Looking for islands near Cairns? Try this hidden gem
One of the top things to do in Cairns is spending the day on an island. Snorkelling, swimming and relaxing on a white sand beach – what could be better? There are several islands near Cairns that offer various resort amenities and tourist experiences. Here’s why we (and our customers!) recommend the Frankland Islands for your Cairns day trip.
They’re off the beaten track
The Frankland Islands are something of a hidden gem, sitting about 45 minutes southeast of Cairns.
Some other islands near Cairns, like Green Island and Fitzroy Island, are a little closer to the city. However, they’re also much more heavily advertised and can receive thousands of visitors per day. If you want to get off the ‘tourist trail’ and enjoy a unique Cairns island experience, consider the Frankland Islands.
No crowds
Frankland Islands Reef Cruises has the only commercial permit to visit Normanby Island, giving you exclusive access. We cap numbers at just 80 people per day, so you’ll have the island practically to yourself! No queues, no crowds… just you and a handful of other adventurers, enjoying your secluded island paradise.
Pristine national park
The five islands in the Frankland Islands Group are a national park. They are home to a diverse and flourishing range of wildlife, both in the water and on the land. Because of their national park status, there are no resort facilities on the island. But don’t worry, you’ll still be taken care of with a delicious lunch and all the gear you need to enjoy your day.
If you’re looking for a less commercialised Cairns island day trip, where you can get back to basics and enjoy nature, then this is the island for you.
The best snorkelling of all the islands near Cairns
Stunning, healthy coral reefs surround Normanby Island and the other islands in the group. The snorkelling experience here has been compared by experts to the top outer Great Barrier Reef dive sites.
The water quality around the Frankland Islands is excellent, offering great visibility and calm, sheltered snorkelling. You can snorkel right off the beach and find beautiful hard and soft corals, a huge variety of fish (including everyone’s favourite, the clownfish aka Nemo), turtles and more.
The day tour also includes an adventure snorkel safari. Hop into the tender and zip around to the western side of the island for even more impressive coral gardens. You could spend all day on a boat to find reefs like these, or you could come and discover the Frankland Islands.
Because of the calm conditions and easy entry to the water, the Frankland Islands are a family-friendly island tour from Cairns. Certified divers can also explore the coral gardens further out.
A day trip with a difference
The location of the Frankland Islands gives you a unique experience compared to other Cairns island cruises, before you even arrive at your destination.
The trip starts with a coach ride through sugarcane plantations, past scenic highlights like Walsh’s Pyramid and areas of coastal rainforest. Board the boat at Deeral and cruise down the Mulgrave River, keeping an eye out for crocs as you go. And from the mouth of the river you venture out to sea and over to the islands. It’s the shortest crossing of any Great Barrier Reef day trip.
As well as our guided snorkel tour and adventure snorkel safari, we also offer a guided walk around the island, led by our expert team. From the tide pools to the tropical rainforest, from sea hares to rare migratory birds, you’ll learn so much about this fascinating jewel of an island.
River, rainforest and reef – it’s the ultimate way to see the best of Cairns and Tropical North Queensland all in one day!
Friendly, expert staff
The top quality service and enthusiasm of our friendly crew sets Frankland Islands Reef Cruises apart. All of our crew are highly trained and knowledgeable about the islands and their wildlife. However, we’re especially proud of our Master Reef Guides, led by trained marine biologist Alessandra Giannascoli.
Build your perfect day
When choosing to visit the islands near Cairns, everyone has their own ideal way to spend the day. Do you prefer to stay active? With two guided snorkel experiences, kayaks and paddleboards plus our island walk, there’s no shortage of things to do. If you’re wanting to relax and recharge, you can do that too! Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, lie on the beach or float in the water to your heart’s content.
When you book with Frankland Island Reef Cruises, you can choose the all-inclusive day tour option or the transfer-only rate. This lets you bring your own gear and lunch and do your own thing. You can hire snorkel equipment, kayaks and paddleboards and add on extras if you like.
Ready to start your adventure?
Find out more about the Frankland Islands – or better, yet, book a day trip and come see for yourself!
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook or Instagram for stunning pics, updates and special offers – and tag #franklandislands to be featured!
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 🙂
Read more about Frankland Islands
Are you ready to take your first breaths underwater? The crew of Frankland Islands Reef Cruises are here to make your Introductory Dive dreams happen!
Trying to decide when to visit Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef? We’ve got all the details you need on the highs and lows of the wet and dry seasons!
Trying to decide on which Cairns Island to visit? Here’s why Frankland Islands should be your top choice!