A new way to explore the island
Bay Hopper is a flexible beach-to-beach service connecting Nelly Bay and Horseshoe Bay with stops at some of Magnetic Island’s beautiful remote bays along the way.
Unlike a conventional boat, Bay Hopper can travel across the water and drive directly onto the beach. That means you can step straight onto the sand without needing a jetty or wading through the water.
Use Bay Hopper to reach somewhere new, connect a coastal hike or shape an entire day around swimming, snorkelling, picnicking and exploring.
Bay Hopper has been made possible thanks to the Queensland Government and their support of Queensland Tourism.
HOW BAY HOPPER WORKS
CHOOSE WHERE YOU WANT TO GO
Select your starting point and the bay you would like to visit.
RESERVE YOUR JOURNEY
Choose your departure time and, if you are returning with Bay Hopper, book your return journey at the same time.
HOP OFF AND EXPLORE
Swim, snorkel, hike, picnic or simply settle in by the water.
ACCESSIBLE BY DESIGN
Bay Hopper has been designed to make coastal access easier for more people.
Its amphibious capability allows the vessel to drive directly onto selected beaches, avoiding the need to step from a conventional boat into the water. The vessel also incorporates dedicated features to support guests with limited mobility.
Accessibility can vary between the vessel, boarding locations and the natural terrain at each destination. Review the detailed information before booking or speak with our team about your individual requirements.
Please contact us to discuss your specific accessibility needs; we understand every person is different.
GET HOPPING
ONE-WAY JOURNEY
Travel from one bay to another or use Bay Hopper to connect with one of many Magnetic Island hiking trails.
Best for: getting to a specific destination or hiking one way.
RETURN JOURNEY
Book your outward and return services together and spend a few hours exploring your chosen bay.
Best for: swimming, snorkelling, picnicking or relaxing at one location.
DAY HOPPER - coming soon
Reserve multiple journeys across the day and explore more than one part of the Island.
Best for: making a full day of Bay Hopper.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU HOP
BOOK YOUR JOURNEYS IN ADVANCE
Seats are limited. Reserve all intended departure and return times when booking. Online bookings close 30 minutes before your pickup.
CHECK THE TIMETABLE
Services vary with the tides, so check the schedule for your chosen date. Some loops may be replaced or cancelled due to tides. If nobody is booked on any part of a loop one hour before it leaves Nelly Bay, that loop will be cancelled.
ARRIVE BEFORE YOUR PICKUP TIME
Be at the nominated pickup point at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure so the crew can check everyone onboard safely.
PLAN FOR REMOTE LOCATIONS
Some bays have limited facilities, shade and mobile reception. Check the destination information and bring what you need for your time ashore.
CONDITIONS CAN CHANGE
Weather and beach conditions may require Bay Hopper to alter routes, pickup locations or operating times. We will communicate any changes as soon as possible.
FOLLOW CREW GUIDANCE
Natural beach terrain and boarding conditions vary. Follow the crew’s instructions when boarding and disembarking.