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Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef Day Tour from Cairns

(12 Reviews)
  • Departs from Cairns
  • 9 hours

 

Highlights

  • Travel by coach through World Heritage rainforest, sugar cane fields, and past Walsh’s Pyramid
  • Exclusive landing on Normanby Island, the only Great Barrier Reef island licensed for this tour
  • Enjoy a full day of activities: snorkel safari, semi-submarine, island walk, kayaking, SUP, and buffet lunch

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What to expect

Discover the best of river, rainforest, and reef on this exclusive day trip from Cairns to the Frankland Islands. Begin with a comfortable coach transfer through UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest, passing sugar cane fields and the striking Walsh’s Pyramid, the world’s tallest freestanding natural pyramid.

Your adventure starts with a tranquil cruise along the Mulgrave River, before a short open-water crossing delivers you quickly to Normanby Island — one of the most accessible and pristine parts of the Great Barrier Reef. What makes this tour unique is that it is the only licensed operator permitted to land on Normanby Island, giving you exclusive access to explore its beaches and reefs.

Customise your day at your own pace. Join a guided snorkel safari with the crew, take a semi-submarine tour, or join a biologist-led island walk. For more fun, try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, and enjoy a tropical beachside buffet lunch.

After a day of reef and island discovery, relax on the Turtle Islander for a leisurely cruise back to Cairns, arriving in the late afternoon.

 

 

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

5.0/5
Based on 12 reviewsRead all reviews
Pierre

The boat tour to Frankland Island was very well organised. Every detail was being well taken care of by every one in the team. Food was plenty and delicious. My wife and I, both beginners in snorkeling, were being guided by the Japanese lady who showed us beautiful coral and colorful fishes. A guided walk around the area was amazing with opportunities to see special rock formation, shells, sea creatures including baby shark and limo fish.

regina

We had a wonderful day with great tour guides, everyone was helpful and friendly. The Island experience was unforgettable, great prepared lunch and helpful pick up drop off to preferred hotel.

What you need to know

Included in your tour

  • 30-minute calm water cruise along the Mulgrave River
  • Morning and afternoon tea
  • Fresh water throughout the day
  • Fresh tropical lunch provided (special dietary requirements to be advised when booking)
  • Up to 4 hours on Frankland Islands
  • Snorkel Stars kids snorkeling tutorial and certificate
  • Snorkeling equipment and tuition
  • Unlimited beach snorkeling
  • Guided snorkel safari
  • Reef semi-sub expedition
  • Guided Island and foreshore walk
  • Kids treasure hunt
  • Use of kayaks and paddle boards

Extra

  • Introductory scuba diving

Time and Departure Location

Return transfers are included from selected Cairns hotels/locations. Please check availability to see pick-up points.

Check availability to see starting times.

This cruise departs from the Frankland Islands & Reef Cruise Jetty, 169 Ross Rd, Deeral QLD 4871.

Important Information

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Weapons or sharp objects
  • Smoking
  • Pets (assistance dogs allowed)
  • Mobility scooters
  • Intoxication
  • Smoking in the vehicle
  • Non-folding wheelchairs
  • Non-folding strollers
  • Smoking indoors
  • Vaping
  • Fishing
  • Bikes
  • Walking frames
  • Littering
  • Unaccompanied minors
  • Feeding animals
  • Electric wheelchairs
  • Touching marine life
  • Firework
  • Explosive substances
  • Touching the exhibits
  • Touching animals
  • Making fire
  • Nudity
  • See-through clothing
  • Riding the animals

Not suitable for

  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

What To Bring

  • Protective clothing, hat, and sunscreen
  • Light jacket/jumper for windy or cool days
  • Swimwear and towel
  • Camera

Cancellation Policy

  • Customer-requested cancellations made at least 6 days prior to travel will receive a refund of 95% of the total booking amount. The remaining 5% will be retained as a non-refundable administration and booking fee. Cancellations made within 5 days of travel will incur a 100% cancellation fee, including no-shows.
  • Should supplier be required to cancel or the operation of the tour for any reason, including on the rare occasions due to inclement weather, an alternative date or itinerary will be offered to the passenger. If the alternative date or itinerary cannot be arranged or agreed upon, a full refund will be authorised. If the passenger accepts the alternative date or itinerary, no refunds will be issued.
  • Tour itinerary may be subject to change without notice due to weather conditions or operational requirements.
  • Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
  • Mobile Vouchers are accepted! – Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction

Frequently asked questions

Can I enjoy this tour if I’m not a confident swimmer?

Yes. The semi-submarine gives you a comfortable way to see the reef without entering the water, and you can also join the guided island walk or simply enjoy the beach. If you would like to try snorkelling, equipment, tuition, flotation devices and guide support are available, with a supervised beach area that works well for beginners.

Do I need to choose between the included activities?

You can shape the day around the experiences that interest you most. Some activities run at the same time, so it may not be possible to join every session. The crew explains the day’s schedule before you reach the island and displays the activity times at the picnic area, making it easy to plan your snorkelling, semi-submarine tour, island walk, kayaking, paddleboarding and beach time.

Is this tour suitable for young children and families?

Yes. Families can swim or snorkel from the beach with flotation devices and guide support, join the guided island walk and take part in the children’s treasure hunt. Portable prams are welcome, although there are no paved paths and they need to be carried or pushed across the sand. A shaded picnic area also provides a comfortable place for younger children to rest.

Is this a good reef tour if I’m prone to seasickness?

This is one of the gentler ways to reach the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. Much of the journey follows the calm waters of the Mulgrave River, followed by an open-water crossing of about 30 minutes. Once you arrive, the day is based on the island rather than a moving vessel, giving you plenty of time to relax between activities.

What footwear works best on the island?

Shoes that can get wet and sandy are the most practical choice. There are no paved walkways, and parts of the shoreline may include coral, rocks and uneven sand, so reef shoes or secure water shoes can make exploring more comfortable. You should also bring swimwear, a towel, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes. A fresh tropical buffet lunch is included, and special meals can be arranged for most dietary requirements. After booking, please contact us with any dietary requirements.

How accessible are the boat and island for guests with limited mobility?

The boats are not wheelchair accessible. Boarding and moving around the vessel involves steps, stairs and narrow accessways, while getting onto the island requires stepping directly from the boat onto the sand. There are no paved walkways, and guests need to be comfortable walking up to approximately 100 metres across sand.

Can I add an introductory scuba dive?

Guests aged 12 and over can add an introductory scuba dive, subject to the required medical and safety assessment. Medical clearance may be requested after completing the self-assessment, and we recommend allowing 24 hours between diving and flying.

12 Reviews
Sort By:RatingDate

Georgina

Family Traveller

Absolutely beautiful all around! Best staff/ food / experiences – perfect for kids.

September 3, 2025

Pierre

Couple Traveller

The boat tour to Frankland Island was very well organised. Every detail was being well taken care of by every one in the team. Food was plenty and delicious. My wife and I, both beginners in snorkeling, were being guided by the Japanese lady who showed us beautiful coral and colorful fishes. A guided walk around the area was amazing with opportunities to see special rock formation, shells, sea creatures including baby shark and limo fish.

August 15, 2025

Andrea

Couple Traveller

We had a magical day and did not want to go home. The staff were great, the food was fantastic and the island was next level!

August 12, 2025

blake

Couple Traveller

Very good boat and experience, wet season not the best time to go, other than that everything else was good

July 18, 2025

Jerry

Group Traveller

amazing experience! ill be booking with you guys again next time i come back which is soon! the staff was extremely friendly anf helpful! 10/10 experience!

July 15, 2025
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