Horseshoe Bay is a sweeping crescent-shaped beach on Magnetic Island's northern coast, within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The snorkeling here is best around the rocky headlands at the eastern and western ends of the bay, where fringing coral reefs, rocky gutters, and bommies host a variety of marine life. The sheltered inner bay offers calm, shallow waters suitable for beginners, while the reef edges provide more advanced drift snorkeling opportunities when tidal currents are mild. Part of the Magnetic Island National Park, this spot combines tropical beach beauty with accessible reef exploration.
Horseshoe Bay Dive Site
IntermediateGO
GO
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Showing last known conditions
Wave Height 0.3 mSwell Period 3.1 sWind Speed 11 knPrecipitation 1.4 mmTidal Phase flood
Last evaluated
The spot
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Community contribution: submitted by Daniel
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Moderate risk: Stingers (box jellyfish)
Marine stingers (box jellyfish) are present in warmer months, particularly November to May.
Low risk: Tidal currents
Tidal currents can be moderate around the headlands and reef edges, especially during outgoing tides.
Low risk: Sharp coral and rocks
Sharp coral and rocky reef ledges near the headlands can cause cuts if touched.
Wildlife Guide
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Getting in
Shore entry
Entry
Horseshoe Bay is located on the northern coast of Magnetic Island, reachable by ferry from Townsville (approx. 25 min). From the Magnetic Island ferry terminal at Nelly Bay, take a bus or taxi to Horseshoe Bay (approx. 15 min drive).
Parking & facilities
Limited free parking available at the Horseshoe Bay foreshore area.
parkingtoiletspicnic_tables
No fees for beach access. Ferry from Townsville to Magnetic Island costs approximately $35–$45 AUD return.
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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