• Depart from Townsville and enjoy guided snorkelling on Magnetic Island’s fringing reefs with the island’s only Master Reef Guides.

Explore Magnetic Island on a small-group eco tour from Townsville. Snorkel fringing reefs, visit secluded bays and beaches, learn from Master Reef Guides and enjoy whale watching in season on this award-winning Discovery Tour.

What to Expect

Departing from Townsville’s Breakwater Marina, this small-group Magnetic Island Discovery Tour delivers an in-depth eco experience focused on reef education, wildlife encounters and relaxed exploration. Operating on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, the tour departs at 7:30am and returns around 2:00pm, offering a comprehensive half-day adventure.

The journey takes you across to Magnetic Island, where the skipper selects sheltered bays and quiet beaches based on the day’s conditions. These locations are known for calm waters, fringing coral reefs and consistent marine life activity, creating ideal snorkelling and exploration conditions.

Onboard are two Master Reef Guides. Their commentary brings the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to life, covering reef systems, marine species, island ecology and Magnetic Island’s cultural history. Each bay visited has its own significance, and the stories behind these locations are shared throughout the day.

Snorkelling is conducted directly from the vessel or via a moveable floating pontoon, with full safety briefings and snorkel instruction provided. The experience is suitable for beginners and confident swimmers alike, with crew assistance available in the water. When not snorkelling, guests can paddleboard, float, relax onboard or enjoy the island scenery.

Between July and September, migrating humpback whales are commonly sighted in the area, adding an additional seasonal highlight to the tour.

Features and Highlights

• Half-day Magnetic Island eco tour departing from Townsville
• Operates Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
• Departs 7:30am, returns approximately 2:00pm
• Cruises to secluded bays and beaches around Magnetic Island
• Guided snorkelling on fringing coral reefs
• Educational reef, wildlife and cultural commentary from two Master Reef Guides
• Whale watching opportunities during the July to September migration season
• Stand-up paddleboarding, floating and relaxed water activities
• Suitable for adults, families and children

The Magnetic Island Discovery Tour is also available for guests staying on Magnetic Island. 

See all Townsville tours here.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Townsville city

Departure Time

Meeting at 7:15 am for a 7:30 boarding & departure - Returns Between 1:45 & 2pm

Departure Instructions

Make own way to Breakwater Marina Townsville by 7:15am

Destinations

Magnetic Island

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Duration

6.5 Hours

Fitness Level Required

Medium, Active

• Wear comfortable clothing for going to the beach.
• Swimmers & Towel
• Hat
• Camera
• Jacket / Jumper (in the cooler months of May - Sept)​
• Water bottle

Children are to be supervised by parents or guardians at all times, young children must be accompanied by 2 adults