Best Magnetic Island Tours in 2026 (20+ Excellent Tour Ideas)

Let a local help you navigate the best Magnetic Island tours.

While I love living on Maggie Island, it’s easy to reach but harder to explore fully without car hire. If you have limited time on the island or don’t want to hire one, joining one of the best Magnetic Island tours is the easiest way to see more of the island. Tours help you see koalas, snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and visit hidden bays you might otherwise miss. This guide covers the best-rated Magnetic Island tours and who each one is best for.

If you’re planning a trip, check out my full Magnetic Island travel guide for everything you need to know, including where to stay, how to get around, and itineraries.

Pssst! If you’re short on time, jump straight to the comparison table to see which Magnetic Island tours might suit you best.

What is the best Magnetic Island tour overall?
Undoubtedly, the most popular and best tour on Magnetic Island is Aquascene’s Magnetic Island Discovery Tour. With over 1000 five-star reviews, it’s widely considered the best option for snorkelling and exploring secluded bays. You can read more about it in the snorkelling tours section below.

Best Magnetic Island tours

Here are the best general Magnetic Island tours. If you’re looking specifically for snorkelling or sunset cruises, keep scrolling for those sections.

1. Magnetic Island Behind the Scenes Tour

Best for: First-time visitors
Duration: 5 hours
Highlights: Island lookouts, Geoffrey Bay rock wallabies, Horseshoe Bay, secret koala stop
Why choose it: Great overview of Magnetic Island with a knowledgeable local guide

Have you heard of the Netflix show, Izzy’s Koala World? Well, Izzy’s dad, Tim Bee, runs the Magnetic Island Behind-the-Scenes tour. The long-time local truly takes you behind the scenes and across the island in this five-hour day tour. Highlights include some of my favourite things to do on Magnetic Island: Rocky Bay lookout, the Picnic Bay jetty, seeing the rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay, Alma Bay, lunch at Horseshoe Bay, and a secret koala-inspired stop.

This is the perfect tour for people with limited time on the island who want to see and learn as much as they can.

2. Magnetic Island Jet Ski Tours

Best for: Adventure lovers
Duration: 90 minutes to half-day, depending on the tour
Highlights: Remote bays, granite boulders, swimming stops, wildlife spotting
Why choose it: One of the most exciting ways to explore parts of Magnetic Island National Park that most visitors never see

I may be biased because my friends run Magnetic Island Jet Skis, but the five-star reviews speak for themselves. These tours are perfect for adventure lovers who want to see parts of Magnetic Island National Park that most locals haven’t even explored. Yes, including me.

• The Five Beach Bay tour (also on GetYourGuide) takes you across eight stunning bays in 90 minutes. Seven of them are only accessible by water. Along the way, you can swim in secluded spots and admire the island’s iconic granite boulders and rugged rock formations.
• If your motto is go big or go home, check out the Full Island Circumnavigation Tour. You’ll travel around the entire island and tick off all 23 bays.
• Prefer something in between? The Top End Tour covers 11 bays, including Balding Bay and Radical Bay. It’s the Goldilocks option.

Note: Price is per jet ski, and each ski can hold one or two people. These tours often sell out in peak season, so book early.

3. Magnetic Island Lunchtime Sailing Cruise

Best for: Relaxed luxury experience
Duration: Half day
Highlights: Sailing to secluded bays, swimming, local prawn and antipasto platter, unlimited drinks
Why choose it: Perfect if you want a laid-back day on the water while exploring hidden parts of the island

I discuss Pilgrim Sailing’s sunset cruise in detail below. But they also offer a lunchtime sailing cruise. Get comfortable and set sail for secluded bays (like Radical Bay above). Then enjoy a swim (stinger suits available during the season) before a local prawn-and-antipasto platter for lunch, paired with unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks.

This sailing tour is perfect if you want to treat yourself while exploring some of the island’s most secluded bays.

Hot tip: Pilgrim also offers a Magnetic Island sailing cruise departing from Townsville, which includes return ferry tickets.

4. West Coast Eco Adventure Tour

Best for: Nature lovers
Duration: Half day
Highlights: West Point, mangroves, forests, creeks, beaches and conservation areas
Why choose it: A chance to see a quieter, wilder side of Magnetic Island

The West Coast Eco Adventure Tour is for nature lovers seeking a different side of Magnetic Island. It takes you to remote West Point, and along the way, you experience the island’s vast biodiversity. Think mangroves, forests, waterfalls, creeks, beaches, ancient rock formations and unique conservation areas. The tour includes both riding in the bus and short, relaxing walks. Your knowledgeable, local guide also provides morning tea.

5. Magnetic Island Koala and Wildlife Park Encounter

Bounce is both a hostel and home to the Magnetic Island Koala and Wildlife Park. This Koala and Wildlife Park Encounter is *technically* a 1.5-hour guided tour of the park led by expert rangers. Along the way, you see several native animals like turtles, pythons, wombats, crocodiles, and our iconic koalas. The tour is best for international visitors who might not otherwise get a chance to see Australia’s cutest wildlife.

Hot tip: You can also have Breakfast with the Koalas at the park!

6. Whale Watching and Wildlife Cruise

Best for: Whale watching in season
Duration: 4 hours
Highlights: Humpback whale migration, island wildlife, scenic coastal views
Why choose it: One of the best opportunities to see humpback whales around Magnetic Island

If you’re visiting Magnetic Island around July or August (the best time to be here), check out this Whale Watching Cruise from Adrenaline Snorkel & Dive. The four-hour cruise takes you past Cape Cleveland and Magnetic Island on the search for humpback whales on their annual migration journey. Morning and sunset tours are available, with morning and afternoon tea provided respectively. Your tour comes with a side of commentary all about the island and its wonderful wildlife.

Top Magnetic Island tours (quick picks)

If you’re short on time, these are three of the best Magnetic Island tours to consider.

1. Best overall tour: Magnetic Island Discovery Tour
2. Best adventure tour: Magnetic Island Jet Ski Five Beach Bay Tour
3. Best sunset experience: Pilgrim Sailing Sip and Sailing Sunset Cruise

Best Magnetic Island snorkelling tours

7. Magnetic Island Discovery Tour

Best for: Snorkelling and marine life
Duration: Half day
Highlights: Fringing reefs, paddleboards, glass-bottom boogie boards, secluded bays
Why choose it: The most popular Magnetic Island tour with over 1000 five-star reviews

Aquascene’s award-winning Magnetic Island Discovery Tour is the tour to beat! The half-day experience starts with morning tea at a scenic location, then heads out to explore secluded bays and beaches. Local guides share insights about Magnetic Island’s wildlife and biodiversity along the way.

You’ll snorkel along fringing reefs using the equipment provided, and can also try stand-up paddleboards or glass-bottom boogie boards to spot marine life. One of the best parts is that no two tours are the same. Each trip is planned around the tides and conditions to give you the best snorkelling experience possible.

Visit between July and September, and you might even spot whales.

Hot tip: Aquascene also has a Circumnavigation Magnetic Island tour if you want to see even more of the island.

8. Snorkelling and Fishing Cruise

Best for: Snorkelling and fishing
Duration: Half day
Highlights: Radical Bay, Florence Bay and Arthur Bay, fishing gear and snorkelling equipment included
Why choose it: One of the only Magnetic Island tours that lets you snorkel and fish on the same trip

This half-day snorkelling and fishing cruise with Island Time Cruises leaves from Horseshoe Bay and takes you around to some of the island’s best bays that are only accessible on foot: Radical Bay, Florence Bay, and Arthur Bay. The vessel is equipped with all the snorkelling and fishing equipment you need, and the crew is ready and waiting to help you reel in the catch of the day or snorkel around the island’s most beautiful fringing reefs. They’re also on hand to share both informative and entertaining stories and recommendations about the island.

9. Townsville & Magnetic Island: MOUA & Reef Experience

Adrenalin Snorkel & Dive hosts a full-day snorkelling tour and a scuba-diving tour from Townsville and Magnetic Island. You get to see the world-famous Museum of Underwater Art (the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere) and have ample time to dive and snorkel on a central section of the Great Barrier Reef. Some of the marine life you might see includes parrotfish, Maori wrasse, clownfish, turtles, stingrays, and reef sharks.

The comprehensive tour includes morning and afternoon tea, a buffet-style lunch, snorkelling and diving equipment, and flotation devices. They’re perfect for people who want to tick the Great Barrier Reef off their bucket list!

Hot tip: Adrenalin also offers a Yongala Wreck Dive Trip with pick-up from Magnetic Island, for those keen divers out there. I feel like the SS Yongala is another bucket list-worthy place.

What is the best Magnetic Island snorkelling tour?
The best Magnetic Island tour for snorkelling is Aquascene’s Magnetic Island Discovery Tour.

Best Magnetic Island sunset cruises

Sunset is quite possibly my favourite time on the island. Fortunately, you have multiple Magnetic Island sunset tour options.

10. Pilgrim Sailing’s Sip and Sailing Sunset Cruise

Best for: Couples or special occasions
Duration: Around 2 hours
Highlights: Sunset sailing, charcuterie board, unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks
Why choose it: An intimate sunset experience with small group numbers

Pilgrim Sailing offers a Sip and Sailing Sunset Cruise. This is best for those celebrating a special occasion, as it’s a beautiful setting. You pull up a comfortable seat on the sailing boat as it departs Nelly Bay and enjoy the sunset while sipping on unlimited wine, beer or soft drink, and savouring the charcuterie board of your dreams. With guests capped at 12 for a more intimate, small group setting, it’s the perfect way to end your day on Magnetic Island.

11. Sunset Cruise on Magnetic Island

A more affordable option is this Sunset Cruise on Magnetic Island. They provide sparkling wine, or you can BYO drinks and snacks (to make your own charcuterie board 😉). The tour operates from Horseshoe Bay on the other side to Pilgrim, and includes taking you past hidden bays to Radical Bay, where you can walk along the beach, fish, or even swim (seasonally).

Your local guide provides you with lots of information on the island’s history and personal recommendations so you get the most out of your stay. I love a Horseshoe Bay sunset, and my parents regularly take friends visiting the island out on this tour.

12. Sunset and Shipwrecks Tour

Aquascene also runs the Sunset and Shipwrecks Tour. It operates infrequently according to tides, and takes you from Nelly Bay to the SS City of Adelaide Shipwreck off Cockle Bay. The guide tells you all about the shipwreck (with visuals) as he circumnavigates it. Then you get to sit back, relax, and watch the sunset over the shipwreck with the drinks and snacks you bring on board.

If your dates line up with the tide, I highly recommend this sunset tour for a unique perspective and getting up close to one of Magnetic Island’s most historic landmarks. Because the tours run only on select days, it’s best to book in advance, as they’re likely to sell out.

13. West Point Sunset Safari

Best for: Remote sunset views
Duration: Evening tour
Highlights: West Point sunset, seasonal grazing platter, champagne or wine
Why choose it: The only sunset tour that takes you to one of the best sunset spots on Magnetic Island

West Point offers one of the best sunset viewpoints on the island, and the West Point Sunset Safari is the only sunset tour taking you there. It’s also important to note that many of the island’s car hire companies don’t allow vehicles to reach West Point due to the road quality.

The tour comfortably takes you to West Point, where you can enjoy the glorious sunset while sipping on complimentary champagne, wine, beer, or fruit juice and savouring a seasonal grazing platter. Sounds like bliss to me!

What are the best Magnetic Island tours from Townsville?

If you want to explore Magnetic Island, it’s best to get the ferry from Townsville and join a tour once on the island. There aren’t any tours that specifically pick people up in Townsville and take them to Magnetic Island. But here are your options:

• Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive’s tours pick up in Townsville and Magnetic Island, then continue to the Great Barrier Reef.
• Big Mama Sailing offers a sunset and a half-day tour, very similar to Pilgrim Sailing, with pick-ups in Townsville and on Magnetic Island.
• Pilgrim Sailing’s lunchtime cruise can include return ferry tickets from Townsville.

Which Magnetic Island tour should you choose? (Comparison table)

With so many great options, choosing between Magnetic Island tours can feel a little overwhelming. This quick comparison table makes it easier to see which tour might suit you best.

Tour	Best for	Duration	Highlights	Book now
Behind the Scenes Tour	First-time visitors	5 hours	Island highlights and koalas	Check availability
Jet Ski Tours	Adventure seekers	90 mins to half day	Explore remote bays by jet ski	Check availability
Lunchtime Sailing Cruise	Relaxed luxury	Half day	Sailing, swimming, lunch	Check availability
West Coast Eco Tour	Nature lovers	Half day	Mangroves, wildlife, West Point	Check availability
Koala & Wildlife Park	Wildlife encounters	1.5 hours	Native animals and koalas	Check availability
Whale Watching Cruise	Seasonal wildlife	4 hours	Humpback whale migration	Check availability
Discovery Tour	Snorkelling	Half day	Reefs, marine life, secluded bays	Check availability
Snorkelling & Fishing Cruise	Mixed activities	Half day	Fish and snorkel	Check availability
MOUA Reef Experience	Great Barrier Reef	Full day	Reef and underwater museum	Check availability
Sip and Sailing Sunset	Couples and celebrations	2 hours	Sunset sailing	Check availability
Sunset Cruise	Budget sunset option	2 hours	Radical Bay stop	Check availability
Sunset and Shipwrecks	Unique history	2 hours	SS City of Adelaide	Check availability
West Point Safari	Remote sunset views	Evening	Champagne sunset	Check availability

Magnetic Island travel tips

Here are some more helpful tips while planning your Magnetic Island holiday:

• Best time to visit: The shoulder seasons of April/May and August/September are the best times to visit Magnetic Island. Perfect temperatures and sunny days!
• Flights: Easily compare and book cheap flights on Booking.com.
• Travel insurance: Don’t forget to organise travel insurance before your trip.
• Airport transfer: I recommend getting the Townsville Shuttle Service from Townsville Airport to the ferry terminal. It’s only $10 per person, and a lovely local family runs it. Taxis and Uber are also available in Townsville.

Getting to Magnetic Island from Townsville

The Sealink ferry from the Breakwater Ferry Terminal is the quickest way. Magnetic Island Ferries is the car barge service (just to be confusing) that also allows walk-on passengers. Access is across the water from Sealink, but it’s an arduous walk between the two destinations, so double-check which service you book.

• Accommodation: Nomads and Bounce are the two backpacker hostels on Magnetic Island. Renting holiday homes is a popular option for families, as is Peppers Blue on Blue.
• Public transport: Public buses take visitors around the four main bays on Magnetic Island and meet every ferry. It’s currently only 50c a ticket, so it’s a very affordable way to see the island.
• Money: As a local, I basically only use my card on the island. However, a little cash is helpful at the Horseshoe Bay Markets and at some businesses. If you’re an overseas visitor on a Magnetic Island trip, I strongly recommend checking out Wise. I use it while travelling overseas and also as a freelancer getting payments in multiple currencies. The fees are low, and the exchange rates are high. That’s all you need!
• eSIM: An eSIM is an easy and affordable way to stay connected while visiting Magnetic Island from overseas. Check out Australia SIM card data plans and use code HOLIDAY10 for 10% off as an extra treat. But note that service can be spotty in some bays and on walks.

My most helpful Magnetic Island blog posts
I’ve got the best Magnetic Island walks, my favourite cafes and restaurants, a bumper list of things to do on Magnetic Island, and most importantly, where to see koalas on Magnetic Island.

FAQs about Magnetic Island tours

---

Well, there you have it! The best Magnetic Island tours for you to choose from while planning your Magnetic Island vacation.

Whether you’re looking to see koalas, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, get your adrenaline pumping on a jet ski, or sip and savour a sunset, there’s a Magnetic Island tour for you. I hope you have an amazing time on my island home, and remember to check out my Magnetic Island travel guide before visiting to have all your burning questions answered.

PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP
– Compare and book flights easily on Booking.com.
– Book accommodation with Booking.com or Hostelworld. Yes, I am that person who checks both places before booking accommodation to get the best price.
– Organise travel insurance.
– Book adventures via GetYourGuide, my preferred provider. In some instances, I’ve found activities here that were sold out elsewhere.
– Stay connected with an eSIM from Sim Local. Use code HOLIDAY10 for 10% off.
– Sign up for a Wise travel card for low fees and high exchange rates.
– Check out my travel resources page for more info.
Any and all support is appreciated 🫶🏻.