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
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- 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
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
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)
Due to significant volatility in supply and operational costs, we reserve the right to collect a fuel surcharge prior to travel. This will be collected via emailed payment link.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
430 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Recommended day trip
G4065BCchristinah,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour to the proverbial desert island with a very good lunch and snacks. Guides were very knowledgeable about marine life. The island walk was fascinating. The coral reef was great, turtles, manta rays, baby shark, parrot fish, angel fish, butterfly fish, iridescent anemone, some coloured coral. Wetsuits and water provided, (unlike other snorkelling tours!) Recommended.
An amazing experience you won't forget
Torsana,May 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I had an absolutely amazing time on this tour. A big shout out and thank you to Riley as she made us feel so comfortable snorkelling and made it such a special experience! Even though we were a little nervous to do the snorkel safari because of the choppy water, we are so happy we did because we got to see so much sea life. Riley went out of her way to make sure I got to see a turtle, which was on my bucket list. We also really enjoyed the island walking tour and learning more about the ecosystem there.
Awesome Island trip without the crowd.
G2083ZGmichaell,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Avoid the crowds and lunatics. Really great day didn't see the elusive Manta Rays but amazing being surrounded by a large school of Trevally. Conditions were a bit windy but still clear enough to see the coral and fish life. Staff were awesome catering for a wide range of snorkeling ability and experience. We will be back on a calmer day! Also saw a croc lazing on the riverbank.
Reef Visibility Poor
Gerald B,Apr 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00The crew was great, friendly and knowledgeable. But the reason to go on this was to see the Great Barrier Reef. The visibility was terrible, very murky. Between the 2 of us we saw 2 fish and 2 turtles. Where we snorkeled the reef was colorless. The crew explained why this has happened, global warming, regardless we want to alert others if you are expecting to see a beautiful reef with vibrant fish, it will not be on this tour.
Franklin islands
Dennis M,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Very rough sea getting to island. Once there snorkeling was good. Plenty of colorful fish. Sharks and turtles. Lunch was good. Overall I would do it again
Do not hesitate to take this tour!
Benfield2015,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabulous experience. Staff had tons of enthusiasm and took great care of us. The person that lead the snorkel tour (I didn’t catch her name but she is from Missouri) was particularly great. Do not hesitate to take this tour. The snorkeling was awesome and we had plenty of time. Even saw a manta ray!
Must-do
Akanksha U,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour! Superb team. The whole crew is fantastic and they go out of their way to make your day comfortable, enjoyable and memorable. Food is great too! We had the island to ourselves on the day we went. Kids had a great time going around the island on a treasure hunt with Riley! We snorkelled from the beach all day and saw all kinds of fish and coral. Spotted some turtles and a baby black tip shark too! Pretty fab day! Highly recommended.
Beautiful island and reef tour!
619minin,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour from start to finish. All staff really friendly and knowledgeable. Lovely pace to the day. The river and ocean cruise to get the island is beautiful and fun. Normanby Island is an unspoilt piece of heaven. Andy who lead the Snorkel Safari and the island tour knew so much about the reef and the island. We saw so many fish and types of reef, we were also lucky enough to see lots of green sea turtles both from the beach and when snorkelling. Group size was 40 and we had the island to ourselves. I would totally recommend this tour.
Finding Nemo
SunshineGray587,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great crew, very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. We were fortunate that it didn't rain after arriving on the island, and we had a lovely sunny day. The snorkeling from the beach was good - we saw a lot of different fish. One of us did the snorkel safari. It was well organised and good. Unfortunately the water was a bit cloudy after the recent rain, and it was only a week after cyclone Narelle passed just north of here, making it a bit more difficult to see clearly under water. Cold buffet lunch was tasty and filling. We really enjoyed the walk around the island guided by Max. There was good shelter from the sun and plenty of drinking water available, and soft or alcoholic drinks were available for purchase. Highlights: seeing a couple of small 'nemo' fish, a shy octopus, guide Max's enthusiasm about the island and sealife, the small giant clam closing and squirting water.
Everything well organized
astepforever,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything is well organized from pick up to drop off. The island is not as commercialized as the other islands in the area, so you got to enjoy the natural beauty more. Special kudos to the marinebiologist (I didnt capture his name unfortuntely). He led the snorkeling safari and the island walk, and I had learnt so much about the corals and the geology on the way. Just be mindful that if you sit at the rear window seats, you would get poured by the splash - they tried to pull some curtains on the side, not too helpful.
Related Experiences
Operated by Frankland Islands Reef Cruises