Florence Bay, on Magnetic Island's northeastern coast, is consistently rated by locals as the best snorkeling spot on the island. The designated Florence Bay Snorkel Trail begins just off the beach near Marine Parade, Arcadia, and winds through crystalline fringing reefs teeming with coral bommies and rocky outcrops. The trail is easy to enter from the sandy beach, and the shallow, protected waters offer excellent visibility for spotting marine life around the vibrant coral formations. With its calm conditions and direct shore access, Florence Bay provides a uniquely accessible yet wild snorkeling experience just a short ferry ride from Townsville.
Florence Bay Snorkel Trail
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 3.2 sWind Speed 13 knPrecipitation 1.1 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
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Community-maintained
Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Low risk: Tidal Currents
Outgoing tide can create currents that may pull snorkelers away from the shore, especially near the reef edges.
Low risk: Sharp Coral & Rocks
Sharp coral and rocky reef edges are present along the trail; care should be taken to avoid contact and reef damage.
Low risk: Marine Stingers
Marine stingers (box jellyfish and Irukandji) are present in tropical Queensland waters during the warmer months (October to May). Wear a stinger suit for protection.
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Florence Bay is on Magnetic Island, reachable by ferry from Townsville to Nelly Bay. From the ferry terminal, take a bus or taxi to the Florence Bay trailhead near Marine Parade, Arcadia. The snorkel trail starts about 400 m from the beach along Marine Parade directly across from Arcadia Village.
Parking & facilities
Limited street parking available near Marine Parade, Arcadia.
parkingtoilets
No fee for snorkeling; ferry fee applies to reach Magnetic Island from Townsville.
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About this data
- Conditions last evaluated
- Spot data last updated
- Data sources
- Open-Meteo (marine & weather conditions), tide predictions via UTide, community contributors (descriptions, hazards, marine life).
- License
- Spot content licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. How's the Spot is open source.
Weather & swell ┬╖ Open-Meteo marine & weather APIs Tides ┬╖ UTide harmonic analysis Sea & safety ┬╖ community reports