Meet the site
Arthur Bay is one of the small, scenic bays on the Radical Bay Road on Magnetic Island's north-east coast, below the Forts walk, and one of the most photographed spots on the island. The North Queensland Underwater Explorers Club groups it with Florence Bay as an area of fringing reef patches at about 7 m, with brain, staghorn and lettuce hard corals, and the Marine Life Network lists it for snorkelling at 2–10 m with swim-throughs, caverns, bommies and coral. The best coral and snorkelling are on the shallow left-hand (northern) side of the bay, where the fringing reef meets granite boulders. Here the boulders form small caverns and swim-throughs, and coral heads rise from the sand. Turtles are common, feeding on algae and resting under ledges, and the usual island reef fish – parrotfish, damsels, wrasse, rabbitfish, butterflyfish and small groupers – are plentiful. Continuing past the point leads to the rocky cove with the old dredge boilers. The bay's weak points are seasonal. In the hot months sargassum blooms can blanket the shallow reef, and the club recommends visiting in winter when the macro-algae die off. The access road is notoriously rough, and on calm days the bay can be crowded with snorkellers and boats, so early morning or late afternoon visits are best. For snorkellers and new divers it is a rewarding shore dive in a beautiful setting, and one of the easier places on the island to find turtles. It is part of the Marine National Park green zone.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Arthur Bay (Magnetic Island) is recorded as Shore/Rock Platform in Townsville & Magnetic Island. The listed access is shore or boat. Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Arthur Bay (Magnetic Island) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Arthur Bay (Magnetic Island) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Green turtles, parrotfish, damselfish, wrasse, rabbitfish, butterflyfish, small groupers; brain, staghorn and lettuce corals
Location
Small bay below the Forts walk on the north-east of Magnetic Island, with fringing reef, bommies and swim-throughs.
Facilities nearby
Small car park at end of track (no toilets); facilities at Horseshoe Bay.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
nquec.org.aumarinelife.org.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.
