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HORSESHOE BAY OPERATIONS

HORSESHOE BAY OPERATIONS FOR PILGRIM SAILING

You'll be on this page as we've advised you that due to the wind conditions we will be operating all our cruises from Horseshoe Bay until the wind eases.

With this comes a few changes and we hope this page will give you all the information you need to make the new arrangements seamless.

A few things to note:
  • The cruise times have changed slightly. Please check below for more details.
  • We will arrange a transfer between Nelly Bay and Horseshoe Bay, subject to the availability of transfer operators.
  • If we cannot provide a transfer we recommend taking the public bus, all our cruises are lined up to meet the bus. More details and times are below. (Taxis on the island are not reliable enough).
  • If you are late arriving to the meeting spot, you will miss the cruise.  If anything is not clear, please call on 0424 296406.

WHERE TO MEET IN HORSESHOE BAY

MAP OF HORSESHOE BAY:
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mud_map_of_horseshoe_bay.pdf
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Download File

If you are coming by transfer, please refer to the Nelly Bay Map for directions where to meet on the Peppers Deck.
NELLY BAY MAP
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WHAT TIME DO WE MEET IN HORSESHOE BAY?

Our start times change a little when we operate from Horseshoe Bay to ensure we line up our cruises with the bus timetable. Please see below the revised meeting times and start times.

Lunchtime Sailing Cruise
Meet at 9.30 am on the beach by the boat ramp. 
Cruises starts at 9.45 am (approx)

​Sip & Sail Sunset Cruise
1 March to 30 November: Meet at 4.30 pm on the beach by the boat ramp*. Cruise starts at 4.45 pm (approx)
1 December to 28 February: Meet at 5.15 pm on the beach by the boat ramp. Cruise starts at 5.30 pm (approx)

*unless you are coming by public bus, then in the interests of time meet us on the beach in front of the Marlin Bar straight from disembarking from the bus.

Check out the schedules below to show ferry, bus and transfer times to get you to the meeting spot on time.

SUNSET CRUISE SCHEDULE (MAR - NOV)
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SUNSET CRUISE SCHEDULE


3.45 pm Sealink Ferry from Townsville (if applicable)
TRAVELLING BY PUBLIC BUS:
4.20 pm 
Bus departs Nelly Bay
4.35 pm Arrive Horseshoe Bay
4.35pm Meet on beach in front of Marlin Bar (pub near bus stop)
4.35-4.45 pm Transfer to Pilgrim in Sandy
TRAVELLING  BY TRANSFER:
4.10 pm Meet on Peppers Blue on Blue Deck (by restaurant). Neil from Best Bus Tours will meet you on the deck

4.30 pm Meet on beach by the boat ramp  (Neil will direct you)
4.30-4.45 pm Transfer to Pilgrim in Sandy
FINDING YOUR OWN WAY THERE:
4.30 pm
 Meet on beach by the boat ramp (see map)
4.30-4.45 pm Transfer to Pilgrim in Sandy
4.45 pm - 6.15 pm (approx): Sunset Cruise in Horseshoe Bay
LUNCHTIME CRUISE SCHEDULE
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LUNCHTIME CRUISE SCHEDULE


8.45 am Sealink Ferry from Townsville (if applicable)
​TRAVELLING BY PUBLIC BUS:
9.15 am Bus departs Nelly Bay  
9.30 am Arrive Horseshoe Bay
9.35 am Meet on the beach by the boat ramp (see map)
9.35- 9.45 am Transfer to Pilgrim in Sandy
​TRAVELLING  BY TRANSFER:
9.10 am Meet on Peppers Blue on Blue Deck (by restaurant). Neil from Best Bus Tours will meet you on the deck and transfer you to Horseshoe Bay
9.30 am Meet on the beach by the boat ramp (Neil will show you where to go)
9.30-9.45 am Transfer to Pilgrim in Sandy
FINDING YOUR OWN WAY:
9.30 am Meet on beach by the boat ramp (see map)
9.30-9.45 am Transfer to Pilgrim in Sandy
9.45 pm - 1.45 pm (approx) Lunchtime Cruise
TRAVELLING BY PUBLIC BUS:

2.25 pm Bus to Nelly Bay


FINDING YOUR OWN WAY BACK:
You're on your own from here!!
3.00pm Sealink Ferry to Townsville (if applicable)


TRANSFER TO PILGRIM

Pilgrim is on a mooring in Horseshoe Bay and you will be transferred to the vessel via Sandy. 
  • Please make yourself known to the skipper who will be standing near the boat.
  • We may have to do a couple of runs as numbers are limited on Sandy. Please be patient and if you see Sandy on a run out, rest assured she will be coming back for you very soon!
  • Please wear shoes which are easy to slip off as you may get your feet wet when boarding Sandy.
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Look out for Sandy - the yellow RIB, which will transport you to Pilgrim.

HOW TO GET TO HORSESHOE BAY

COMING FROM TOWNSVILLE: WHICH FERRY SHOULD I TAKE?

If you're coming from Townsville, see below for the recommended Ferry Times. Feel free to come earlier or leave later so you get to enjoy more of Magnetic Island.

All ferries listed below are the Sealink Ferries, which depart from the Breakwater Terminal on Sir Leslie Thiess Drive in Townsville.

Our cruises will wait for these ferries, so if the ferry is delayed we will wait for the ferry to arrive before we depart.

Lunchtime Sailing Cruise: 8.45 am ferry (return ferry: 3.00 pm)

​Sip & Sail Sunset Cruise: 
1 March to 30 November:  3.45 pm ferry at the latest (return ferry: 8.00 pm)
1 December to 28 February: 4.30 pm ferry at the latest (return ferry: 8.00 pm)

ON DISEMBARKING THE FERRY PLEASE GO DIRECTLY TO EITHER THE MEETING SPOT FOR THE TRANSFER OR THE PUBLIC BUS (as advised by us), if you are late you will miss the cruise.

The public bus stop is situated outside the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal and the bus will be waiting for you. Please board the bus to "HORSESHOE BAY". You will need small change, as cards are not accepted on the buses.

Please double check the ferry times before you travel, as there do change from time to time. 
​You can check out the latest ferry times here. 

COMING FROM NELLY BAY: WHICH BUS SHOULD I TAKE?

If we have been unable to arrange a transfer for you, please take the public bus to Horseshoe Bay. The below times are for the bus from the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal and meet our recommended ferries. Ignore this section if we have arranged a transfer.

Lunchtime Sailing Cruise - 9.15 am bus from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal (return bus: 2.25pm from Horseshoe Bay)
​
Sip & Sail Sunset Cruise:
 
1 March to 30 November: 4.20 pm bus from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal (return bus: 7.35pm from Horseshoe Bay)
1 December to 28 February: 5.00 pm bus from Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal  (return bus: 7.35pm from Horseshoe Bay)

The public bus stop is situated in front the Nelly Bay Ferry Terminal. Please board the bus to "HORSESHOE BAY".

You will need small change, as cards are not accepted on the buses.


If you are coming from elsewhere on the Island you'll be able to catch the same bus, please refer to the timetable to check which one here. 

Please note: taxis are not always reliable as they cannot guarantee pick up times so if you are looking to use a taxi please leave plenty of time to avoid disappointment or stress!

OTHER INFORMATION

WHAT TO WEAR:  We recommend you wear comfortable clothes and shoes with light coloured soles.  Please do not wear black soled shoes or heels - you will be asked to remove them.  Please advise your guests of this.

SEASICKNESS: Please be aware that there can be some swell on occasions, if you are susceptible to seasickness or worried that you could be we recommend you take precautions/medication before the trip. We recommend Travacalm (the blue one) and only taking half to one tablet one hour before you come sailing.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  Please contact us if you have any special requirements for your charter or if there are any allergies or dietary requirements, we need to be aware of. 

WEATHER:  As the weather can change quickly any decision will be made by the skipper on the day.  We will contact you in the event of strong winds or heavy rain.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Please read our terms and conditions carefully , especially regarding cancellations and weather.



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MAGNETIC ISLAND/ TOWNSVILLE:
Sunset Cruises
Lunchtime Sailing Cruises
Private Day Charters
Private Sunset Cruises
Gift Vouchers
OTHER USEFUL LINKS:
Gallery
Pumpkin Chutney Recipe
​
Sailing Academy
Coronavirus Update
​Frequently Asked Questions
MORE INFORMATION:
Contact us
Bookings - Magnetic Island
Why Choose Us?
Terms & Conditions
Accessibility information

Magnetic Island - Magnetic Island Marina, 123 Sooning Street, NELLY BAY, QLD 4819

info@pilgrimsailing.com.au  |  0424 296406
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  • Our Experiences
    • For Individuals & Small Groups >
      • Lunchtime Sailing Cruises Magnetic Island
      • Sunset Cruises Magnetic Island
      • The Beach Club
      • Full Moon Cruises
    • For Larger Groups >
      • Private Sunset Charter
      • Private Day Charter
    • Deluxe for Couples >
      • Scenic Heli & Lunchtime Cruise
      • Private Deluxe Sunset Cruise for Two
      • The Beach Club
    • Gift Vouchers (Redeem or Buy)
    • Merchandise
    • Hire for Photoshoots
  • Visit Magnetic Island
  • Contact
  • About Us
  • CORONAVIRUS
  • Blog
  • Gallery
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • The Captains Club