Water Sports in Horseshoe Bay

Paddling, Surfing and Jet Skis for Groups

Weigh up your options for water sports, then enquire – free.

Category: Water SportsLocation: Horseshoe BayListings: 2

Compare Horseshoe Bay Water Sports Operators

Magnetic Island Time Cruises - water sports in Townsville

Magnetic Island Time Cruises (Horseshoe Bay)4.9 (261)

From $79pp

Small-boat snorkel, fishing and sunset cruises around Magnetic Island's bays, with private trips for groups of up to 12.

Magnetic Island Jet Skis - water sports in Townsville

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Magnetic Island Jet Skis (Horseshoe Bay)5.0 (379)

Families and mates can share one ski on an hour-long hire, swapping riders at the beach so everyone gets a turn at the handlebars.

Choosing a Day Out on the Water

Two operators work from Horseshoe Bay, and they suit different birthday groups. Magnetic Island Jet Skis puts riders on Sea-Doos with a guide, while Magnetic Island Time Cruises takes small groups out by boat to snorkel, fish or watch the sunset.

Choosing between skis and a boat at Horseshoe Bay:

Tour lengths at Magnetic Island Jet Skis go 90 minutes (eight bays), two hours (adding Radical Bay) and three hours for a full lap of Maggie.
First-timers are fine: the crew briefs every rider on safety and shows the controls on the water before setting off, and nobody needs a licence.
A ski tour group tops out at 10, and a second guide joins when the size of the group or the sea asks for it.
On Magnetic Island Time Cruises, the regular half-day snorkel-and-fish run never carries more than eight, and masks, fins, rods and bait come with it.
Cruise prices start from $79 per person; the jet ski operator lists no starting price, so ask for tour rates.

Ski tours pause for a dip at a quiet beach, the guide talks through the marine park, and the photos they shoot are free to download.
Want less structure? Half-hour or hour-long hire stays inside a watched, protected stretch of water off the beach, with up to five skis out and riders trading places on the sand.
An evening option is the two-hour sunset run by White Lady, Balding and Radical Bays, where every guest is handed a champagne.
Groups over eight book a whole boat (Island Time takes 10, the rib 12), and the crew can leave the party on a secluded beach for a picnic or barbecue.

Rules and kit to check before the day

Anyone at the handlebars has to swim well and record a zero breath-alcohol test, so the birthday toast waits until the skis are back.
Bring photo ID plus a credit card in the same name for every ski booked.
On the boat, stinger suits are handed out in the warm months and wetsuit tops in the cool ones, and any keeper fish goes home filleted.
Guests crossing from the mainland should check the ferry back before picking a sunset slot, or plan to stay over.

Common Questions Before You Paddle Out

Do you need a boat licence to ride with Magnetic Island Jet Skis?

No. Riders are taught the basics by the local crew, first on the beach and then afloat, before anyone heads off.

How many people fit on a private Magnetic Island Time Cruises trip?

Ten fit on Island Time, the pontoon vessel, and a dozen on the 360 rib. The crew prices charters case by case.

Can kids come on a Horseshoe Bay water birthday?

Both list kids as welcome. Check age rules for drivers and passengers with the ski crew, and remember riders need to swim well.

Is there a chance of seeing whales from the boat?

In the July to September window, humpbacks regularly pass the island while the boat is out.