Magnetic Island Sailing Cruise: Lunch & Beach Swim

The best anchorages are only reachable by boat.

A four-hour sailing cruise around Magnetic Island with a couple of hours anchored in one of the island's protected bays — you swim, explore the beach, relax on a giant inflatable mat and eat a prawn and antipasto lunch with Australian wine and local beer. The crew picks the bay (usually Radical Bay, accessible only by boat or hiking) based on the day's conditions and your preferences, and you can try steering the yacht on the return sail.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sail and relax at Magnetic Island

• Sail along Magnetic Island coastline
• Anchor at secluded bay for swim and lunch
• Enjoy return sail to Nelly Bay

The Experience

The boat leaves Nelly Bay and sails along the Magnetic Island coastline while the crew checks in on what you'd like to do. They'll recommend which bay to anchor in based on the wind and weather — most days that's Radical Bay, a protected spot surrounded by granite boulders and rock formations with a clear beach and turquoise water. If the wind shifts, they'll head to Arthur Bay or Florence Bay instead. You get a couple of hours there to swim, walk the shore, or float on the giant inflatable mat with a cold drink.

Lunch arrives once you've had time in the water: locally-sourced prawns and an antipasto platter with baguette, served with Australian organic wines, local beers or soft drinks. The crew stays onboard and knows the wildlife — humpback whales show up in season, and you'll likely spot batfish, reef fish, sea-eagles, kites and turtles while you eat. If you want to try sailing, the return journey back to Nelly Bay is your chance to take the helm; otherwise, settle into the bean bags and watch the island pass.

The group stays under twelve people, so there's room to spread out. The crew is friendly and knowledgeable, and they'll answer questions about the boat and the island. Dietary requirements can be accommodated if you mention them when you book.

What’s included

• Four-hour sailing cruise with a couple of hours anchored in a secluded bay.
• locally-sourced prawn and antipasto platter with baguette.
• unlimited Australian organic wine, local beer and soft drinks during lunch and the return sail.
• use of the giant inflatable mat.
• crew guidance and the chance to try steering the yacht.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Pilgrim Magnetic Island

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon and want to get to a beach that has no road access — the boat is how you reach it, and the sailing is the way there. The crew adjusts which bay you anchor in based on the day's conditions, so you're not locked into a fixed itinerary.

Traveler reviews

4.98★★★★★★★★★★

190 verified traveler reviews

5 ★187

4 ★3

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's Radical Bay like, and why is it the usual stop?

Radical Bay is a protected anchorage surrounded by striking granite boulders and rock formations, with a beautiful beach and crystal-clear water. It's only accessible by boat or hiking, so anchoring there gives you a secluded spot that feels removed from the rest of the island — no crowds, no road access, just the beach and the water.

Can I swim at the bay, and what else can I do while anchored?

Yes — swimming is the main draw, and the water is turquoise and clear. You can also walk along the beach, or stay on the boat and relax on the giant inflatable mat with a drink in hand. The crew will be there if you have questions about what you're seeing.

What wildlife might I see on this cruise?

Humpback whales pass through in season, and you're likely to spot batfish, reef fish, sea-eagles, kites and turtles. The crew knows the area and will point out what's around you.

Is there a chance to try sailing the boat myself?

Yes — on the return sail back to Nelly Bay, you can have a go at the helm if you want to learn a bit about steering, or you can relax in the bean bags and let the crew handle it.

What's included in the lunch, and are dietary needs catered for?

Lunch is a locally-sourced prawn and antipasto platter with baguette, served with unlimited Australian organic wine, local beer or soft drinks. Dietary requirements can be accommodated if you let the operator know at the time of booking.