Nude bathers are among those who have been cleared from the water at Broome's Cable Beach as a result of a crocodile floating just offshore.

The three to four metre animal was seen by life guards and a swimmer around 2:00 pm, just north of rocks at Cable Beach.

The Shire of Broome says the salt water crocodile was heading north and has not been seen since.

Lifeguard supervisor Chase Lurati says beach-goers were happy to leave the water when asked.

"There was approximately 20 people in the water and 60 cars on the beach so we've just put signs on [and] made sure that everyone's aware that the beach was closed." he said.

"North of the rocks is the community beach which people go to naked.

"They all understand, they're all quite regular here and they all understand the what signs mean."

Cable Beach was closed until this morning but extra patrols by Yawura rangers, shire staff and the Department of Parks and Wildlife will continue in the area.