A woman in her 80s has died on Lizard Island after she was reported missing during a cruise ship stopover.

The Coral Adventurer had reportedly visited the remote island, on the Great Barrier Reef, about 93 kilometres north of Cooktown in Far North Queensland.

Coral Expeditions chief executive Mark Fifield told News Corp the senior passenger was reported missing on Saturday.

“A search and rescue operation was launched on land and sea,” he said.

“Following the operation, Coral Expeditions was notified by Queensland Police that the woman had been found deceased on Lizard Island.

“While investigations into the incident are continuing, we are deeply sorry that this has occurred and are offering our full support to the woman’s family.”

Lizard Island, with its dozens of powdery white beaches, is the northern-most resort island of the Great Barrier Reef.

It’s a popular day-trip stop for cruise ships, with activities including snorkelling the reefs, hiking to Cook’s Look for panoramic views and swimming the crystal waters.

Hiking on Lizard Island is a popular activity. Photo: queensland.com

Queensland Police said the woman was reported missing after “failing to board a vessel in waters off Queensland”. Her death was being treated as “sudden and non-suspicious death” and a report would be prepared for the coroner.

Fifield said the cruise company had been in contact with the woman’s family.

“We will continue to offer support to them through this difficult process,” he said.

“We are working closely with Queensland Police and other authorities to support their investigation.

“We are unable to comment further while this process is under way.”