A three-metre saltwater crocodile has been spotted sunning itself on a pontoon at the far end of the Reef Marina.

Newsport columnist Crispin Hull was riding along the bike track at around 11am this morning when he sighted the reptile, along with UK tourists Dennis and Amanda Phelan.

The croc had climbed onto a pontoon and was in no hurry to move despite boat activity in the area.

“I didn’t think a croc would be able to pull itself up onto a pontoon like that,” said Amanda, who is on holiday with her husband from Brighton, England.

“It didn’t appear bothered and was just enjoying the sun, but took off after a boat got a bit too close.

“We’ve only just arrived for our holiday and didn’t expect to see one so soon, so it’s a bit of a thrill.”

The animal eventually slipped off into the inlet after a Calypso Reef Cruises boat moved in on its area, but not before Hull and the Phelan’s could take some snaps on their mobile phones.

A Lady Douglas River Cruise full of onlookers also made its way to the area where the croc was sighted, but were too late to catch a glimpse.