Learn about the GBR
The Great Barrier Reef - Experience World Heritage
The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is recognized for its outstanding universal value. It is one of the most important natural ecosystems on the planet, and it is a critical source of food, livelihoods, and tourism for the people of Australia. Located off the coast of north-eastern Australia, the Great Barrier Reef spans over 2,300 kilometres (1,400 miles) along the Queensland coastline. It is made up of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, and it covers an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 square miles).
Home to over 1,500 species of fish, including clownfish, giant trevally, and barracuda, as well as over 600 species of hard and soft corals, the reef is also home to dozens of species including dugongs, dolphins, and humpback whales. The reef is also an important breeding and nesting site for sea turtles and seabirds, such as the magnificent frigatebird.
The reef is managed by and cared for by GBRMPA, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. They work alongside the traditional owners, marine scientists, government departments, local tourism operators and individuals to protect the reef from environmental threats and preserve it from future generations.
All commercial day tours to the Great Barrier Reef pay an included EMC, or Environmental Management Charge, which goes directly to GBRMPA to fund the day-to-day management of the marine park. So by visiting the Frankland Islands with us, you’re helping to protect the reef!
Protecting the Great Barrier Reef
Unfortunately, the Great Barrier Reef is facing several significant environmental challenges that threaten its long-term survival. The reef is facing significant pressures from climate change, pollution, overfishing, and coastal development. These threats have resulted in declines in some fish populations and affecting the health of the reef ecosystem. Despite these challenges, several conservation and restoration efforts are underway, including initiatives to reduce pollution, promote sustainable fishing practices, and restore damaged reef habitats. These efforts are critical for ensuring that the Great Barrier Reef can continue to thrive.
Journey to the Great Barrier Reef
Discover a Cairns hidden gem
When visiting North Queensland, the must-do experience is a Great Barrier Reef day tour. Look no further than the Frankland Islands off Cairns, which offers pristine snorkelling opportunities amid beautiful, healthy corals. You can access this hidden gem on an organized day trip from Cairns.
Fun facts about the Great Barrier Reef
Learn about the largest living structure on the planet and one of the natural wonders of the world – Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Here are some fun facts about this awe-inspiring coral reef environment and its fascinating marine creatures.
#1
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park classification extends into the airspace above the water and into the earth beneath the seabed.
#2
You may think of coral reefs when you think of the Great Barrier Reef, but they only make up about 7% of the entire Marine Park.
#3
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is almost as big as Germany - laid on top it would cover 98.6% of the country.
#4
The Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world’s seven turtle species and contains 25% of all known marine species in the world.
This was a fantastic day. An easy cruise to the island, enthusiastic crew, good equipment and a pristine island. The lunch was good and the island walk was really interesting. Plenty of coral and fish although it doesn’t compare to the outer reef. We did see turtles 👏🏻 though. One of the best days we have had in FNQ. I would definitely recommend this day when visiting the Cairns area.
Highly recommend this tour. Loved the snorkelling tour and water activities. Food was fresh and plentiful. Staff were friendly and helpful. Such a great day for all of the family.
Best day ever!!! Kelly, Panchi, and the rest of the crew were so fantastic! The boat ride over was lovely and the snorkeling was PERFECT. We saw soooo many fish and felt super safe the whole time! Thank you guys 🐠🐟
Even though the weather wasn’t the best, it still was an enjoyable day. The staff were great and very approachable. Meals included morning tea on the boat travelling along the river, an excellent buffet lunch on the island, and then afternoon tea on the way back. Easy to follow instructions for pick-up if going with the bus transfer. A great way to spend my Birthday.. Thanks to everyone 🌞
Embarking on a Frankland Islands tour is like stepping into a vibrant underwater wonderland, and our recent experience was nothing short of magical. The highlight of our adventure was the exceptional care provided by Kelly, who ensured my 83-year-old mother felt comfortable and safe while snorkeling. Her patience and expertise allowed my mother to explore the aquatic marvels with confidence and ease. Meanwhile, Punchie, our scuba guide, led us on an exhilarating dive around Normanby Island, revealing the hidden treasures of the reef with enthusiasm and knowledge that greatly enriched our experience. Their passion for the marine world and dedication to their guests’ enjoyment shone as brightly as the tropical sun. It’s clear that the Frankland Islands crew doesn’t just offer tours; they create lifelong memories. If you’re seeking an unforgettable aquatic adventure, look no further than this dedicated and professional team.
Glorious day. Coach collected us across from hotel. Painless transfer down the coast to catch the boat. Nice cruise up the river and then over to the island. Biscuts, tea and coffee served onboard and for those snorkelling we were given our snorkeling gear and a wetsuit.
Snorkeling saw 4 sea turtles – coral in some parts certainly impacted by climate change and pollution and hopefully it will return. Saw lots of fish life and better coral as we swam closer to the beach.
Nice lunch including prawns and really interesting walk around the island where Anna(?) pointed out some great marine facts and sea life we wouldn’t have picked up ourselves. Saw a Spider Snail, Clown Fish and an Epaulette Shark.
Cool river cruise on an uncrowded catamaran style ferry. Quick trip out through the heads of the Mulgrave river to Normanby island. We had a great snorkel on the lee side of the island so we were out of the 15kt south Easter which was crucial. Lovely island walk where sandals were very necessary. On return we saw two crocs in the river , one being a massive male croc called Clyde. My son got to sit with the captain with the other kids. Great food and snacks and a totally satisfying day.
We had the most amazing day with Frankland Island Reef Cruises. Pick up from Cairns accommodation in a comfortable bus and taken to boarding point just south of Cairns. As we cruised down the river, we were fitted out with all our snorkelling gear and wetsuits. As soon as we got to Normanby Island, everything was ready to go. Options to go on a guided snorkel tour or you can just snorkel from the beach (plenty of reef to see), glass bottom boat, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and an informative eco walking tour of the island. Fantastic crew who make sure everyone is included (shout out to Callie – she was so thoughtful and considerate when helping an elderly lady go snorkelling in the bay). Delicious lunch served under the shelter. We only had 33 passengers on our cruise (much better than the hundreds that cram on to some of the bigger reef tours). Some croc spotting as we returned back up the river. Highly recommended – Best day out – Thanks to Captain Crabby and the crew. Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef – tick !!
This was a wonderful day out. We had Normanby Island all to ourselves. The only structure on the island is a permanent cabana providing shelter, shade and picnic tables and looks out over the water. This was our base for lunch and activities including snorkelling and glass bottom boat tours to view coral, stand up paddle boards, kayaking and a walk around the island. A yummy lunch was included and complimentary tea and coffee on the journey there and back. The boat is beautiful and very comfortable. The trip along the river is smooth (crocodiles may be spotted if you look closely) and the voyage across the sea was a little bumpy. I was impressed by the staff and guides who were always cheerful and well organised and who worked tirelessly to make sure everything down to very last detail was taken care of for passengers. Thank you to crew members Kelly, Panchi, Anna, Nanami, Crabby and Callen for a great day.
Cally, Luisa and Alisa has been a great staff during our day tour! The whole team seemed to be really happy to help and serve and we had a snorkeling tpur given to just 3 people by Alisa and it was a really great experience! We even saw a turtle which was pointed to us by the staff while we’re snorkeling in the afternoon! We did extra snorkeling after lunch while most of the group went for an island hike and so we felt like we had ample time to do our marine life exploring at our own pace. Lots of food and snacks althoughout the day. Fantastic experience! Highly recommend their service!