Snorkel Trails | Magnetic Island Guide

Magnetic Island Snorkel Trails

Explore Magnetic Island’s underwater beauty on the Nelly Bay and Geoffrey Bay Snorkel Trails, established in 2012 by marine biologist Dr. Rick Braley and the local tourism group. Follow the yellow surface floats to discover vibrant corals and massive 100kg giant clams!

Grab a waterproof Snorkel Trail Card at Pleasure Divers in Arcadia to support trail maintenance. These handy cards feature maps, marine life IDs, safety tips, and a QR code linking to digital guides, reef stories, citizen science, and tide advice.

Reef & Navigation Safety:

Spot the Right Buoys: Trail floats are closest to shore, have handles, and are marked “Snorkel Trail Float – No Anchoring”. Do not swim out to the yellow outer marine markers which are shark control lines.
Protect Coral: Never stand on the reef — use trail float handles to rest or bring/hire flotation devices.
Check Tides: Trails aren’t accessible at low tide. You can check the tide charts here, or consult local dive shops who can give recommendations on tide access, as well as other safety advice regarding wind, currents, visibility and other potential hazards.

1. Nelly Bay Snorkel Trail  

2. Geoffrey Bay Snorkel Trail 

What will you see?

Support Trail Maintenance with a Snorkel Trail Card

Remember to purchase a waterproof Snorkel Trail Card at Pleasure Divers at 10 Marine Parade, Arcadia to support trail maintenance and help you discover more on your adventure. The QR code on the cards will take you to:

Stories from local marine biologists
Citizen science initiatives and how you can contribute your marine sightings to science
Great Barrier Reef Marine Parks zoning information
FAQ's and additional snorkelling safety advice.

Snorkel Trail Cards

Nelly Bay Snorkel Trail

The Nelly Bay Snorkel Trail starts approximately 100m off the beach near Nomads/Island Burger and turns left from the beach to follow the reef closest to shore. Follow these five yellow surface floats (SF) that outline the trail and offer flotation for snorkelers to rest.

The Nelly Bay Trail offers easy access from the beach and a great swim for beginners. There is a great selection of corals at Nelly Bay including Lettuce Coral, Cauliflower Coral, Boulder Coral and Staghorn Coral.

Geoffrey Bay Snorkel Trail

The Geoffrey Bay Snorkel Trail starts approximately 390m from the beach opposite Hotel Arcadia (parallel with the old barge ramp).

The Geoffrey Bay Trail offers a good selection of fish to see around the Moltke wreck. For stronger swimmers the WWII aeroplane propeller and engine block (from a CW-22B Curtiss Falcon) also is a great adventure.

Geoffrey Bay Snorkel Trail

Safety advice reminder

We strongly advise you wear stinger suits between the months of November to April as stingers (marine jellyfish) are usually present. If you are stung, wash with vinegar and seek medical attention immediately.
Do not use the snorkel trails in strong winds and rough sea conditions when water visibility is poor. Water clarity is poor during and immediately after strong SE winds.
Avoid very low or high tides during new or full moon phases. Click here to  find the tide times.
Surface floats are there to delineate the trail path but also have handles for snorkelers who need a rest. Always keep an eye on the surface floats to avoid getting hit by floats in rough conditions.
Snorkeling can be strenuous activity even in calm water. If you are a novice, have a medical condition that can worsen with strenuous activity, or are over 50 years old and more prone to heart disease or stroke consider these limitations.
Please do not handle, stand on, remove, or damage the coral.
In case of emergency call 000.