5 Fantastic Tours & Experiences In Horseshoe Bay Queensland

Horseshoe Bay in Queensland isn’t just a pretty beach — it’s a hub for exciting outdoor adventures and unique experiences that showcase Magnetic Island’s stunning coastline and wildlife. With calm waters, accessible bays, and a relaxed vibe, it’s the perfect place to explore by boat, jet ski, or on foot. We especially love the Magnetic Island: 5 Beach Bay Jet Ski Tour, which combines high-energy fun with scenic beauty, and the Breakfast with Koalas Experience, a laid-back way to get close to native wildlife. Whether you’re craving a thrill or a tranquil morning with animals, Horseshoe Bay has a lot to offer.

This guide will walk you through the best tours and experiences in Horseshoe Bay, from jet skiing and island circumnavigation to wildlife encounters and self-guided hires. Each offers a different way to see the island’s best features, so you can pick based on your interests, time, and comfort level.

Quick Overview

Our list includes thrilling jet ski tours and hires that let you captain your own adventure in Magnetic Island’s waters — like the Magnetic Island: 5 Beach Bay Jet Ski Tour, 60-minute jet ski hire, and the Full Island Jet Ski Experience. For a more relaxing experience, try the Breakfast with Koalas, which pairs a tasty meal with wildlife close-ups. Each tour is tailored for different levels of thrill, interest, and time commitment.

Now, let’s dive into the details of each of these standout options.

1. Magnetic Island: 5 Beach Bay Jet Ski Tour

If you want a guided jet ski tour that combines sightseeing with some adrenaline, this is a great pick. The Magnetic Island: 5 Beach Bay Jet Ski Tour offers a 2-hour journey through eight bays, seven of which are only accessible by boat. That means you’ll visit remote spots few visitors see and enjoy a mix of scenic views, marine life, and open water fun.

What makes this tour stand out is its balance of guided instruction and free riding. You can captain your own jet ski (no license needed), with up to two riders per ski and a maximum weight of 160 kg. The tour kicks off at Horseshoe Bay, with a safety briefing, then takes you exploring bays such as Florence Bay or Radical Bay, often with chances to swim or take photos. The trained team shares insights about Magnetic Island’s birdlife and marine ecosystems, enriching the experience beyond just speeding around.

Good reviews highlight the friendly staff and scenic stops. One reviewer said, “A fantastic way to see the island from the water and learn about the local wildlife.” The tour’s value lies in its combination of guided adventure in beautiful surroundings with the freedom of self-captaining a jet ski.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers looking for an active, scenic experience with the flexibility of guiding themselves. No license, no fuss, just pure fun.

2. Magnetic Island 60-Minute Jet Ski Hire – 1 to 8 People

Want to mix things up and have complete control over your adventure? Our Magnetic Island 60-Minute Jet Ski Hire allows you to rent a jet ski for an hour and set your own course within the largest freestyle jet ski area in Australia. You can share the ski with up to eight riders, making it a perfect activity for families or groups.

This hire puts you in charge of your experience—whether you want to zip around Horseshoe Bay, explore nearby coves, or cruise along the coast. No license is required, which makes it accessible even for first-timers. The hire includes guidance on how to operate the jet ski safely and points out good wildlife viewing spots along the way.

The highlight is the freestyle zone—a designated area designed for playful jumps and tricks, especially appealing to those who love a bit of adrenaline. Reviewers comment on how easy it is to get started and how much fun they had discovering the island’s coastline at their own pace.

Bottom Line: Great for groups or families wanting a flexible, self-directed water adventure with plenty of room to explore safely.

3. Magnetic Island 30-Minute Jet Ski Hire – 1 to 4 People

For a shorter burst of jet ski fun, this 30-minute hire offers an ideal quick escape. Perfect if you’re short on time but still want the thrill of piloting your own watercraft. It’s suitable for up to four riders sharing one ski, with a 15-minute swap-out option.

This experience emphasizes ease of access and control, with no license required. Riders can enjoy exploring the bay, chasing wildlife, or simply cruising along the coast. The biggest freestyle zone in Australia is within reach, so even beginners can have fun trying out little jumps and tricks under supervision.

Guests often mention how straightforward it is to get started and how much they appreciated the opportunity to tailor their experience. It’s an excellent choice for families or small groups wanting a quick but memorable jet ski session.

Bottom Line: Best for those seeking a short, self-guided thrill in a large and safe watersport playground.

4. Magnetic Island: Breakfast with Koalas Experience

Looking for a more relaxed, animal-focused experience? The Breakfast with Koalas combines a tasty meal with an up-close encounter with some of Australia’s most iconic animals. Surrounded by native trees and wildlife, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast while meeting rescued koalas, wombats, and other native species.

This experience offers a chance to ask questions and take photos in a natural setting, emphasizing conservation and education. It’s perfect for travelers who want to experience Australia’s wildlife without the strenuous activity. Guests have described it as a peaceful morning in a relaxed environment that feels like visiting a friend’s farm.

While the reviews aren’t specific on ratings, the concept is appealing for families, animal lovers, or anyone wanting a gentle, immersive encounter. The laid-back atmosphere on Magnetic Island adds to the charm.

Bottom Line: Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful morning with native Australian animals, combined with good food.

5. Magnetic Island Jet Ski Experience: Island Circumnavigation

For the ultimate comprehensive jet ski adventure, the Island Circumnavigation offers a 4-hour guided tour exploring 23 bays, including 10 accessible only by ocean. This full-day experience is a fantastic way to see the full scale of Magnetic Island’s coast, from popular beaches to hidden coves.

Starting with a safety briefing, you’ll then cruise with a trained guide, learning about the island’s marine life, bird populations, and coastal ecosystems. The tour includes stops for photos, swimming, and wildlife viewing, making it an engaging mix of sightseeing and adventure. The itinerary is packed with remote locations rarely visited on standard tours, providing an authentic and immersive experience.

Guests rave about the expert guidance and the chance to explore at their own pace. The tour is best suited for confident jet skiers or those eager for a full day of high-energy exploration.

Bottom Line: Perfect for experienced thrill-seekers or those wanting to see the island’s remote corners on a guided, full-day jet ski adventure.

How to Choose Your Perfect Tour

When selecting the best tour in Horseshoe Bay, consider your budget, available time, fitness level, and interests. If you’re after a quick thrill, the 30-minute or 60-minute jet ski hires are flexible options. For a more immersive, guided experience, the full island circumnavigation offers extensive exploration and wildlife encounters. Wildlife lovers will enjoy the Breakfast with Koalas, especially if relaxing with animals is your priority.

Booking early is advisable, especially during holiday seasons, to secure your preferred time slot. If you’re unsure whether you want a guided tour or self-directed hire, think about how much control and independence you prefer — both options deliver memorable, scenic experiences.

Final Thoughts

Horseshoe Bay and Magnetic Island offer a variety of ways to enjoy the water, wildlife, and scenery. For high-energy fun with a sense of independence, jet ski hires and tours are unmatched. If you prefer relaxed wildlife interactions, the breakfast experience provides an authentic taste of Australian fauna. For those seeking the full scope of the island’s coast, the full circumnavigation is a memorable adventure.

Whatever your interests, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these exciting options. Each tour offers a distinct taste of Magnetic Island’s natural beauty—so pick what suits your style and start planning your aquatic adventure today.