Poseidon Adventure Snorkeling Jet Ski Tour

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Ride your own jet ski from Townsville across to Magnetic Island and snorkel the coral at Florence, Arthur or Nelly Bay, whichever is best on the day. Snorkel gear, a wetsuit and photos are included, and no licence is needed.

Days

About 2 hours, plus briefing

Age

Drivers 16+, passengers 7+

Group size

Guided group, up to 2 per ski

Start / finish

Townsville / Magnetic Island / Townsville

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Your own jet ski, ridden behind the guide

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Poseidon Adventure Snorkeling Jet Ski Tour

View map

Included experiences

Cleveland Bay — jet ski across to Magnetic Island
Florence, Arthur or Nelly Bay — guided snorkel over coral and bommies
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park — watch for turtles, dolphins and dugongs

Poseidon Adventure Snorkeling Jet Ski Tour

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

CHECK-IN AT THE DOCKS

Check in at The Docks on Flinders Street in Townsville half an hour before your start. Your guide fits your life jacket, runs the safety briefing and shows you the controls, then checks everyone can handle their ski before the group heads out. Behind the city rises Castle Hill, a pink granite dome 286 metres high. No licence is needed, and two people can share a ski. Mask, snorkel, fins and a wetsuit come with you for each rider, stowed for the crossing.

ACROSS CLEVELAND BAY TO MAGNETIC ISLAND

The ride crosses Cleveland Bay to Yunbenun (Magnetic Island), through Great Barrier Reef Marine Park waters. Captain Cook named the island in 1770, believing it had upset his ship's compass. The open water can be glassy or choppy depending on the wind, so the ride can be gentle or lively. Watch for turtles surfacing, dolphins and dugongs, and whales in season.

SNORKELLING THE BAY OF THE DAY

The guide chooses one of three bays for the snorkel, whichever is calmest and clearest that day. Florence Bay and Arthur Bay sit below the hills where the army built the island's Second World War forts, with a searchlight at Florence Bay and a radar above Arthur Bay. Nelly Bay is the island's harbour, with reef along its edges. In the water you swim over coral bommies and gardens with tropical fish, often turtles and rays, and clownfish tucked into anemones. The guide leads the way, points out what you're seeing and explains how the reef works and why it needs looking after.

BACK TO TOWNSVILLE

After the snorkel it's back on the skis and across the bay to The Docks, about two hours after you set out. The guide sets the pace for the group and can add stops for photos, and the photos taken on the trip are free.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: The Docks Townsville, 108 Flinders Street, Townsville City. Arrive 30 minutes before your start for check-in and the safety briefing.
Departure time: Several departures a day from 8am into the early afternoon. Your time is confirmed when you book.
Duration: About 2 hours, plus the briefing beforehand.
Minimum age: Drivers 16 and over (under 18 needs a parent or guardian to sign, and can't carry a passenger under 18). Passengers 7 and over.
Fitness: Average fitness and confidence in the water. You must be able to tread water in a life jacket. Tell us about any medical condition that could affect how you ride when you book.
Please note: Up to two riders and 200 kg per ski, 130 kg per person. No licence is needed, but drivers need photo ID and everyone must understand the briefing in English. The guide checks your riding skills before setting off and can end the ride for anyone riding unsafely. No alcohol or drugs before riding.
Weather: Tours run in most weather. Around 5 to 10 knots of wind gives smooth water, 15 to 20 knots is choppy, and in strong wind the guide may suggest riding solo rather than two-up, move the tour or reschedule.

What to bring

Swimwear and casual clothes you don't mind getting wet
Photo ID (for anyone driving)
Reef-safe sunscreen
Towel
Hat suitable for riding
Water bottle
Camera or phone on a lanyard (non-waterproof phones at your own risk)
Sunglasses with a strap

What is included

Guided jet ski tour, about 2 hours
Jet ski for one or two riders
Mask, snorkel and fins
Wetsuit
Life jacket
Safety briefing and practical demonstration
Free photos of your trip
Sunscreen and bottled water, if you forget yours

Not included

Stinger suit (available to hire or buy)

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 1 review

Verified from

Real reviews from travellers who've done this tour, gathered from around the web and paraphrased.

How we collect and publish reviews

Where they come from. Our reviews are gathered from independent review sites and from guests who share feedback with us directly after their trip. They come from people who have actually travelled on the tour. Some longer trips are made up of shorter tours we also sell, run back to back — where a review was written about one of those legs, the review says so.

Why some are edited. Many of our guests travel in their second or third language. Where a review is hard to read, we lightly edit spelling, grammar and punctuation, or paraphrase a sentence for clarity. We never change the rating, the meaning or the sentiment, and we never write a review on a guest's behalf.

Reading the originals. Reviews sourced from public review sites appear there in their original form, and can be read in full at their original source at any time.

(5/5)

We did the two-hour snorkel and jet ski trip to Magnetic Island, a great time of the morning with a great guide in Helios.

mike tip Verified· Travelled 11th October 2026

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