Snorkelling on Magnetic Island — This Is Magnetic Island

DISCOVER OUR UNDERWATER WORLD

Magnetic Island's underwater realm showcases Australia's remarkable and varied ecosystems, teeming with marine life and colourful coral formations. The island's fringing reefs provide an extraordinary chance to experience the splendour and richness of the Great Barrier Reef firsthand, attracting both underwater enthusiasts and nature lovers. With its convenient location near the Outer Reefs, Magnetic Island is an ideal destination for an immersive underwater getaway.

GEOFFREY BAY SNORKEL TRAIL

The trail starts on Marine Parade, about 400 meters from the beach, directly across from Arcadia Village and just down the road from the famous dive shop, Pleasure Divers. Four numbered surface floats outline the trail. Heading towards the first float, you will discover an abundance of sargassum and funnel weed as a refuge for various species. The journey to the second float will take you over vital coral reef builders, including Staghorn, Cauliflower, and Brain coral. Towards the third marker, you'll swim over Lettuce corals, unique omnivorous corals, meaning they gorge on plants and tiny animals. You'll also spot Angelfish, Butterflyfish, and Yellowtail Demoiselle fish. The second and third floats are home to five of the island's 30-year-old Giant Clams, cultivated by world expert Dr. Rick Braley. In 2023, they turn 37 years old, weighing around 100kg each, with shell spans of up to 1.3 meters! Initially, six clams called Geoffrey Bay home, but in January 2021, Clam 1 was observed dead and has since been removed and put on display for all to see at Pleasure Divers. Heading towards the fourth marker, you'll keep spotting more corals, including soft and hard corals. Just slightly towards the point, on a clear day, you'll find the Moltke wreck, a three-masted German barque that was wrecked in 1890 and found its final resting place by 1911. The impact has created a unique underwater oasis for marine animals. A WWII aeroplane propeller and engine block can be discovered for stronger swimmers with a short swim from the trail. These remains belong to a CW-22B Curtiss Falcon, serial number 3771, which crashed on December 5, 1943, due to reported engine failure. Following the high coral cover, you will be led back to surface float one, where you can continue to exit the trail.

NELLY BAY SNORKEL TRAIL

The Nelly Bay trail is a 20-minute stroll from the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal. It starts roughly 100 meters from the beach, in front of Base Backpackers. Four numbered surface floats outline the trail. On your journey to the first marker, you will swim over reef-building corals, including the critically endangered Staghorn coral. Look around, and schools of Angelfish, Spiny Chromis, and Yellowtail Demoiselle fish may surround you. Before you reach the second surface float, surrounded by hard corals, you should discover the first five of eight Giant Clams the Nelly Bay trail is home to. In 2013, the Marine Park granted authority for translocating 14 clams from the source clams on Magnetic Island to the two established Magnetic Island Snorkel Trails. These clams, numbering 13 (previously 14), were among 15,000 seeds reared at James Cook University's Orpheus Island Research Station in 1986. Between surface floats 3 and 4, Brain coral is abundant, and it is here that you will discover the final three Giant Clams on the trail. As you continue towards surface float five and return to shore, you can expect to encounter more corals and schools of fish.

ALMA BAY SNORKELLING

Alma Bay, the beloved home of our Surf Life Saving Club, stands as the most renowned and cherished bay on the island, the bay is restricted to boats and patrolled by lifeguards.

The right headlands of Alma Bay are adorned with captivating coral gardens, teeming with an abundance of colorful reef fish. It is also a favored habitat for rays and turtles, adding to the allure of this popular snorkelling site.

ARTHUR AND FLORENCE BAY SNORKELLING

Arthur Bay and Florence Bay, two secluded island gems, offer unparalleled snorkelling experiences. These bays are typically sheltered from prevailing winds, ensuring optimal conditions with excellent visibility.

While exploring the headlands of Arthur Bay, you might chance upon the fascinating Octopus wreck (often believed to be the Platypus wreck). This wreck, believed to be a bucket dredge from 1928, rests at a depth of approximately 8-10 meters, providing an intriguing sight for those snorkelling and inshore diving. Shelly the turtle has become a beloved resident of Arthur Bay, delighting snorkellers and tour groups with her presence.

In Florence Bay, you'll discover an array of impressive coral bommies and a diverse range of reef fish, rays, and even black-tip reef sharks. This bay serves as a captivating habitat for various marine species. The bay is also popular for the little nook locals have nicknamed ‘Mermaid Cove,’ offering a truly immersive snorkelling experience.

Before you go snorkelling

Please note, Snorkelling can be a strenuous activity even in calm water. If you are a novice, have a medical condition that can worsen with exercise, or are over 50 years old and is more prone to heart disease or stroke, please consider these limitations.

Do: wear stinger suits between November to April as stingers (marine jellyfish) are around.

Do not: stand on coral or hold onto the sub-surface numbered floats. Water clarity is less clear during and after south-east winds, and it's best to avoid very low or high tides during new or full moon phases.

Before you head to the beach, pick up a snorkel card from one of the many retail outlets listed for a map of the islands two snorkel trails. Your $5 donation for these cards supports the ongoing costs for maintenance of the trails.
If you don't want to keep the cards, please recycle them after use, by leaving them in the drop box at the start of each trail.