All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Frankland Islands Reef Cruises are the only commercial operator allowed to land on stunning Normanby Island, offering ample space and time for relaxation and exploration. Customise your day trip with a variety of optional activities on our all-inclusive tour.
The islands are also home to several endangered species like the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, spectacled flying-fox, and beach stone-curlews. Explore the vibrant underwater world with 200 coral species around Normanby and Mabel islands, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's total of 600 species.
On Frankland Islands, stars aren't just in the sky—they're beneath your feet! Baclogypsina sphirulata, known as Sand Stars found on Normanby Island, are typically rare and found on beaches across the Indo-Pacific. They're often considered unique to Okinawa, Japan, but it's our hidden delight that you can also discover them in a secluded spot on Normanby Island.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
All guests are required to wear lycra suits that are provided during stinger season
All guests are required to complete a snorkelling safety acknowledgement prior to entering the water.
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking
Please note that there are no paved walkways. Prams must be carried or pushed in the sand.
Please note that if the bus transfers are fully booked, you will need to make your own way to Deeral to board the boat
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Spacious and comfortable boat
Spectacular 30-minute calm water cruise along the Mulgrave River
Guided Island Walk
Use of Snorkeling Equipment, Kayaks and Stand up Paddle boards
Morning & Afternoon Tea and fresh water throughout the day
Fresh Tropical Buffet Lunch
Return transfers from select Cairns CBD accommodation, subject to availability.
Guided Snorkel Safari Tour
Lycra Suits (seasonal)
Introductory Diving
Varied drinks including soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (available to purchase)
What To Expect
Explore the pristine Frankland Group National Park, part of the Great Barrier Reef, featuring five uninhabited islands—Normanby, High, Russell, Round, and Mabel, surrounded by vibrant fringing reefs. Dive into a world of diverse marine life including 200 coral species found around Normanby and Mabel islands. Your journey begins with a scenic coach ride from Cairns, followed by a tranquil river cruise down the Mulgrave River. Enjoy the shortest open water crossing of any of the Cairns day tours to Normanby Island, where Frankland Islands Reef Cruises offers exclusive access, being the only commercial operator licensed to land on Normanby Island. Experience a snorkel safari with our knowledgeable crew, a semi-submarine tour with commentary, guided island walk, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and a beachside buffet lunch. Relax on your return journey aboard the Turtle Islander, arriving in Cairns by late afternoon, filled with memories of your unforgettable Frankland Islands adventure.
Options
Day Tour - Self Drive
Activities: Snorkel Safari, Semi-Submarine Tour, Island Walk, Kayaks, Stand Up Paddle Boards and Snorkel Equipment
Food & Drinks: Morning & Afternoon Tea as well as a Fresh Tropical Buffet Lunch are provided. Water is available throughout the day too.
Meet at Vessel - Deeral: 169 Ross Road, Deeral - meet the vessel at the Jetty
Day Tour- Inc Cairns Pick Up
Activities: Snorkel Safari, Semi-Submarine Tour, Island Walk, Kayaks, Stand Up Paddle Boards and Snorkel Equipment
Food & Drinks: Morning & Afternoon Tea as well as a Fresh Tropical Buffet Lunch are provided. Water is available throughout the day too.
Pickup included
Reviews
407 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It doesn’t worth
Hugo eduardo F,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00Compared to other attractions, this is the most expensive and least appealing island in the region. It lacks proper infrastructure and organization to accommodate visitors. The area offers limited activities, and essential facilities such as clean restrooms, proper signage, and shaded areas are missing, which makes the experience less enjoyable. Overall, it’s worth visiting only if you’ve already explored the other, better-rated islands and are simply looking for something different, but it’s definitely not a must-see spot.
Franklin Island Day Tour
Claire J,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day out, beautiful clear sea and lots of fish and turtles to see from the beach and the semi submersible. Beach shoes will make walking around the island easier as there is a lot of coral. Catered for my dietary requirements amazingly
Disclaimer: Cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, Customers need to adjust schedule to fulfill tour profits
Umme A,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Disclaimer: don't book Frankland Island tour if you, the paying customer, have no schedule flexibility and are ok with a potential cancellation due to low numbers on your booked date. Within an hour of landing at Cairns airport for a 2 night stay specifically to see the Frankland Island tour the next morning, I received an email that this tour was canceled. No explanation given. The email said I could rebook to a few specific days mentioned, or cancel. No refund was offered until I reached out to Viator. Thankfully Viator confirmed a full refund shortly afterwards. I later had to go out of my way to contact the tour team to ask why the tour was cancelled. The tour team said they had low bookings. While I appreciate the honesty, I would appreciate more their actions and clear disclaimer. It's not a weather related or emergency related cancellation, so this is highly discourteous to my time, and the team clearly focused on profit and not the customer. As someone visiting Australia for the first time, and as a paid customer for this tour (refund pending), I leave Cairns and Australia with a sense of being disrespected. I will never recommend this tour.
Amazing island, great crew and the happiest I’ve been in a while!
maxgZ9674LL,
Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely loved this. The crew were so nice, food was provided and the island itself was amazing. It didn’t have any man-made structures and that made the whole experience so much better. I highly recommend you snorkel, it was the happiest I have been in a while. Loved this!
Private island
Pat C,
Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful, private getaway. I was nervous about the snorkeling but they take you out to a certain point and then guide you back. I used a life jacket and was fine. They had a ring if any one got tired but the fish and coral were so amazing that was not likely to happen. Island was a tropical paradise and lunch was plentiful. I highly recommend this tour.
Wonderful Day at Franklin Island
Scott G,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our experience at Franklin island snorkeling event was great. We were kept busy the full day with glass bottom boat ride, snorkeling and nature walk. The lunch was more than we expected. Delicious. We were given a lot of information on barrier reef, coral and other nature on this beautiful little island.
Ideal way to experience the spectacular coral reef
TheoA369,
Oct 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A perfect way to experience the beautiful reef. There is a maximum of 20 people which we really prefer to the big crowded boats. The staff were friendly and professional, eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for the area. We basically hung at the gorgeous beach swimming, snorkelling and ducking into the shaded tables area to drink, eat or just rest. Absolutely stunning.
This experience was very...
Kati R,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience was very eco-friendly, no shops, no paths, no buildings just an amazing natural environment with fantastic staff and fun activities to do as well as just taking in the gorgeous surrounds.
A memory you will always have with you and that includes everyone in the family.
Manas R,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Best and memorable time with the team and Frankland island.. the crew was amazing and very very helpful… I cannot recommend them enough… if you are looking for a true snorkelling experience and have not done ever or are even scared of water believe me these guys are champs… my wife and a 6 year old who has not set foot in water as they are scared.. these guys made it like a cake walk… my daughter was taken in the deep waters for coral and fish views with very experienced staff and they just loved it.. imagine a 6 year old who is just learning to swim going in deep waters with instructor for viewing corals what a sight it was for me… they are simply amazing… 100%. I was on green island before but this is another level.. if you are looking for true experience this is where you go. Not very fancy but I guess it’s the value in what activities and care they offer… can’t express thanks to the staff enough…
Beautiful, secluded island. Great staff
8jacquil,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Deserted island, small intimate group , personal attention and great snorkel guide. Beautiful scenery and setting, fast comfortable sustainable boat. We took our own lunch and found a quiet picnic sport away from the "crowd" which was perfect. The Express tour with just over 2 hours on the island also suited our plans - enough time to do everything. A very different experience to other reef/island offerings. We are Cairns locals and another time, we might then drive south for an overnight stay and take guests to Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls etc
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Operated by Frankland Islands Reef Cruises