Tours/Cairns and the Tropical North/All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef
Viator · group up to 100 pax

All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef

4.7(434)Cairns and the Tropical North1 hour
VIATOR4.4(74)TRIPADVISOR4.8(360)

Description

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.

Tour 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

Highlights

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)

What's included

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)
Not included
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.

Pickup Locations & Times

Frankland Islands will send you a booking confirmation with your pickup time. Please be sure to check this carefully. If you haven't specified a pick-up location yet please advise Frankland Islands of your Cairns hotel/hostel pick up location by contacting us on 07 4046 7333.

Traveller Ratings

4.7
434 reviews
5
366
4
39
3
14
2
7
1
8

Important Information

  • 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

Reviews(434)

C
Callyoz
July 7, 2026
A lovely day trip.

This is in no way a criticism of the crew and company who were completely supportive and helpful. I had wanted to try snorkeling and I have to say I failed miserably. Unfortunately entry to the water from the sharp coral beach was very difficult for me with the surf pushing me back but with help from two staff members I did manage to get out into the water but they soon called us back in. So apart from that, we did enjoy the day. The trip out was bumpy but we enjoyed it, have always loved boating and it didn’t worry us at all. The location on the island was wonderful. The weather perfect and the lunch far exceeded my expectations. So many choices and plenty of food provided. Unfortunately conditions didn’t allow for the glass bottom boat to go out so we were disappointed by that but we really enjoyed the walk with Max around the island, it was very informative. We met some lovely people and did enjoy our day. I would recommend the trip to anyone who is fit but if you want to snorkel, really be honest with yourself as to your own capabilities. I consider myself a fairly fit and active 74 year old but the waves and the coral beach were not fun. Dammit, I really wanted to get out into the water and swim! I will try next time we are up that way but will talk to companies that allow entry into the water from a pontoon or similar to see if it would suit me better. In conclusion, we had a lovely day and I sincerely thank the staff for their care of us.

Operator response

Hi Callyoz, Thank you for taking the time to leave such an in-depth review! While it's unfortunate to hear that snorkelling wasn’t quite your thing, we’re so glad to hear you felt well supported and were willing to give it a red-hot crack. It’s fantastic to hear that the beachside buffet lunch exceeded your expectations and that you really enjoyed the island walk with Max. We hope you were able to take away lots of new and interesting information from this part of the day! We really appreciate you choosing to travel with us and wish you safe travels ahead! Many Thanks, Madeline and the Frankland Islands Reef Cruises Team

K
kcN1036IA
June 30, 2026
Great Day on Private Island

My husband and I went on the Frankland Island River Cruise on June 29. We had a wonderful experience. They had canceled on the prior day due to weather but we easily rescheduled. The transfer from Cairns to the boat was convenient. The river cruise was calm and beautiful. We saw a few crocodiles and the crew was friendly and entertaining. The ocean crossing to the island was quite rough but the crew made it an experience I will not soon forget! We chose to snorkel off the beach but there was an option to snorkel offshore with the crew. We were not very comfortable in the water but we did see fish and coral. The lunch was good and the crew worked very hard to set everything up. We had a relaxing day enjoying a private secluded island on The Great Barrier Reef.

Operator response

Hi there, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review! We're sorry to hear that your tour was cancelled the day prior. Please know that these decisions are never made lightly and are always made with the safety of our guests and crew as the highest priority. We're glad to hear you had flexible plans and were able to join us the following day however! How fantastic that you were able to spot some crocodiles on your way out to Normanby Island, and we're so pleased to hear that our crew made such a positive impression on you. Thank you for choosing to travel with us! Many Thanks, Madeline and the Frankland Islands Reef Cruises Team

M
MJaneCronin
June 10, 2026
A great team for a great snorkeling experience.

It was fun! I was initially a little nervous about going on the sea safari (Max, a marine biologist, took us around the reef pointing out the beautiful coral, and fish ). Max helped me get comfortable so that I could enjoy the whole snorkeling experience. If you need a little coaxing to snorkel and relax then this is the tour to go on. Max also took us around the island pointing out seed pods, geographical history, and clams in the tide pool….very interesting. The glass bottom boat was a disappointment- maybe if we could’ve gone farther away from the beach? A couple more kayaks would’ve helped those that didn’t want to snorkel but wanted to get out on the water. And, the food was just okay. More spice? More heat? All things considered, I would go with this professional team to snorkel anytime.

B
Bianca_M
June 7, 2026
Beautiful day

It was such a lovely relaxing day. I had so much fun snorkelling, I felt very safe. Loved the equipment they provided to entertain us during the day. The lunch was also yummy and a great assortment of food. The staff was also very accommodating. I also loved the how loved the trip on the way to the island. The music and speed of the boat really brought the vibe and excitement to start our day.

Operator response

Hi There, Thank you for your wonderful review. We are so pleased to hear you had such a relaxing and enjoyable day with us. Knowing that you felt safe and comfortable while snorkelling is especially rewarding, as guest safety is always our highest priority. Thank you for your kind works about our crew, we take great pride in providing friendly and accommodating service throughout the day! We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for another fantastic day on the reef in the future!

G
G4065BCchristinah
May 29, 2026
Recommended day trip

Excellent 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.

Operator response

Hi There, Thank you for taking the time to leave us your fantastic review. We are so delighted to hear you enjoyed your day exploring beautiful Normanby Island and the surrounding reef and we're also please you enjoyed the guided island walk, lunch and refreshments throughout the day! Thank you for your recommendation and hope to welcome you back soon!

T
Torsana
May 5, 2026
An amazing experience you won't forget

My 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.

Operator response

Hi Torsana, Thank you for your lovely review! We’re so pleased to hear that Riley made such a wonderful impression and helped tick off a bucket list experience for you. It’s also great to know that the guided island walk was one of the highlights of your day. Many Thanks, Madeline and the Frankland Islands Reef Cruises Team

G
G2083ZGmichaell
April 26, 2026
Awesome Island trip without the crowd.

Avoid 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.

G
Gerald_B
April 23, 2026
Reef Visibility Poor

The 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.

D
Dennis_M
April 16, 2026
Franklin islands

Very 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

B
Benfield2015
April 11, 2026
Do not hesitate to take this tour!

Fabulous 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!

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