Frankland Islands Reef Tour
The only River, Rainforest and Reef Tour in Cairns
Your day with Frankland Islands Reef Tour starts as you board our air-conditioned coach from Cairns and travel south through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest, fields of sugar cane and past the iconic Walsh’s Pyramid – the highest freestanding natural pyramid in the world!
Enjoy a calm water river cruise down the Mulgrave River, followed by the shortest open water crossing of any of the Cairns day tours to Normanby Island, putting you in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef in no time.
Frankland Islands Reef Cruises is the only commercial operator licensed to land on beautiful Normanby Island, so you can relax and explore with plenty of space and time. Plus, once you’re on the island, you can customise your day trip to suit your interests – our all-inclusive day tour has a fabulous range of optional activities to choose from.
Set off on an adventure snorkel safari guided by our marine biologist, explore the sea floor while staying dry on our semi-submarine tour with commentary, join our marine biologist for an informative guided island walk, go for a paddle with our kayaks or stand-up paddleboards and tuck into a delicious beachside buffet lunch – do as much or as little as you like, you’re on island time!
Once you’ve had enough vitamin-sea, reboard the Turtle Islander and enjoy your relaxing return to Cairns, arriving in the late afternoon.
Departure Information
- Tours depart daily
- Coach transfers from Cairns CBD accommodation commence at 6.55 a.m.
- If you prefer to self-drive, please allow time for the drive and check in at Deeral by 8.15 a.m.
- The Turtle Islander departs Deeral at 8.30 a.m. and returns approximately 4.00 p.m.
Please note that tours may depart and return later than scheduled on certain dates due to tides. Customers travelling on these affected dates will be notified by our reservations team.
Frankland Islands Reef Cruises
All-Inclusive Day Tour Prices
Adult (17+)
$229
Child (16 and under)
$129
Family Pass (2AD and 2CH)
second child travels free!
$587
River, Rainforest and Reef Activities
Explore this natural paradise with our friendly and professional crew
River Cruise
Step on board our luxurious boat the Turtle Islander at Deeral, just 45 minutes south of Cairns, for a spectacular calm water cruise down the Mulgrave River. Keep an eye out for crocodiles from the panoramic windows as you sit inside in air-conditioned comfort or step out onto the shaded outdoor decks for a closer look. From the mouth of the river, it’s only 10km to the Frankland Islands.
Semi-Submarine Tour
Discover the pristine coral reefs without getting your feet wet from the comfort of our semi-submarine. Take a guided tour of the reefs that surround the islands and learn about the Great Barrier Reef’s incredible ecosystem. Get up close and personal with fish, turtles and a diverse range of hard and soft corals.
Guided Island Walk
Join our marine biologist and Master Reef Guide for an informative and fascinating exploration of the island. Learn about the plants and animals that thrive within the shaded green interior, white sandy beaches and rock pools that surround the island. Our Guided Island Walk is carefully crafted to inspire curiosity and provide a hands-on learning experience for all ages.
Snorkelling
We have multiple snorkelling styles you can enjoy while on the island. Snorkel straight off the beach in our supervised area, or take part in either of our guided snorkel experiences.
Jump off the boat and snorkel back to Normanby Island, guided by our marine biologist as part of our Adventure Snorkel Safari. Or join our Guided Snorkel Tour where your marine guide will show you the best marine life and vibrant coral gardens.
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Have a SUP-er day out on Frankland Islands – whether you’re a novice or an experienced paddleboarder, Frankland Islands is the perfect place to paddle the Great Barrier Reef.
We also have two-seater kayaks available for use during the day. Glide through the clear tropical waters and enjoy amazing views of the corals, fish and marine life below.
Could not have been happier with our day. Great guides, easy down river trip and across to the island with stunning views. The island itself was beautiful and incredibly isolated, it was a small personal tour that was highly enjoyable. You should definitely do the guided snorkel tour if you do the day trip
Perfection! Having the option of semi sub tour, sup, snorkelling on your own, snorkel safari in group, island tour, beautiful lunch and an ideallic island setting is superb for a family wanting to explore Great Barrier reef and not be stuck on a boat the whole day. Swimming above coral, colourful marine life, fish and swam with turtles! Would love to go again! Thank you crew we have wonderful memories.
It was am amazing experience! I got picked up by a coach in the morning, the coach was well ventilated, drove for about an hour in that until we hour to the ferry. The boat trip was about an hour long too where I saw beautiful sights of nature! They provided free drinks and snacks both ways in the ferry and lunch was also included in the island! They can provide something for every dietary requirement, including vegan.
What a hidden gem this tour was. Beautiful island, river cruise and great reef. Nice small group. Had the island to ourselves. Knowledgeable, friendly crew. Fabulous value. Will definitely be recommending this trip.
Highlight of the holiday!! Can’t recommend enough: we were picked up outside our hotel in the morning, drove to the boat where we had a great trip down the Mulgrave river before another 30 min on the sea and we arrived at the island. Variety of activities available from free snorkelling in a watched boundary and a snorkel tour a bit further out, to a semi-submersible and rainforest island tour where you can see in rock pools. The semi-sub was a little murky so if you enjoyed the snorkelling tour, I’d carry on on your own, as it’s what you saw before, but less clear, but if you’re not comfortable snorkeling, then it’s a great alternative to see the corals.
Excellent day tour to a great little island. Crew were wonderful and provided an overall fabulous experience. Suitable for most all ages/abilities and can do as much or as little as you like. Highly recommend.
Very well organized. Staff was amazing!! Something for everyone. You had your choice of snorkeling, glass bottom boat, kayaks, sup, guided nature walk ( totally amazing and interesting!) and there was even a treasure hunt for young kids. Food and snacks were great as well! Highly recommend!
Had a great day out on Frankland Island Reef Cruises. You can do as much or as little as you want on the island so perfect if you want to snorkel and spend lots of time in the water or just sit on the beach in the sun listening to the birds. The boat trip over is pretty short so good if boat travel isn’t your thing. Semi-sub trip is great if you are not a confident swimmer or fan of snorkeling. The information is interesting and while not crystal clear its a good reminder the reef can survive & flourish but we can do lots to help in our everyday life. Loads of food for lunch and afternoon cheese & biscuits was a great way to finish off the day. Highly recommend this trip
We can throughly recommend this small, relaxed all-inclusive reef tour.
The crew were amazing, the snorkel safari the best we’ve ever been on in clear, calm waters seeing beautiful corals, fish and turtles close up. Semi sub tour of the island, guided walk, use of paddle boards and kayaks and amazing food all included. A really great day out.
Thanks to all the crew. You worked so hard all day and were fun, helpful, friendly and very informative.
Thank you
What an amazing day out in frankland Island.
Would highly recommended this trip – one of the best snorkelling I’ve done and its guided. if your not the best swimmer you can just walk straight into the crystal clear water and still see lots of amazing stuff.
The submarine was brilliant, got to see loads.
The island walk was very educational and saw some very unique things.
Great staff, great food. Overall amazing day out would highly recommend 🙂