Snorkeling Magnetic Island from Townsville: Reef & Coastal Walks

Slip into the reefs and walk the granite headlands where koalas roam

A 4.5-hour guided boat tour departing from Townsville or Magnetic Island that combines snorkeling in sheltered reef bays with a guided walk through the island's forts and lookouts. The crew selects snorkeling sites each day based on weather and tides, and you'll have the chance to spot koalas and tropical marine life. Lunch is available for purchase at checkout, or bring your own snacks.

Step-by-step itinerary

Magnetic Island boat tour and activities

• Depart from Flinders Street Wharves
• Cruise across Cleveland Bay
• Pick up guests from Magnetic Island
• Explore Magnetic Island coastline
• Guided walk on Forts Walk
• Spot koalas and learn about island
• Lunch at scenic bay
• Snorkel at sheltered location
• Return cruise to Townsville

The experience

The boat leaves Flinders Street Wharves in Townsville and crosses Cleveland Bay toward Magnetic Island, with the crew pointing out the coastline, the Coral Sea and sights along the way. If you're joining from Magnetic Island, you'll be picked up at 9am. Once there, the day splits between water and land: snorkeling stops at sheltered locations chosen for the day's conditions, where you enter with crew guidance to explore tropical fish and reef life, and a guided walk through the forts walk with views of granite headlands and secluded beaches. The crew watches for koalas along the route.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you'll also have access to paddle boards and beach activities during the lunch stop in a scenic bay. The return journey follows the island's coastline before crossing back to Townsville. The route may shift depending on conditions. A live English-speaking guide leads the whole day.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and guided snorkel stops in reef-filled bays.
• guided walk through the island's forts and lookouts.
• boat transport from Townsville or Magnetic Island pickup.
• lunch stop in a scenic bay with paddle boards and beach activities available.
• live English-speaking guide for the full 4.5 hours.

Options for this experience

7 options

Townsville DepartureGuide in English · 08:30Pickup from The Docks at 8:30, 108 Flinders Street

Magnetic Island pickup at 9 amGuide in English · 09:00

Crumbed Cauliflower Box (V)Guide in English · 08:30Crumbed Cauliflower Box (V): Lunch meal with crumbed cauliflower, zucchini, rocket and bread, vegetarian (must be ordered by 6 pm the day before your tour)

See 4 more options

Add Ham & Pickle Box (DF) to lunchGuide in English · 08:30Ham & Pickle Box (DF): Lunch meal with shaved ham, pickled cabbage, potatoes and bread, dairy-free (must be ordered by 6 pm the day before your tour)

Add Pumpkin Box (VG) to lunchGuide in English · 08:30Pumpkin Box (VG): Lunch meal with roast pumpkin, quinoa, baby spinach and bread, vegan (must be ordered by 6 pm the day before your tour)

Add Fried Chicken Box (DF) to lunchGuide in English · 08:30Fried Chicken Box (DF): Lunch meal with karaage fried chicken (very mild spice), slaw mix and bread, dairy-free (must be ordered by 6 pm the day before your tour)

Add Ham & Pickle Box (GF) to lunchGuide in English · 08:30Ham & Pickle Box (GF): Lunch meal with shaved ham, pickled cabbage and potatoes, gluten-free (must be ordered by 6 pm the day before your tour)

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesThursday to SundayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:00

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (3 to 14 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 30

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 today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Poseidon Adventure

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want snorkeling stops chosen by the crew based on daily conditions rather than a fixed reef location, combined with guided island walks and koala spotting.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 14 years); Infant (under 3): 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 snorkeling like on Magnetic Island?

The tour stops at sheltered reef-filled bays selected each day based on weather, tides and water conditions. You'll see tropical fish and other sea life in the island's marine environment, with the crew guiding you into the water and providing all snorkeling gear.

Can I bring my own lunch or do I have to buy it?

Lunch is available for purchase at checkout in several options (pumpkin box, ham and pickle, fried chicken, or crumbed cauliflower), or you can bring your own snacks and eat during the stop in the scenic bay.

Where does the boat depart from?

The tour departs from Flinders Street Wharves in Townsville, or you can join from Magnetic Island with a 9am pickup. Both options are available at checkout.

Will I see wildlife on the island walk?

The guided walk through the forts walk includes stops at natural lookouts and scenic views of granite headlands and secluded beaches. The crew keeps an eye out for koalas, which are known to live on the island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour, along with access to paddle boards and beach activities during the lunch stop.