Four Mile Beach has reopened after a small saltwater crocodile, spotted swimming close to the stinger enclosure, forced the busy beach to close this morning.

It was the first time the beach has been closed due to a crocodile sighting this year.

The approximately 1.2-metre croc was spotted after 9:00am with lifeguards quick to react, clearing everyone from the water.

Port Douglas lifeguard, Connor O’Sullivan, said the croc was first seen about 30 metres to the south of the stinger net.

“It hung around for about 10 or 15 minutes. It swam up to the edge of the net,” he said.

“I then saw it last about halfway out at about 9:30am this morning.”

Mr O’Sullivan said the beach was “pretty busy” with about 200 people on the beach, about 40 of whom were in the water.

“Everyone was happy to comply and get out of the water, the tourists were pretty excited to see a croc,” he said.

Mr O’Sullivan said lifeguards would continue to patrol the area and keep a watchful eye from the sky using drone technology.

The beach was closed for four hours after the last sighting, as is standard procedure.

The crocodile was reported to the Department of Environment and Science (DES).

DES encourages all members of the public to report crocodile sightings as soon as possible through the QWildlife App or by calling 1300 130 372. DES investigates all reports it receives.