Things to do
Snorkelling
Magnetic Island lies within the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
The effective management of this Marine Park has meant that the waters surrounding the island are abundant with fringing coral reefs, coral gardens, fish and other marine species.
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Check out the tour operators below who deliver sensational snorkelling adventures.
Independent snorkelling
Maggie is great to set off on a snorkelling expedition on your own or with mates. The gentle sloping beaches allow shore access to all snorkelling areas. The eastern portion of the Island has several great locations to check out. With pleasant water temps year-round, world class snorkelling awaits you at the following locations:
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Arthur Bay
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Florence Bay
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Alma Bay
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Geoffrey Bay
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Nelly Bay
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Picnic Bay
There are also two self-guided snorkel trails that can be used anytime.
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Geoffrey Bay Snorkel Trail
The trail starts about 390m from the foreshore opposite the Arcadia Village Hotel (pub) and is parallel to the old barge ramp. The Moltke Wreck is about 10m deep so challenging for your average snorkeller to reach.
However, the wreck provides a safe haven for many fish species which can be seen closer to the surface. A WWII aeroplane propeller and engine block also sunk in this area and can be seen.
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Nelly Bay Snorkel Trail
The trail starts about 100m off the beach near Base Backpackers and turns to follow the inshore reef. A diverse array of fish and corals can be viewed as well as Giant Clams.
Follow the yellow inner buoys which mark the trails. Please note, the outer yellow buoys are baited shark lines and must not approached. Please take care and don’t stand on the coral.
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Swim Cards
A laminated swim card can be purchased for $5 which guides you along the trail. The money goes towards maintaining the trails.
Swim Cards can be bought at the following locations:
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Sealink Nelly Bay Terminal.
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Magnetic Island Ferries (Barge) Ross St, South Townsville.
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Base Backpackers, 1 Nelly Bay Rd, Nelly Bay.
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Arcadia Newsagency, 7 Marine Pde, Arcadia.
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Magnetic Island Museum, Granite St, Picnic Bay.
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Pro Dive, 43 Sooning St., Nelly Bay.
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Horseshoe Bay Convenience Store, 7 Pacific Drv, Horseshoe Bay.
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Aquasearch Aquarium, 6-10 Elena St, Nelly Bay.
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FNF Adventure & Hire Centre, 36 Mandalay Ave, Nelly Bay.
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Post Office, 98 Sooning St, Nelly Bay.
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Pleasure Divers, 10 Marine Pde, Arcadia.
Snorkel gear hire
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Bungalow Bay Koala Park
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Cost
$15 for a half day.
$20 for a full day.
Includes stinger suit from October to April.
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Contact
40 Horseshoe Bay Rd, Horseshoe Bay.
4778 5577.
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Pleasure Divers
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Cost
Full day: 8.30am-4.30pm.
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Mask, Snorkel, Fins and Suit $25.
Mask, Snorkel, Fins $15.
Mask, Snorkel $10.
Fins $10.
Suit $10.
Half day: 8.30am-12.30pm or 12.30pm-4.30pm.
Mask, Snorkel, Fins and Suit $15.
Mask, Snorkel, Fins $10.
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Contact
10 Marine Parade, Arcadia.
4778 5788.
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FNF Outdoor Adventure and Hire Centre
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Hire a mask, snorkel, fins, stinger suits, noodles, flotation devices, boogie boards and the amazing Reef Board
Costs
$12 per day.
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Contact
36 Mandalay Ave, Nelly Bay.
4778 5126.
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Check out the interactive map below for snorkelling locations, gear hire and Swim Card purchase locations.
Click on the icons for further information.