

Best for beginner divers, 2-10m, boat entry, mild current.
Boulders is a shallow reef site located off Magnetic Island, Queensland. The topography consists of large boulders creating a complex reef structure, with depths ranging from 2 to 10 metres and an average of 6 metres. Access is by boat only. Conditions are generally sheltered with mild currents, though visibility varies between 1 and 8 metres. The site is suitable for beginners and supports night diving. Divers should be aware of sharp coral and the presence of Irukandji and Box Jellyfish during stinger season from November to May, when full-body stinger suits are recommended.
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Visit between May and October for the most reliable visibility and to avoid the jellyfish that tend to appear in the warmer summer months. Booking a guided tour is a smart call for your first visit, as a local guide will know exactly where the wobbegongs and epaulette sharks like to hide.
The site is accessed via boat from Townsville or, more commonly, from the Nelly Bay marina on Magnetic Island. Several local operators offer dive and snorkel tours to the island's bays.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 10m
Visibility
1-8m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
22-29°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
45 min
Best Time
Year-round
The site supports a variety of reef life, including wobbegong and epaulette sharks, moray eels, crayfish, stingrays, sweetlips, batfish, coral trout, and nudibranchs.
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners due to its shallow depths and generally mild currents.
The depth at this site ranges from 2 to 10 metres, with an average depth of 6 metres.
Boulders requires boat access.
The site can be visited year-round, though May through October offers the most reliable visibility and avoids the peak stinger season.
Diving at Boulders in Townsville requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
Yes, equipment rental is available at or near Boulders in Townsville. Contact local dive operators for specific gear availability and prices.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Boulders in Townsville. Water temperatures range from 22°C to 29°C.
Divers at Boulders in Townsville should be aware of jellyfish. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Boulders in Townsville typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Boulders in Townsville typically ranges from 1 metres to 8 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.