Explore Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island, located just a short boat ride from Townsville in Queensland, Australia, is a diver's paradise offering a gateway to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Divers can explore a myriad of dive environments from fringing coral reefs to caverns and swim-throughs that reveal a vibrant underwater world. With over 300 types of hard and soft corals and 1,500 species of fish, the biodiversity is astounding. Among the marine life, divers can encounter six of the world’s seven marine turtles, and during the right season, witness majestic whales in their natural habitat.

One of the most remarkable experiences awaits at the SS Yongala, a shipwreck offering one of the best wreck dives globally. This wreck, along with others like the SS Moltke and Platypus Dredge, provides a unique glimpse into history beneath the waves. Magnetic Island’s dive centers offer a variety of diving styles, whether you're a beginner looking for shallow bay explorations or a seasoned diver seeking adventure on liveaboard trips that extend your exploration of the reef and wrecks. With such diverse offerings, Magnetic Island stands out as an exceptional dive destination, combining natural beauty with thrilling underwater discoveries.

Diving in Magnetic Island

With shallow sites, scuba diving in Magnetic Island is the ideal place for gaining a dive certification, with several dive centres offering the full range of dive courses. Located offshore from Townsville, Magnetic Island is close to the famous Yongala Wreck. The shipwreck is ranked among the top 10 dive sites in the world and considered by some the best dive site in the entirety of Australia. Many Magnetic Island dive centres visit the outer reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, featuring superb canyons and small caves teeming with life.

The best Months to dive in Magnetic Island

The sun shines on Magnetic Island around 320 days of the year, making it an excellent place for scuba diving. The wet season runs from November through until April, with short but heavy thunderstorms while the dry season is from May through to October. The best diving visibility-wise is during Summer, from November through to February while if you want to see whales, the best season is during the Winter months. From June to September whales and their calves migrate along the Queensland coastline.

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