Pilgrim Twilight Sail
1 hour 30 minutes · Pilgrim Magnetic Island
from $101.73 per person Check availability →
Shipwreck Sunset Cruise
Aquascene Magnetic Island Sunset & Shipwreck Tour
from $78.58 per person
Check Price & Availability →Opens the live booking page with current dates. Book there; nothing is charged on this site. Free cancellation, check the listing for cutoff.
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Meeting point
- Peppers Resort Deck, Nelly Bay
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation, check the listing for cutoff
- Run by
- Aquascene Magnetic Island
Overview
This two-hour cruise with Aquascene Magnetic Island goes out on the water for sunset and to see the wreck of the SS City of Adelaide. The boat departs from Nelly Bay, and the trip is built around two things: the light over the water as the sun goes down, and the story of the ship. Guides share the island's history along the way.
The meeting point is the boardwalk outside Peppers Resort on Sooning Street, a minute's walk left of the Nelly Bay ferry terminal, where the crew meets guests and walks them to the boat. Ferry tickets to Magnetic Island are not part of the ticket price, so that cost sits outside the tour booking. The boat returns to the same spot at the end.
Reviewers consistently highlight two things: the historical commentary, which several said taught them a good deal about both the wreck and the island, and the sunset itself, seen from the water. The trip suits most travellers, including those with wheelchairs or pushchairs, and caps numbers at 18.
What's Included
Included
- Shipwreck History
Not Included
- Drinks and snacks (bring your own)
- Ferry tickets to Magnetic Island not included in ticket price
Itinerary
- Meet at Nelly BayMeet the crew at the Aquascene sign on the boardwalk in front of Peppers Resort, 123 Sooning St, a short walk left of the Nelly Bay ferry terminal.
- Walk to the boatThe crew escorts guests from the boardwalk to the vessel.
- Sunset and shipwreck cruiseThe boat heads out for the sunset and the SS City of Adelaide shipwreck, with the crew sharing the island's maritime history along the way.
- Return to Nelly BayThe trip ends back at the same meeting point at 123 Sooning St.
What To Expect From The Tour
A few practical points will shape whether this tour is the right fit, drawn from the booking page and from what travellers have said afterwards.
- Getting there. Ferry tickets to Magnetic Island are not included, so the crossing to the island is a separate cost and booking. The meeting spot sits a minute from the Nelly Bay ferry terminal, which makes connections straightforward.
- Food and drink. Drinks and snacks are not provided, so bring whatever you want to consume on board. Plan on bringing everything you want to eat and drink.
- Group feel. The tour runs with a maximum of 18 travellers. Several reviewers described the commentary and stories as a highlight of the time on board.
- Accessibility. The operator states the tour is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible, that service animals are allowed, and that infants must sit on laps. It is a boat trip, so guests with specific mobility needs may still want to confirm boarding details on the booking page.
- Photography. Reviewers mention the views repeatedly, with the sunset a consistent theme. Bring a camera or phone with charge to spare.
- Weather dependence. The experience requires good weather, and departures can be cancelled if conditions are poor. In that case guests are offered a different date or a full refund, so keep some flexibility in your plans.
Common issues. One reviewer felt the trip ran short of the advertised time and questioned the value for the length of the ride, and also noted that hiking to Cockle Bay at low tide offers a free land-based look at the wreck. The tour also requires a minimum number of travellers to run, so it can be cancelled if that minimum is not met, with a different date, a different experience, or a full refund offered. Weather cancellations are possible. Nothing beyond the cruise itself is covered: ferry tickets and any drinks or snacks are extra.
Common Questions
What Is Included In The Ticket Price?
The cruise itself and the shipwreck history commentary are included. Ferry tickets to Magnetic Island are not included, and drinks and snacks are not provided, so bring your own if you want them.
Where Does The Tour Meet?
Guests meet in front of Peppers Resort at 123 Sooning St, Nelly Bay, on the outside deck area a short walk to the left of the ferry terminal. Look for the Aquascene sign on the boardwalk, where the crew meets you and escorts you to the boat. The tour ends at the same point.
How Long Is The Cruise?
The booking page gives the duration as two hours. One reviewer reported a shorter run in practice.
Is The Tour Suitable For Kids And People With Limited Mobility?
The booking page says the tour is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible, that service animals are allowed, and that infants must sit on laps. Most travellers can participate, and the group is capped at 18. Given boarding involves walking to a boat, anyone with specific needs should confirm details before booking.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes inside that window are not refunded or accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather or because the minimum number of travellers is not met, you are offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund.
What Should I Bring?
Bring your own drinks and snacks, since nothing is provided on that front. Ferry tickets need to be arranged separately if you are coming from the mainland. A camera for the sunset and the wreck is worth packing.
How The Trips Compare
| Trip | From | Duration | Rating | Departs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pilgrim Twilight Sail | $101.73 per person | 1 hour 30 minutes | 5.0 (272) | Peppers Blue on Blue, Nelly Bay |
| Shipwreck Sunset Cruise | $78.58 per person | 2 hours | 4.9 (75) | Peppers Resort Deck, Nelly Bay |
| Townsville Departure Sunset Sail | $80.68 per person | 1 hour 30 minutes | 4.7 (27) | Townsville Yacht Club, South Townsville |
Live dates, times and prices are on the booking page.
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