Aquascene Magnetic Island Discovery Eco Tour Departing Nelly Bay

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About five hours from Nelly Bay, or six to six and a half from Townsville, on Magnetic Island's quiet bays with the family who have lived there for nearly 40 years: snorkel the fringing reef straight off the back of the boat, paddle a board, and stop for morning tea on a secluded beach, with two Master Reef Guides on board.

Days

About 5 hours, or 6 to 6.5 hours from Townsville

Age

All ages

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Nelly Bay / Nelly Bay, around 1:15pm, or Townsville / Townsville, about 2pm

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

12 metre catamaran

Meals

Morning tea

Route

Map of Aquascene Magnetic Island Discovery Eco Tour Departing Nelly Bay

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Included experiences

Fringing reef — snorkel straight off the boat with Master Reef Guides
Secluded beach — morning tea and time on the sand
Paddling — stand-up paddleboards and viewing boogie boards
Wildlife — watch for turtles, reef fish and sea eagles
Whales — July to September, a chance to see them on the way

Aquascene Magnetic Island Discovery Eco Tour Departing Nelly Bay

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

MORNING: NELLY BAY TO THE QUIET BAYS

Your day starts at about 8:30am on the boardwalk at Nelly Bay, a minute's walk from the ferry terminal, where the crew walk you down to the boat. With the From Townsville option you board the same catamaran at 7:45am at Breakwater Marina and cross to the island on it. Magnetic Island got its name from James Cook in 1770, who thought it was throwing out his compass; its Wulgurukaba name is Yunbenun. More than half the island is national park. Your skippers are Adam and Steph Hinks, who grew up here and are both Master Reef Guides. Where you go is decided on the day, around the wind, the tide and the group, so the commentary on the reef and the island's history starts as you cruise for a secluded bay.

SNORKELLING THE FRINGING REEF

The 12-metre catamaran pulls in close to the fringing reef, so you can slip into the water off the back of the boat and climb back on whenever you like. Fringing reef grows right against the island's shore, part of the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage-listed since 1981. Before the first snorkel the crew give a lesson and fit you with mask, fins and a stinger suit or wetsuit for the season, and a crew member stays on a water-safety board at every site. Pool noodles and a floating pontoon help if you're less sure in the water. Look for turtles, reef fish and sea eagles, and from July to September, whales.

MORNING TEA ON THE SAND

Between swims there are stand-up paddleboards and glass-viewing boogie boards to try, so you can watch the reef from on top of the water too. Morning tea is served at a quiet beach or bay, chosen on the day: sweet treats, seasonal fruit, tea and coffee, with a refill station for your water bottle. The island's bays are framed by granite boulders and hoop pines, and koalas live in the eucalypts above some of them, so it's worth a look up into the trees. The boat has a shaded deck, a toilet and a change room.

BACK TO NELLY BAY

The cruise heads back to Nelly Bay around 1:15pm, and on to Townsville's Breakwater Marina by about 2pm if that's where you started. The crew are well known for taking one last look at something on the way home, so the return can run a little later. If you need to be back by a set time for a ferry, tell them at the start of the day. From the Nelly Bay marina it's a short walk to the ferry terminal and the island's buses.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: From Nelly Bay: in front of Peppers Resort on the Nelly Bay boardwalk, Magnetic Island, about a minute's walk left of the ferry terminal. Look for the Aquascene sign. To reach it from Townsville, take the 7:45am Sealink ferry; the boat can't wait for a later one. Parking at Nelly Bay is free but can fill up. From Townsville: the fuel wharf at Breakwater Marina, 26 Mariners Drive, Townsville City. You can't park inside the marina; park on The Strand or nearby and walk in.
Departure time: From Nelly Bay, 8:30am daily. From Townsville, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays: meet at 7:30am for 7:45am boarding.
Finishes: From Nelly Bay, around 1:15pm, sometimes later. From Townsville, back at the marina between 1:45pm and 2pm, sometimes later.
Suits: All ages and abilities. Children 2 to 14 pay the child rate, under-2s go free, and young children must be with 2 adults. Some swimming ability helps.
Fitness: Snorkelling can be tiring; tell the crew about any medical condition. Each guest fills in a waiver emailed before the tour.
Accessibility: Wheelchairs and walkers can come aboard (not motorised wheelchairs) if you can manage one step onto the boat. Drop-down stairs with handrails lead into the water, there is a sturdy floating pontoon, and assistance dogs are welcome. An accessibility form is needed when you book.
Dietary needs: Gluten-free and vegetarian morning tea can be arranged if you say so when you book; with food or nut allergies, bring your own snacks.
Please note: The tour runs only in pleasant weather; if conditions are poor you are offered another day or a full refund.

What to bring

Swimwear and a towel
Hat and reef-safe sunscreen
Camera
Refillable water bottle
Polarised sunglasses, which bring out the colours of the reef
A jacket or jumper from May to September
Any extra snacks or drinks you want

What is included

Snorkelling at fringing reef sites, guided by two Master Reef Guides
Morning tea of sweet treats, fruit platter, tea and coffee
Snorkel mask, snorkel and fins, with a snorkel lesson and safety briefing
UV stinger suit (October to April) or wetsuit (June to September)
Stand-up paddleboards, viewing boogie boards, pool noodles and a floating pontoon
Reef tax
Commentary on the reef, wildlife and island history
Water bottle refill station on board
Return boat trip from Townsville's Breakwater Marina, with the From Townsville option

Not included

Ferry to Magnetic Island, if you start from Nelly Bay
GoPro and prescription mask hire (ask when you book)
Aluminium Aquascene water bottle (gold coin donation)

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 9 reviews

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)

A fantastic eco tour that was friendly, comfortable and informative. We saw lots of wildlife, enjoyed the snorkelling and a cuppa on the beach, and it's great for families.

Julie McLeish Verified· Travelled 14th August 2026

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(5/5)

We had a fantastic time on the Discovery Tour with Adam and the crew, who made sure we saw everything the island has to offer. We even saw whales, the reef was spectacular and the swim at Radical Bay was beautiful.

Anna power Verified· Travelled 10th August 2026

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(5/5)

My second time on the Eco Discovery tour and both were incredible. Kalvin and Jack gave us an unforgettable cruise around the island, plus some bonus footage to remember it by.

Alannah B Verified· Travelled 8th February 2026

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(5/5)

The Discovery Eco Tour was fantastic, with Kalvin a calm, knowledgeable skipper and a friendly crew. The water was still a bit murky after rain, but we snorkelled at four spots and saw lovely fish and coral.

Randal Massy-Greene Verified· Travelled 15th January 2026

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(5/5)

An informative Eco tour with great weather, great snorkelling and beautiful beaches. Adam, Jack and Jess were great guides.

Lee-anne Gander Verified· Travelled 13th December 2025

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(5/5)

We did the Eco Discovery tour and Adam and his crew explained the island's history and animals brilliantly. The snorkelling was the best we've seen, like being in an aquarium, and morning tea with fruit, biscuits, banana bread and coffee was great.

Travis Verified· Travelled 31st August 2025

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