Make a difference during your trip to the Frankland Islands by learning about how we can protect and conserve this beautiful slice of the Great Barrier Reef
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!
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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.
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