Magnetic Island has 23 beaches, ranging from the busy main bays with cafes and facilities to remote, completely undeveloped coves accessible only on foot. The water is warm year-round, but note that the north Queensland waters carry the box jellyfish risk from November to May — during this season, swim in the stinger nets at Horseshoe Bay and Nelly Bay or wear a stinger suit. Outside of stinger season the swimming is excellent and largely unencumbered.