Half-Day Frankland Islands Cruise with Snorkel from Cairns

• Four-hour and 30-minute Frankland Islands tour
• Choice of either semi-sub or guided snorkelling tour
• Coach transfers from Cairns CBD hotels
• Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
• Lunch (if option selected)

• None

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.

• Bookings are essential.

• 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

You’ll choose one of the two guided experiences because they run at the same time. Pick the 30-minute guided beach snorkel if you want to explore the reef in the water with a marine guide, or choose the semi-submarine if you’d rather look for coral, fish and turtles while staying dry. You can still enjoy beach snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and time on the sand around your chosen activity.

Absolutely. The semi-submarine offers a comfortable way to see the reef without entering the water, and Normanby Island is also a beautiful place to relax on the beach. If you would like to try snorkelling, equipment, flotation devices, tuition and guide support are available in the supervised beach area.

Lunch is included only when you choose a booking option that includes it. The optional pre-packed picnic lunch must be arranged at least 24 hours before departure, with vegetarian and vegan choices available. After booking, please contact us with any dietary requirements.

Yes. The later start and early-afternoon return make it a convenient reef experience for families who prefer not to spend a full day away. Children can enjoy the beach, semi-submarine, snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding with appropriate supervision. Portable prams are welcome, although there are no paved paths and they need to be carried or pushed across the sand.

Yes. You can drive to Deeral, approximately 45 minutes south of Cairns, where free parking is available. On most days, check-in is at around 10am for an approximately 10.15am vessel departure. Tide conditions can move the departure and return schedule later.

This is one of the gentler ways to reach the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns. The journey begins with a calm 30-minute cruise along the Mulgrave River, followed by an open-water crossing of approximately 30 minutes. Once you arrive, the experience is based on the island rather than a moving vessel. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider taking your usual medication before travelling, following the product directions or your pharmacist’s advice.

This experience is best suited to guests who are comfortable using steps and walking across sand. The boats are not wheelchair accessible, and boarding involves stairs, narrow accessways and stepping from the vessel onto the beach. There are no paved paths on the island, and guests need to be comfortable walking up to approximately 100 metres across sand.

The half-day experience is designed around a later start and earlier return. It includes a choice of one guided activity, either the guided beach snorkel or semi-submarine, along with beach snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and time to relax.

The full-day option gives you more time on the island and a broader activity programme, including the guided snorkel safari, semi-submarine, guided island walk, children’s treasure hunt, buffet lunch and morning and afternoon tea.