Snorkeling Magnetic Island from Townsville: Reef & Marine Life

Every bay on Magnetic Island has a story, and the crew knows them all.

Snorkel the fringing reef around Magnetic Island on a shared 6-hour activity departing from Townsville Breakwater Marina at 7:30 am (meet 7:15 am) on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The boat carries all snorkelling equipment with lessons, UV suits or wetsuits, stand-up paddle boards, and morning tea with seasonal fruit and cake. The crew has lived on the island for decades and guides you through the marine life and cultural history of each bay. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Magnetic Island Discovery Tour

• Meet at Townsville Breakwater Marina
• Depart for Magnetic Island at 7:30 am
• Enjoy fresh morning tea and refreshments
• Snorkel at the fringing reef
• Participate in marine and wildlife interactions
• Listen to cultural history stories of the island
• Try stand-up paddle boarding and boogie boards
• Return to Townsville between 1:45 and 2 pm

The experience

The boat leaves Townsville Breakwater Marina at 7:30 am and heads to Magnetic Island's fringing reef, where you'll spend the morning in the water with snorkelling gear provided and fitted. The crew (locals who have called the island home for over 37 years) shares the stories each bay holds and points out marine life as you explore. You get all the equipment: snorkelling kit with lessons if you need them, UV suits or wetsuits at no extra cost, and stand-up paddle boards if you want to try those instead.

Morning tea arrives between the water sessions: seasonal fruit and cake, with fresh water at a refill station. The activity suits families and solo adventurers alike, and the crew adjusts the pace for all ages and fitness levels. Infants and small children can come along in a pram or stroller. The return to Townsville happens between 1:45 and 2 pm, leaving the rest of your afternoon free.

What’s included

• All snorkelling equipment with lessons.
• UV suits or wetsuits at no extra cost.
• stand-up paddle boards.
• fresh morning tea with seasonal fruit and cake.
• water refill station.
• marine park entry fees.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 07:30Last departure this season: 26 Dec

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Child (2 to 13 years) · Infant (under 2): 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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendly

Operated by Aquascene Magnetic Island

Is this one for you?You're on a shared boat with a small group, so the pace and stops follow the crew's plan rather than your own: ideal if you want local knowledge and don't want to navigate the reef yourself, but less suited if you prefer to set your own snorkelling route.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 13 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 around Magnetic Island when I snorkel there?

The fringing reef around Magnetic Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. You'll encounter marine life and reef structure as you snorkel, and the crew educates you about the reef ecosystem as you go. The reef is close enough to reach in a morning from Townsville.

Do I need snorkelling experience to join this activity?

No. All snorkelling equipment is provided, and lessons are included if you need them. The activity suits all ages and fitness levels, so beginners are welcome.

What days does this snorkelling activity run?

The activity departs Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, meeting at 7:15 am at Townsville Breakwater Marina and leaving at 7:30 am. You return between 1:45 and 2 pm.

What's included in the morning tea?

Fresh morning tea consists of seasonal fruits and cake. A refill station with fresh water is available throughout the day, and you can bring your own bottle or purchase a reusable Aquascene water bottle for $2.

Can I do stand-up paddle boarding instead of snorkelling?

Yes. Stand-up paddle boards are provided free of charge, so you can choose to paddle instead of or alongside snorkelling depending on what appeals to you that day.