Are deep water, strong currents, rough seas and poor visibility hazards for diving at Lizard Island?
The water is less than 20 metres deep at the base of the reef all around the Lizard Island group and depth does not exceed 35 metres within a kilometre of the reef crest. Most research diving is conducted in water less than 10 metres deep. Moderately strong currents can occur at particular places and at certain times but there are many places where currents are nil to slight. Lizard Island is big enough to provide some protection from wind-generated waves on its lee side in all but the most extreme weather condtions. Underwater visibility is normally 8 to 12 metres but this can be reduced subtstantially in extreme weather conditions. 3. Are box jellyfish a problem at Lizard Island? Box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) can be lethal but these animals are usually found close to the mainland. We know of no reports of box jellyfish sightings or stings at Lizard Island. The risk of encountering a box jellyfish at an offshore locality such as Lizard Island is very low but it is probably higher
