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 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.
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)
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
419 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Must do tour to see the reef in Cairns
H5168TMfionaf,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fabulous experience from start to finish. Super proffessional guides highly knowledgeable. I have some health concerns, they could not have been dealt with more proffessionaly or with more consideration. Both the reef safari and the island walk were exceptional.
Wonderful overall experience
Fearless24624031067,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Truly awesome! Much better and less crowded/touristy than the Outer Reef/Green/Fitzroy tours for a more secluded feel. All inclusive makes it stress free. Tour guides were fun and informative. River entrance adds the croc dimension. Definitely recommend this tour more than the others or at least do both, but don’t miss this.
Wonderful day
Clair C,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing day - fantastic staff who were attentive and knowledgeable and couldn’t help us enough to ensure we enjoyed our day We travelled with a year adult son who has an intellectual disability- from the moment we were collected everyone from the coach driver to the crew made sure he was included and made sure his needs were met. I did the safari snorkelling but my partner and his son stayed at on the island and were helped by Max to kayak and snorkel - Riley kept checking in on us and also made sure our dietary needs were sorted. The afternoon island tour with Max was so informative and again inclusive. All in all a wonderful day with experienced and innately kind staff.
Perfect family adventure!
N1991KSameliah,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing day out at Frankland Islands. The staff were so great with the kids (they especially loved the pirate treasure hunt)! We had a wonderful time on the glass bottom boat, snorkelling with turtles and kayaking. Thanks to the great crew, especially Riley & Jimmy who made our day!
Great experience with great crew
530elizabethk,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour. Frankland Islands are fascinating. River cruise is very interesting way to start a trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Short ocean crossing to the islands. The staff are highly qualified, attentive and friendly. Tour is very well organised.
Out of this world..Amazing
578sabaha,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was amazing. Everything was 5 star. From the crew, to the guides, to the marine biologist, so the skipper driving the boat and the photographer. We are basically non swimmers but the guides took time out to calm us and took us for guided snorkeling tour. We saw nemo, dori, turtles, and even baby shark. It was unbelievable. The buffet lunch was fresh and had chiken seafood and vegetarian items. The island is untouched beauty and these guys are simply the best. Thankyou team. We will come again and book you. Frankland Islands Reef Cruises
Beautiful trip!
Vacations299,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful trip! Ana, our guide, was well informed, enthusiastic, and ready to share her knowledge and point wildlife. Activities are balanced with multiple options available. The site is beautiful and snorkeling was amazing. We only wished we could stay and enjoy the island longer.
As close to nature as you can get
Michel I,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Well organised tour by the team, food was very filling and a great selection, island has been kept absolutely pristine.
Family over from the UK.
Marty Heaps Good,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a great trip this, a leisurely cruise up the river then a quick zip out to Normanby Island. What a beautiful setting, friendly staff and ample food. We would definitely look at doing this again. Our visitors from the UK absolutely loved it. Thanks
Proper Robinson Cruiso island experience
AndyNorthampton,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A superb day out on the reef on a deserted island. All inclusive experience including hotel transfer, lunch and all snorkelling kit etc. first class tour guides offering insight, humour and great organisation. Walk around the island, take in the breath-taking views, snorkel for marine life and befriend some baby black tip reef sharks! They even threw in a croc sunbathing on the way back. Well worth the money!
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