Magnetic Island Guide Winter 2022

28
ACTIVITIES
Diving & Snorkelling
Some of the best places to dive on the
Island are found in Geoffrey Bay, Alma Bay,
Arthur Bay , Florence Bay, Bright Point and
on the reef in Nelly Bay.
Apart from viewing the coral of the fringing
reefs around the Island, there are many ship
wrecks to explore as well.
The Moltke wreck, a German barque in the
Geoffrey Bay Marine Park is an excellent dive
especially at night, with a large variety of coral
in a concentrated area and teeming with fishlife.
The wreck is marked by a buoy near the
old Arcadia jetty. This dive is suitable for
novice divers.
The wreck of the Platypus (an old dredge), is
in Arthur Bay, on the left hand side out towards
the point in a rocky cove and is encrusted with
hard corals.
Most ships were sunk as shelters to moorings
or jetties, but the Island’s rocks have also
claimed the schooner Lavina in Rocky Bay.
The ketch Lallah Rookh was also wrecked on
Bremner Point, in 1896.
The most famous wreck in this area is of
course the Yongala off Cape Bowling Green,
quoted as the best wreck dive in Australia.
It sank during a cyclone in 1911 with 120 passengers
on board. It is 90 metres long and lies
in about 30 metres of water. A fantastic variety
of coral and marine life live in the protected
shelter. Dive boats visit daily.
For more detailed information on the dive
spots and courses see the Dive shops, or take
a boat dive tour.
Good places to snorkel on the Island are:
• Florence Bay, (along the rocks on the left
or northern side)
• Nelly Bay (on the fringing reef)
• Geoffrey Bay (near the old barge ramp)
• Arthur Bay (on the left hand or northern
side out towards the point)
• Alma Bay (you’ll find coral on the left hand side)
Snorkelling gear can be hired or purchased
from the fishing and leisure hire shops. When
purchasing or hiring your mask ask the supplier’s
advice to be sure your mask fits properly.
A fascinating world awaits!
If you have never snorkelled before, the
Island’s bays (with their gently sloping beaches
and weak tidal currents) are an ideal place
to learn. Guided snorkelling tours are also
available.