Boulders is a shallow reef shore dive that suits beginners well, with depths running from 2 to 10 metres and generally mild current. Visibility ranges from 1 to 8 metres, so conditions can vary, but on a good day you get clear views of the reef structure and its residents. Keep an eye on the bottom for wobbegong and epaulette sharks resting on the rocks, and look under ledges for moray eels and crayfish. Stingrays often cruise the sandy patches between the boulders. Sweetlips, batfish, and coral trout add colour in the water column, while nudibranchs reward anyone who slows down and looks carefully.
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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.
Stinger season (for Irukandji and Box Jellyfish) runs from approximately November to May. Full-body stinger suits are highly recommended during these months.
Depth
2-10m
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
Boulders dive site near Townsville, Queensland reaches depths between 2 and 10 metres, making it an accessible shallow dive location. The site sits within Magnetic Island's protected waters and offers easy bottom profiles for novice divers. Maximum depth rarely exceeds 10 metres across the boulder formations.
Boulders in Townsville is renowned for wobbegong sharks and epaulette sharks resting amongst the rocky formations. Divers regularly encounter stingrays, crayfish, moray eels, colourful nudibranchs, sweetlips and batfish. The shallow reef structure and boulder overhangs create ideal habitats for these species year-round.
Boulders is specifically suited to beginner divers with Open Water certification, featuring shallow depths of 2 to 10 metres and mild currents. The protected location near Townsville provides sheltered conditions ideal for building confidence. Boat access and guided tours are readily available through local dive operators.
The best months to dive Boulders are May through October, plus January and February, when conditions are most favourable. Winter months from May to October offer clearer visibility and calmer seas. Summer diving remains viable though visibility may be reduced during periods of tropical rainfall.
Night diving is permitted at Boulders, offering opportunities to observe nocturnal marine species including active epaulette sharks and wobbegongs. Local dive operators in Townsville organise guided night dives at this shallow site. The mild currents and maximum 10-metre depth make it suitable for night diving experiences.
Divers at Boulders should monitor for jellyfish, particularly during summer months, and remain alert for boat traffic in the area. Low visibility conditions can reduce awareness of surroundings and require closer buddy contact. Wobbegong sharks, whilst generally docile, should not be touched or disturbed when resting under ledges.
Boat access is required to reach Boulders dive site, with no shore entry available. Multiple dive shops in Townsville offer boat charters, equipment rental and guided tours to the site. Facilities include air fills, and operators typically provide full-service packages for the short boat journey to Magnetic Island's waters.
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.
