Recommended as one of the 10 best snorkelling spots in Queensland, Magnetic Island has developed two snorkel trails for visitors to enjoy, one from Nelly Bay and one from Geoffrey Bay. Before you head to the beach, pick up a swim card from one of the many retail outlets as they have useful information about the coral and fish you can see.
When you get to Geoffrey Bay, wrap the swim card on your wrist, walk straight off the beach and follow the numbered white surface floats that outline the trail (and also offer a good spot to take a rest). On a calm day you will see an amazing array of fish species, especially around the Moltke wreck. For stronger swimmers, the WWII aeroplane propeller and engine block (from a CW-22B Curtiss Falcon) is another great place to explore.
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 poorer during and after south-east winds and avoid very low or high tides during new or full moon phases.
Geoffrey Bay Snorkel Trail
Before you head to the beach, pick up a swim card from one of the many retail outlets as they have useful information about the coral and fish you can see. When you get to Geoffrey Bay, wrap the swim card on your wrist and walk straight off the beach and follow the numbered white surface floats that outline the trail.
The trail starts approximately 390 metres from the beach opposite Hotel Arcadia (parallel with the old barge ramp). Follow the white surface floats (SF) that outline the trail and offer flotation for snorkelers to rest. You’ll also find white subsurface floats (SSF) that are marked with letters.These letters relate to the Swim Cards which are available from participating retail outlets.
Geoffrey Bay Snorkel Trail
Magnetic Island,
Townsville Area
Queensland
4819
Content Provided By Townsville Enterprise