaching in 2016 and 2017 and the past cyclones, however, there are a number of areas that are still pristine and untouched, whilst some of the affected ones are showing positive signs of regeneration and growth,” a Lizard Island report states. “There are some amazing coral formations and marine life abundance just 20 meters from our shores on Anchor Bay or Watson's Bay, such as the renowned Giant Clams Garden and Chinaman's Wall and surrounding formations plus all of the inner and outer reef locations that we visit with our guests receive glowing reports every week.”

The South Pacific’s Nonpareil Private Island Accommodations

Unfettered luxury on Lizard Island meets ethereal natural splendor spanning technicolor jungle, beautiful white sand, intimate coves, and arid mountainscapes. Slatted wood accents and oversized floor-to-ceiling glass walls provide exceptional indoor-outdoor luxury living. Lavish bedrooms spare no expense with spa-inspired ensuites, serene garden showers, and private verandas utterly immersed in the diverse ecosystem. Everything that happens on Lizard Island is conducive to keeping the Great Barrier Reef healthy. Sustainability is not just a catchword here.

Lizard Island Research Station

You will be able to tour the research station where you can ask questions of the marine staff who live and work in the area. Here, you can become more educated on the challenges and opportunities of this astounding natural gift. The resort works closely with the research station to help preserve the reef and employs environmentally friendly practices such as recycling, not using plastics and proper handling of waste. About 60% of all resort waste is either recycled or put to alternative uses. All waste on the island is separated and removed every two weeks by barge to limit any cross contamination with the natural balance of the flora and fauna and to leave a minimal footprint on the environment.

Other Lizard Island Activities

Your stay on this impeccable island paradise will never be dull. In addition to exploring the Great Barrier Reef, there are a number of other activities in which you can take part. These include:

• Stand-up paddleboarding;
• Motorized dinghies;
• Glass bottom sea kayaks;
• Nature walks and talks;
• Fishing;
• Day spa experiences;
• Day trips by private charter;
• Resort entertainment.

If you are a luxury traveler who appreciates conservation and marine life, consider planning your next vacation to Lizard Island. This dazzling island not only provides the utmost privacy, services and support, but also an education on one of the world’s most glorious marine ecosystems – the Great Barrier Reef. Immerse yourself in the warm waters and give yourself the gift of a lifetime by experiencing this otherworldly realm in person. We invite you to reach out to an LVH client relations team member who will begin planning your foray into this ultimate utopia where you will create heartfelt, priceless memories. Just remember to pack your waterproof camera!