Horseshoe Bay in Queensland isn’t just a pretty spot for relaxing on the beach; it’s also a fantastic place for water-based adventures. The clear, calm waters and scenic coastline make it perfect for exploring by jet ski. We particularly love the Magnetic Island options because they offer a chance to see wildlife like turtles and eagles while cruising past impressive granite formations. If you want to experience Magnetic Island’s stunning bays, check out their Five Beach Bay Jet Ski Adventure Tour, which combines a scenic ride with wildlife spotting.
For those who prefer a more flexible, self-guided experience, the island also offers Jet Ski Hire options, allowing you to set your own pace and explore at leisure. Whether you’re after a quick burst of fun or a longer outing, these options give you control and the thrill of navigating Australia’s largest jet ski playground.
Quick Overview
This guide features three top jet ski experiences on Magnetic Island and Horseshoe Bay: a guided 90-minute tour with wildlife encounters, and two flexible hire options of 30 or 60 minutes—perfect for families, thrill-seekers, or casual explorers. Each offers a different way to enjoy the water, with no license required. Now, let’s look more closely at each.
1. Magnetic Island: Five Beach Bay 90-Minute Tour, 1x jet ski
This 90-minute guided jet ski tour takes you to explore nine bays along Magnetic Island, with eight only accessible by sea. Quite simply, it’s a fantastic way to see the island’s coastline in a short time but with enough depth to feel like you’ve experienced a true adventure. You’ll start with fast access to Five Beach Bay, one of the many beaches only reachable by boat, making this tour an exclusive look at the island’s hidden spots.
The tour includes one jet ski shared between two people, which keeps the experience intimate and manageable. No license is required, so this is friendly for beginners or those who just want to jump in for some fun. Wildlife is often seen along the route—turtles, eagles, and fish are common sights. The coastline’s granite formations add a dramatic backdrop to your ride.
What makes this tour stand out is its mix of speed, access to secluded beaches, and wildlife encounters, all packed into two hours. The reviews are glowing, with a rating of 5/5 from 23 reviews, praising the tour’s scenery and knowledgeable guides. For families or small groups seeking a well-organized, scenic adventure, this is a top choice.
Bottom Line: Excellent for a short, high-energy tour that combines wildlife, scenery, and access to otherwise hard-to-reach beaches at a reasonable price.
2. Magnetic Island Jet Ski Hire 60 minutes, 1x jet ski
If you prefer to be behind the wheel and control your own adventure, the 60-minute jet ski hire is a superb choice. This experience gives you one jet ski, which you can share with up to eight riders doing quick 15-minute beach swap-outs. It’s perfect for families or groups who want to explore at their own pace and perhaps try some freestyle maneuvers.
The large freestyle jet ski area means plenty of space for sharp turns, short sprints, or just drifting along the coast. Wildlife sightings like turtles or eagles are common, and the environment is safe and supervised. Importantly, no license is required, making it accessible even if you’ve never been on a jet ski before.
Guests describe this as a redefining hire experience because it transforms a simple rental into a self-controlled adventure. The price—$145 for up to eight people—is quite competitive considering the size of the play area and the freedom it offers. During your time, you can explore secluded bays or cruise along the coast, capturing fantastic photos in the process.
Bottom Line: Ideal for groups who want ultimate freedom over their water adventure, with enough space for multiple people to enjoy at once.
3. Magnetic Island Jet Ski Hire 30 minutes, 1x jet ski
For those on a tighter schedule or looking for a quick thrill, the 30-minute jet ski hire provides an abbreviated but still exciting water experience. Perfect for a family outing or someone trying jet skiing for the first time, this option lets you explore the biggest freestyle jet ski area in Australia without committing to a longer session.
You’ll get one jet ski for 30 minutes, with the chance to swap riders every 15 minutes. Wildlife spotting is just as likely here, with many riders enjoying the chance to see turtles or eagles along the coast. Like the other hire options, no license is needed, making it straightforward to jump in and go.
With a rate of $92 for groups up to four, this is a budget-friendly way to dip your toes into jet skiing. While it’s a shorter experience, it still offers plenty of space for fun, and the supervision ensures safety and guidance.
Bottom Line: Best suited for a quick, controlled burst of fun, especially if you’re short on time but still want to experience Magnetic Island’s waters.
How to Choose
Choosing between these jet ski options depends on your schedule, budget, and desire for control. If you want a guided, scenic tour that includes wildlife encounters—the Five Beach Bay 90-minute tour is ideal. For those wanting more independence, the 60-minute or 30-minute jet ski hires give you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Consider your group size, experience level, and how much time you want to spend on the water. Families or first-timers often prefer the guided tour or shorter hire, while adrenaline junkies might opt for the longer self-guided sessions. Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date.
Horseshoe Bay and Magnetic Island deliver exceptional water adventures for all kinds of travelers. Whether you seek guided wildlife encounters or the thrill of steering your own jet ski, there’s something here for you. For a memorable, fun-filled day, these tours certainly make the most of Queensland’s stunning coast. Remember, the earlier you book, the better your chances of snagging the perfect ride.