FAQS- AQUASCENE TOURS
Still have questions? Give us a call:
Still have questions? Give us a call:
Which tour should I do?
Our tours are all about immersive and inclusive adventures for everyone.
Spend a day on board with your local hosts, Steph & Adam and the Aquascene team.
We have called this beautiful Island our home for over 38 years!
Come and experience "Maggie" through our eyes. We will show you places you won't find on your own.
You may never want to go home!
The Discovery Tour
Our Discovery Tour is a 5 hour snorkelling tour that will connect you with all the iconic things we love about "Maggie" Island. Snorkel, explore and learn with Master Reef Guides about the Great Barrier Reef and all the connections to the underwater world. You will interact with some friendly marine life, be "wowed" by our bird friends and enjoy a morning tea on one of the beautiful beaches we visit. Enjoy the cultural stories and history along the way.
Enjoy the day as you wish, with an adventure for everyone.
This tour focuses on visiting the best snorkel locations along the eastern side of the island however we always plan our itinerary on the day to the conditions and our guests.
This tour is suitable for all ages and abilities.
Accessibility / Sensory needs - Please contact us, we will do our best to make your adventure possible.
Dietary needs: gluten free / vegetarian can be catered for (please advise us when booking).
IF YOU HAVE ANY FOOD/NUT ALLERGIES we ask that you please bring your own snacks. (You are most welcome to eat the fruit platter provided and choose tea/coffee if you wish).
Tour Includes:
The Circumnavigation Tour
Our Circumnavigation Tour is a 5 hour tour, where we travel all the way around the island, and has a sightseeing/ swim & beach time focus. A magical snorkelling opportunity is included, however if snorkelling is a priority, the Discovery Tour is for you! We will spend time exploring the northern side of the island, making our way through the five beach bay for some beautiful swimming and beach time, with water toys such as our stand up paddle boards, floating pontoon and glass bottom boogie boards.
You will interact with some friendly marine life, be "wowed" by our bird friends and enjoy a morning tea on one of the beautiful beaches we visit.
Enjoy the cultural stories and history along the way.
Enjoy the day as you wish, with an adventure for everyone.
This tour is suitable for all ages and abilities.
Accessibility / Sensory needs - Please contact us, we will do our best to make your adventure possible.
Dietary needs: gluten free / vegetarian can be catered for (please advise us when booking).
IF YOU HAVE ANY FOOD/NUT ALLERGIES we ask that you please bring your own snacks. (You are most welcome to eat the fruit platter provided and choose tea/coffee if you wish).
Tour Includes:
Sunset & Shipwreck Tour (BYO Drinks/Nibbles)
This is a NON-SWIMMING tour
BYO Drinks / Snacks
Our Sunset & Shipwreck tour is a 2 hour scenic tour focusing on the coastal area/ shipwrecks between Geoffrey bay and Cockle Bay on Magnetic Island. Our key destination is the S.S."City of Adelaide" shipwreck where her story will be shared as you enjoy the golden sunset. She is a grand old lady of the sea with an enchanting story.
You will stay on our boat for the entire cruise.
This tour is suitable for all ages and abilities. (more suited to older children than toddlers).
Accessibility / Sensory needs - Please contact us, we will do our best to make your adventure possible.
Tour Includes:
Spend a day on board with your local hosts, Steph & Adam and the Aquascene team.
We have called this beautiful Island our home for over 38 years!
Come and experience "Maggie" through our eyes. We will show you places you won't find on your own.
You may never want to go home!
The Discovery Tour
Our Discovery Tour is a 5 hour snorkelling tour that will connect you with all the iconic things we love about "Maggie" Island. Snorkel, explore and learn with Master Reef Guides about the Great Barrier Reef and all the connections to the underwater world. You will interact with some friendly marine life, be "wowed" by our bird friends and enjoy a morning tea on one of the beautiful beaches we visit. Enjoy the cultural stories and history along the way.
Enjoy the day as you wish, with an adventure for everyone.
This tour focuses on visiting the best snorkel locations along the eastern side of the island however we always plan our itinerary on the day to the conditions and our guests.
This tour is suitable for all ages and abilities.
Accessibility / Sensory needs - Please contact us, we will do our best to make your adventure possible.
Dietary needs: gluten free / vegetarian can be catered for (please advise us when booking).
IF YOU HAVE ANY FOOD/NUT ALLERGIES we ask that you please bring your own snacks. (You are most welcome to eat the fruit platter provided and choose tea/coffee if you wish).
Tour Includes:
- All equipment for snorkelling
- Wetsuits/Stinger UV suits (depending on season)
- Portable Floating Pontoon for less confident swimmers
- Flotation Aids
- Water safety/Crew Supervision in water
- Morning Tea / Tea / Coffee
- Snorkel lesson
- Stand Up Paddleboards
- Glass Bottom Boogie Boards
- Master Reef Guide talks about the Great Barrier Reef and all connections with the eco-system
- Magnetic Island Culture, Stories & History
- Wildlife interactions
- EMC* Reef Tax (environmental management charge) for the marine park- You are helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef THANKYOU
The Circumnavigation Tour
Our Circumnavigation Tour is a 5 hour tour, where we travel all the way around the island, and has a sightseeing/ swim & beach time focus. A magical snorkelling opportunity is included, however if snorkelling is a priority, the Discovery Tour is for you! We will spend time exploring the northern side of the island, making our way through the five beach bay for some beautiful swimming and beach time, with water toys such as our stand up paddle boards, floating pontoon and glass bottom boogie boards.
You will interact with some friendly marine life, be "wowed" by our bird friends and enjoy a morning tea on one of the beautiful beaches we visit.
Enjoy the cultural stories and history along the way.
Enjoy the day as you wish, with an adventure for everyone.
This tour is suitable for all ages and abilities.
Accessibility / Sensory needs - Please contact us, we will do our best to make your adventure possible.
Dietary needs: gluten free / vegetarian can be catered for (please advise us when booking).
IF YOU HAVE ANY FOOD/NUT ALLERGIES we ask that you please bring your own snacks. (You are most welcome to eat the fruit platter provided and choose tea/coffee if you wish).
Tour Includes:
- All equipment for snorkelling
- Wetsuits & Stinger UV suits (depending on season)
- Portable Floating Pontoon for less confident swimmers
- Flotation Aids
- Water safety/Crew Supervision in water
- Morning Tea-Light lunch / Tea / Coffee
- Snorkel lesson
- Stand Up Paddle boards
- Glass bottom Boogie Boards
- Master Reef Guide talks about the Great Barrier Reef and all connections with the eco-system
- Magnetic Island Culture, Stories & History
- Wildlife interactions
- EMC* Reef Tax (environmental management charge) for the marine park- You are helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef THANKYOU
Sunset & Shipwreck Tour (BYO Drinks/Nibbles)
This is a NON-SWIMMING tour
BYO Drinks / Snacks
Our Sunset & Shipwreck tour is a 2 hour scenic tour focusing on the coastal area/ shipwrecks between Geoffrey bay and Cockle Bay on Magnetic Island. Our key destination is the S.S."City of Adelaide" shipwreck where her story will be shared as you enjoy the golden sunset. She is a grand old lady of the sea with an enchanting story.
You will stay on our boat for the entire cruise.
This tour is suitable for all ages and abilities. (more suited to older children than toddlers).
Accessibility / Sensory needs - Please contact us, we will do our best to make your adventure possible.
Tour Includes:
- Complimentary drink on arrival
- Magnetic Island Culture, Stories & History
- Birdlife
- Photo opportunities at sunset
- Local artwork
- Visual historical pictures
- Music to serenade you at sunset
- EMC* Reef Tax (environmental management charge) for the marine park- You are helping to protect the Great Barrier Reef THANKYOU
What do I need to bring?
Our tours are suited to all ages and abilities.
Some swimming ability is recommended.
Accessibility / Sensory needs - Please contact us, we will do our best to make your adventure possible.
Dietary needs: gluten free / vegetarian can be catered for (please advise us when booking).
IF YOU HAVE ANY FOOD/NUT ALLERGIES we ask that you please bring your own snacks. (You are most welcome to eat the fruit platter provided and choose tea/coffee if you wish).
DAY TOURS
We supply everything for activities on our day tours tour.
You just need to bring items for going to the beach including your
SUNSET TOURS
Some swimming ability is recommended.
Accessibility / Sensory needs - Please contact us, we will do our best to make your adventure possible.
Dietary needs: gluten free / vegetarian can be catered for (please advise us when booking).
IF YOU HAVE ANY FOOD/NUT ALLERGIES we ask that you please bring your own snacks. (You are most welcome to eat the fruit platter provided and choose tea/coffee if you wish).
DAY TOURS
We supply everything for activities on our day tours tour.
You just need to bring items for going to the beach including your
- towel, bathers, sunscreen, hat, camera
- Jacket (in the cooler months May - Sept)
- Water bottle
- Camera!
SUNSET TOURS
- Bring your own drinks / snacks
- Wear comfortable casual clothing
- Jacket (in the cooler months May - Sept)
- Camera!
What about the weather?
We will always be keeping an eye on the weather conditions. We want you to enjoy your experience with us. If we feel that the weather is not suitable for a tour we will contact you to advise of a cancellation or offer an alternative date.
Please check your emails / mobile for messages from us. (Please be sure to give us a contactable email and mobile)
Please contact us anytime if you would like an update on the weather.
If the weather is not suitable and we cancel the tour, an alternative day will be offered if possible or a full refund given.
Some useful weather links are below: (the weather man doesn't always get it right but it is a handy guide).
www.seabreeze.com.au/weather/wind-forecast/qld-far-north# (scroll down to Townsville).
Please check your emails / mobile for messages from us. (Please be sure to give us a contactable email and mobile)
Please contact us anytime if you would like an update on the weather.
If the weather is not suitable and we cancel the tour, an alternative day will be offered if possible or a full refund given.
Some useful weather links are below: (the weather man doesn't always get it right but it is a handy guide).
www.seabreeze.com.au/weather/wind-forecast/qld-far-north# (scroll down to Townsville).
What is your cancellation policy?
We want you to feel confident when booking with us.
Provided enough notice is given, we are generally quite flexible and happy to re-book your tour for another day, subject to availability.
Please note that if you cancel within 24hrs and we are unable to resell your seats - then unfortunately we are unable to offer you a refund.
Provided enough notice is given, we are generally quite flexible and happy to re-book your tour for another day, subject to availability.
Please note that if you cancel within 24hrs and we are unable to resell your seats - then unfortunately we are unable to offer you a refund.
- The following fees may apply if there is a no show or minimal notice given to us. School holidays are a busy time for us and we like to be able to accommodate everyone, so please try and let us know if you think there may be a change in your situation, we don't like charging cancellation fees. We are human here at Aquascene and we do understand that situations can happen that may mean you have to change or cancel your tour with us. Please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate your situation if it is possible. A "no show" or less than 24 hours notice will be charged full fare. Within 2 days of departure a 20% admin fee may be deducted from your payment.
Where does the tour depart from?
Our tours depart from Magnetic Island Marina in Nelly Bay on Magnetic Island
Tours meeting point is the outside deck/boardwalk area in front of Peppers Resort in Nelly Bay, a short 1 minute stroll to the left of the Nelly Bay Ferry terminal.
Please meet at our Aquascene sign and one of our awesome crew will meet you and walk you to our boat for boarding.
Please make sure you catch the correct ferry from Townsville to allow plenty of time to connect with our departure time.
Sealink Passenger Ferry from Townsville - Timetable
We recommend catching the 7.45 a.m. ferry from Townsville to connect with our departure time, any later and you will miss the tour departure.
Magnetic Island Ferries - Car and passenger barge - Timetable
MAP of meeting point for our tour.
Tours meeting point is the outside deck/boardwalk area in front of Peppers Resort in Nelly Bay, a short 1 minute stroll to the left of the Nelly Bay Ferry terminal.
Please meet at our Aquascene sign and one of our awesome crew will meet you and walk you to our boat for boarding.
Please make sure you catch the correct ferry from Townsville to allow plenty of time to connect with our departure time.
Sealink Passenger Ferry from Townsville - Timetable
We recommend catching the 7.45 a.m. ferry from Townsville to connect with our departure time, any later and you will miss the tour departure.
Magnetic Island Ferries - Car and passenger barge - Timetable
MAP of meeting point for our tour.
Do you have a brochure I can download?
What do your guests say about you?
Queenslands Top Tour Guide 2024- WINNER
www.qtic.com.au/top-tourism-award/
Voted #7 in Top 10 Experiences in the WORLD 2021!
Our greatest advertisements are our guests. Trip Advisor, is the world’s largest travel review website. Find out what our previous guests say about their tour experiences with Aquascene Magnetic Island.
www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g499655-d3962528-Reviews-Aquascene_Charters-Magnetic_Island_Queensland.html
Google reviews
Also....follow the links to our Instagram and Facebook pages, you will find lots of pictures of what we do on our tours.
Instagram
Facebook
www.qtic.com.au/top-tourism-award/
Voted #7 in Top 10 Experiences in the WORLD 2021!
Our greatest advertisements are our guests. Trip Advisor, is the world’s largest travel review website. Find out what our previous guests say about their tour experiences with Aquascene Magnetic Island.
www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-g499655-d3962528-Reviews-Aquascene_Charters-Magnetic_Island_Queensland.html
Google reviews
Also....follow the links to our Instagram and Facebook pages, you will find lots of pictures of what we do on our tours.
What does "PENDING" mean on my booking?
- Pending tour : means we are waiting on either guest numbers to fill or an updated weather forecast before we can confirm your tour with us. If your tour with us is PENDING, this means the tour is NOT confirmed as going.
- Once we receive your booking we will contact you as soon as possible to confirm your booking.
If you need to check on the confirmation, please call us.
What ferry do I catch if I am in Townsville?
If you are going on our Discovery Tour or Circumnavigation Tour:
If catching the Sealink ferry from Townsville, please be sure to catch the 7.45 am departure from Townsville.
If catching the Magnetic Island Ferries Car ferry please be sure to catch the 7.00 am departure from Townsville.
If you are going on our Sunset & Shipwreck Tour:
For our Sunset tour or a private charter, please check the timetables of the ferries to make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to meet us for your tour departure time, which varies between 4.15/4.30 depending on seasons sunset times, so please double check your booking time.
If catching the Sealink ferry from Townsville, please be sure to catch the 7.45 am departure from Townsville.
If catching the Magnetic Island Ferries Car ferry please be sure to catch the 7.00 am departure from Townsville.
If you are going on our Sunset & Shipwreck Tour:
For our Sunset tour or a private charter, please check the timetables of the ferries to make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to meet us for your tour departure time, which varies between 4.15/4.30 depending on seasons sunset times, so please double check your booking time.
Is the ferry ticket included in my tour price?
Our tour does not include the return ferry ticket to Magnetic Island.
You will have to purchase a return ferry ticket to Magnetic Island to connect with our tour unless you are on a package from Sealink.
You will have to purchase a return ferry ticket to Magnetic Island to connect with our tour unless you are on a package from Sealink.
If i am in townsville how do i get to the sealink ferry terminal?
Be sure to connect with your ferry by catching a taxi, uber or scooter to the Sealink ferry terminal.
Your accommodation reception should be able to assist you with this.
If you have your own transport, vehicle parking is available at the Sealink ferry terminal for a small fee ($8.50) per 24 hours
Your accommodation reception should be able to assist you with this.
If you have your own transport, vehicle parking is available at the Sealink ferry terminal for a small fee ($8.50) per 24 hours
Can i snorkel if i wear glasses?
Yes! We have a range of prescription snorkelling masks available to rent. Please contact our office to organise this, or select it as an add on when making your booking with us.
do we offer scuba diving onboard aquascene?
No we don't offer scuba diving on our tours.
We offer snorkelling and snorkelling lessons with our qualified snorkel instructor crew and master reef guides.
We offer snorkelling and snorkelling lessons with our qualified snorkel instructor crew and master reef guides.
Do i need to wear a stinger suit / wet suit?
Certain times of the year in North Queensland are stinger season (between late October – April/May). At this time of the year you will need to wear a stinger suit if you are entering the water. We provide these for each guest on our tours. Wet suits are available during the winter months, which will provide you with extra warmth whilst snorkelling. These are also included for each guest if desired on our tours.
What if i am not a confident swimmer?
Our adventures are for everyone.
Please be sure to advise our office when making a booking, and to remind skippers on the day of swimming abilities.
Our crew are all qualified and you will have constant supervision whilst in the water. Our deckhands will be on a water safety board at every snorkelling location.
You will have the opportunity to partake in a snorkelling lesson, and we do offer pool noodles and a floating pontoon for comfort and versatility whilst in the water.
Please be sure to advise our office when making a booking, and to remind skippers on the day of swimming abilities.
Our crew are all qualified and you will have constant supervision whilst in the water. Our deckhands will be on a water safety board at every snorkelling location.
You will have the opportunity to partake in a snorkelling lesson, and we do offer pool noodles and a floating pontoon for comfort and versatility whilst in the water.
Do you rent underwater cameras?
Yes! GOPRO hire is available. If you would like to hire a GOPRO for the tour please select it as an add on when making your booking, or contact our office at least 24 hours prior to your tour date. Each GoPro rental includes a take-home SIM card with all your photos.
ARE THERE BATHROOMS ONBOARD?
Yes. both of our vessels have been custom designed and include a fully accessible bathroom/changing room.
IS THERE SHADE ONBOARD?
Yes. Both of our boats are fully shaded decks.