Magnetic Island Sailing Cruise: Granite Boulders & Grazing

Granite boulders, secluded anchorages, and lunch served on the water instead of a restaurant table.

A sailing cruise from Townsville to Magnetic Island boards a luxury yacht after a short ferry ride, sails the granite-studded coastline, and anchors in a protected bay like Radical Bay for swimming, beach time and a locally sourced lunch with wine and beer. The crew shares knowledge of the marine life and offers the chance to steer the yacht or learn about sailing. Return ferry tickets to Townsville are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Magnetic Island sailing and relaxation

• Ferry ride from Townsville to Magnetic Island
• Sail along Magnetic Island coastline
• Anchor at secluded bay for swim and beach walk
• Enjoy grazing platter with drinks onboard
• Sail back to Nelly Bay and return ferry

The experience

The day starts with a fast ferry crossing from Townsville to Magnetic Island, passing the port with views of the island ahead. Once there, you board the sailing yacht and head out along the coastline, where the crew checks your preferences and reads the wind and weather to pick the best anchorage, often Radical Bay, a protected bay ringed by massive granite boulders and rock formations that you can only reach by boat or hiking trail. The water is clear enough to see down, and the beach is yours to walk or just sit on.

After anchoring, you swim, wade or float on the giant inflatable mat tethered to the boat. The crew brings out lunch: prawns and an antipasto platter with baguette, paired with Australian organic wines, local beers or soft drinks. While you eat and drink, watch for batfish, reef fish, kites, sea eagles and turtles moving through the bay. The crew knows the animals and will point them out. If you want to try your hand at the helm or learn how sailing works, they'll teach you. If you'd rather just sit and watch, that's the plan too.

The sail back to Nelly Bay is part of the return journey, though the ferry tickets are flexible. If you want to spend longer on the island exploring, you can catch a later boat. The whole outing runs about six hours from Townsville and back.

What’s included

• Return ferry tickets between Townsville and Magnetic Island.
• locally sourced prawn and antipasto platter served with baguette.
• Australian organic wines, local beers and soft drinks with lunch and on the return sail.
• crew guidance on steering the yacht and sailing basics if you want to try.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:15

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (2 to 14 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Pilgrim Magnetic Island

Is this one for you?Small groups work well here since the yacht accommodates a handful of people and the crew adjusts the day to what you want: steering lessons, wildlife watching, or pure relaxation. Book this if you want a sailing experience with real time in the water and on a quiet beach, not a crowded tour boat making multiple stops.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 14 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the water like for swimming at Radical Bay?

Radical Bay has crystal clear waters and a beautiful beach, making it ideal for swimming and wading. The crew anchors there when conditions allow, and you'll have plenty of time in the water or on the sand before lunch is served.

Can I steer the yacht myself, or is it just watching the crew sail?

The crew offers you the chance to take the helm and steer if you want to, or to learn about sailing during the journey. It's optional. If you'd rather relax and let them handle it, that's fine too.

What wildlife might I see while anchored?

You can observe batfish and other reef fish, kites, sea eagles and turtles in the bay. The crew are knowledgeable about the local marine life and will share insights and point out what's around you.

Are the return ferry tickets flexible if I want to stay longer on the island?

Yes, the return ferry tickets are flexible, so you can spend extra time exploring Magnetic Island and catch a later ferry back to Townsville if you prefer.

What if the weather doesn't allow anchoring at Radical Bay?

In northerly winds, the crew will anchor at Arthur Bay or Florence Bay instead, both good alternatives that still offer swimming and beach time before lunch.