Our Tour

Frankland Islands All-Inclusive Tour

Experience the Best of Cairns: The only River, Rainforest, and Reef Tour

Embark on a unique adventure to the stunning Frankland Islands, a tropical paradise located near 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, the most pristine island off Cairns and a gateway to the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. 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.

Frankland Island Cruise Submarine
Adventure Snorkel Safari Cairns
Guided Island Walk - Island WIldlife

After you arrive on Normanby Island, you can customise your day trip to suit your interests with a fabulous range of optional activities to choose from, including:

  • Guided snorkel safari with a marine biologist
  • Semi-submarine tour with commentary
  • Guided island walk
  • Kids treasure hunt
  • Use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
  • Delicious beachside buffet lunch

Whether you want to do it all or simply unwind by the shore, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Once you’ve had enough vitamin sea, reboard our transfer vessel and enjoy your relaxing return to Cairns, arriving in the late afternoon.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Two Ways to Explore Paradise

Choose between our standard All-Inclusive Full-Day Tour or our new Express Day Tour, both taking you to the pristine Normanby Island, the most untouched island off the coast of Cairns and a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Departure Information

  • Complimentary coach transfers from Cairns CBD locations commence at 7.00 am
  • If you prefer to self-drive, please allow time for the drive and check in at Deeral by 8.15 am
  • The transfer vessel departs Deeral at 8.30 am and returns to Deeral at approximately 4.00 pm

Please note: Departure and return times may vary with tides. We will notify guests of any schedule changes in advance.

Snorkelling in Cairns

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises

All-Inclusive Day Tour Prices

Adult (17+)
$270

Child (16 – 4 years)
$170

Infant (3 and under)
Free of charge

Family Pass (2AD and 2CH)
second child travels free!
$720

Includes a delicious island lunch and complimentary coach transfers from selected Cairns CBD locations

Prices quoted are in $AUD and include all taxes and a temporary fuel recovery surcharge. Valid until 31 March 2027 or until superseded.

River, Rainforest and Reef Activities

Six amazing adventures included in one perfect day

Frankland Islands Reef Tours Mulgrave River Cruise 3
River Cruise

Step on board our new boat the Wantaim 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 shaded outdoor deck. From the mouth of the river, it’s only 10km to the Frankland Islands.

Frankland Semi Sub Tours Cairns
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.

Cairns Island Conservation
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 rainforest 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.

frankland-islands-reef-tours-adventure-snorkel-safari
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.

Kids' Treasure Hunt on Frankland Island
Kids' Treasure Hunt

Little pirates of all ages will enjoy a guided hunt around the island in search of buried treasure. Follow the clues as you explore the island and learn about some of its unique natural features. A great activity for the whole family!

frankland-islands-reef-tours-stand-up-paddleboarding
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.

Benfield2015, Apr 2026 (Tripadvisor)

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!

Rachel N, Aug 2025 (Tripadvisor)

Wow!! What a fabulous trip. Friendly, warm and knowledgeable guides, fabulous and yummy lunch. The island itself is beautiful, relatively untouched and a multitude of sealife to view. A truly wonderful day.

Marco F, Mar 2026 (Tripadvisor)

Truly 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.

Amelia, Feb 2026 (Tripadvisor)

Amazing 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!

Liz K, Feb 2026 (Tripadvisor)

Excellent 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.

Andy N, Nov 2025 (Tripadvisor)

A 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!

Josh, May 2026 (Google Reviews)
Had a beautiful day, shark, many mantas, turtles, beautiful coral and thousands of fish. Max was an excellent guide too. Highly recommend
Alan S, Apr 2026 (Google Reviews)

The whole day was great. Starting in the river and then going into the ocean gave a different perspective than other cruises. Saw a crocodile on the way back in the river. Highly recommend this company and cruise.

Simone W, Apr 2026 (Google Reviews)

Amazing experience, beautiful island that is truly well maintained, the crew did such a great job in keeping us safe and making us feel comfortable and giving us the best experience ♥️🐢

 

Oliver, Apr 2026 (Google Reviews)

A perfect day with a totally engaged and friendly staff. I can recommend this to everyone, so much better with the small group and more individual than all the other snorkeling tours mass tourism tours.

Matt R, Mar 2026 (Google Reviews)

Thanks to the whole Frankland Islands team, we had a great day out. Everyone was so friendly. Max especially was great with the snorkel safari and the island walk; he was so knowledgeable and genuinely interested in what he was showing us. We would highly recommend this.

Book your all-inclusive day tour now!