Magnetic Island · Queensland
Magnetic Island Reefs
Accessible fringing reef and the SS City of Adelaide wreck, a short ferry from Townsville.
Magnetic Island's fringing reefs sit close to shore around the island's bays, making some of the diving accessible without a boat.
The SS City of Adelaide, a former steamer beached on the island's northern side, provides an unusual shallow wreck that is accessible to newer divers and snorkellers alike.
Visibility is generally lower than on the outer Great Barrier Reef, but the accessibility and the ease of combining diving with an island stay compensate.
Max depth
25 m
typically 10 m
Access
shore & boat
Current
variable
Water temp
22–29°C
Level
intermediate
| Region | Magnetic Island |
|---|---|
| State | Queensland |
| Access | shore and boat |
| Site type | reef, wreck |
| Minimum depth | 3 m |
| Typical depth | 10 m |
| Maximum depth | 25 m |
| Current | variable |
| Visibility | Commonly 5–15 m |
| Water temperature | Roughly 22–29°C |
| Experience level | beginner, intermediate |
These are guidance categories, not guarantees. Conditions on the day, and an operator’s own requirements, override any classification here.
- hard coral
- reef fish
- turtles
- rays
- nudibranchs
- occasional dugong in seagrass areas
Access
- Ferry from Townsville.
- Some sites shore-accessible; others require a boat.
- Stinger suits November to May.
Hazards
- marine stingers in season
- boat traffic
- variable visibility
- current in the channel
Operators servicing this site
Businesses documented as regularly diving this site. Only operators we have established a connection for are listed.
Training that is genuinely useful here
Not a list of everything available — the qualifications that actually change what you can do at this site.
Related dive sites
Worth reading alongside this one.
Dive sites nearby
Other documented sites within range, nearest first — useful for building a trip rather than a single dive.
Other dive businesses in the area
Not documented as servicing this site, but close enough to be useful for fills, hire or advice.
Frequently asked questions
How deep is Magnetic Island Reefs?
Depths range from around 3 metres to roughly 25 metres, with a typical profile around 10 metres. Conditions and route selection change this considerably.
Is Magnetic Island Reefs suitable for beginners?
It can be, in reasonable conditions and with appropriate supervision. Conditions on the day matter more than certification level, and operators may impose their own requirements.
How do you get to Magnetic Island Reefs?
Access is shore and boat based. Ferry from Townsville.
Is there current at Magnetic Island Reefs?
Current is recorded as variable. Conditions vary daily and should be checked close to the day.
What will I see at Magnetic Island Reefs?
Commonly reported marine life includes hard coral, reef fish, turtles, rays, nudibranchs, occasional dugong in seagrass areas. Sightings are never guaranteed.
When is the best time to dive Magnetic Island Reefs?
Conditions vary through the year. Visibility is commonly 5–15 m. Check with local operators close to your dates.
Where is Magnetic Island Reefs?
Magnetic Island Reefs is in the Magnetic Island region of Queensland.
Last researched: September 2026. Dive businesses change frequently — confirm current services, prices and requirements directly with the operator before booking.