24. Frankland Islands
The Great Barrier Reef is a vast and varied wonder, but few locations offer the sense of raw, untouched seclusion found at the Frankland Islands. Frankland Islands Reef Cruises provides an exclusive gateway to this hidden archipelago, offering the only commercial day trip to this protected National Park. Our philosophy is rooted in "Nature’s Best Kept Secret"—a commitment to providing a low-impact, high-encounter experience that bypasses the crowds typically found at larger reef platforms. We limit our daily guest numbers to ensure that the island remains a peaceful sanctuary and that every visitor receives personalized attention.
Stepping onto the Frankland Islands is like stepping back in time. As a family-owned and operated eco-tour, we pride ourselves on being the shortest open-water crossing to the Great Barrier Reef. This makes the journey ideal for those who may be nervous about sea travel or for families seeking a shorter transit time. Our mission is to provide an immersive day of discovery that blends education with adventure. With a team of passionate marine biologists and indigenous guides, we invite you to explore a world where the rainforest meets the reef, and where the vibrant colors of the coral gardens are matched only by the pristine white sands of the island’s uninhabited shores.
Your destination is Normanby Island, part of the stunning Frankland Islands group located approximately 45 kilometers south of Cairns. This archipelago is a series of continental islands surrounded by extensive fringing reefs. Unlike the larger outer reef platforms, Normanby Island offers a diverse range of ecosystems in one compact location, including lush rainforest, coastal mangroves, rock pools, and white sandy beaches.
The water surrounding the island is a haven for marine life. Because the islands are protected National Parks, the coral gardens are exceptionally healthy and teeming with biodiversity. The fringing reef begins just meters from the shore, making it incredibly accessible for explorers of all ages. This destination is world-renowned for its resident population of green and hawksbill sea turtles, which are frequently seen foraging in the shallows. Beneath the surface, you will find a kaleidoscope of hard and soft corals, giant clams, and a bustling community of “Nemo” anemonefish. It is a place of serene beauty where the only footprints in the sand are likely to be your own.
Our schedule is designed to be one of the most relaxed reef tours in the region, with the shortest travel time to the reef.
- Accommodation Pick-ups: from 7.00am
- Check-in: 8:15 AM at the Deeral Jetty (for self-drivers).
- Departure: The vessel departs Deeral at 8:30 AM.
- Arrival at Island: Approximately 9:30 AM.
- Time on Island: You will enjoy approximately 4.5 to 5 hours on the island.
- Departure from Island: 2:30 PM.
- Return to Deeral: We arrive back at the jetty at approximately 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
- Accommodation drop-offs: 5.00pm
Turtle Spirit Our main vessel, the Turtle Spirit, is a stable and comfortable river-to-reef catamaran. Specifically designed to navigate both the calm waters of the Mulgrave River and the open sea, it features air-conditioned indoor cabins, spacious outdoor viewing decks, and a licensed bar.
The Landing Craft: To ensure we can land you directly on the white sandy beaches of the National Park without damaging the coral, we utilize a specialized landing craft. This vessel allows for easy boarding and disembarking, even for guests with limited mobility, ensuring a dry and safe arrival on the island.
What is the Frankland Islands full day tour?
This is a full-day Great Barrier Reef island experience combining rainforest, river and reef in one itinerary. You’ll travel south of Cairns, cruise down the Mulgrave River, then cross to Normanby Island in the Frankland Islands group where you can snorkel, relax on the beach and explore a pristine reef environment.
How long does the tour run?
The tour typically runs for a full day, departing in the morning and returning in the late afternoon (approximately 7:00am–5:00pm depending on tides and transfers).
How much time do you spend on the island?
Guests generally enjoy around 4–5 hours on Normanby Island, allowing plenty of time for snorkelling, guided activities and relaxation.
What is included in the tour?
The full-day experience includes coach transfers, a scenic river cruise, return boat transfers, snorkelling equipment, guided snorkel tours, a semi-submarine coral viewing tour, a guided island walk, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, and a tropical buffet lunch.
What activities are available?
You can snorkel directly from the beach, join guided snorkel safaris, take a semi-submarine tour to view coral without getting wet, explore the island on a guided walk, or use kayaks and paddleboards.
Do I need experience to snorkel?
No experience is required. Full instruction and safety briefings are provided, and guided snorkel tours are available for beginners.
Is this cruise suitable for non swimmers?
Yes, the tour can still be suitable for non-swimmers. Flotation devices, guided snorkel tours and the semi-submarine experience allow guests to enjoy the reef even if they are not confident in the water.
How many people are on this tour?
Numbers are generally limited to around 100 guests, making it less crowded than many outer reef tours and allowing for a more relaxed island experience.
What marine life can I expect to see?
The fringing reefs around the island are home to colourful coral, tropical fish, turtles, rays and other marine life, often in calm and clear conditions close to shore.
How do you get to the reef?
The journey begins with a coach transfer from Cairns, followed by a calm-water river cruise through mangroves on the Mulgrave River, then a short open-water crossing to the island.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a change of clothes. Reef-safe sunscreen is recommended to help protect the marine environment.
Are meals provided?
Yes, the full-day tour includes a tropical buffet lunch served on the island, along with refreshments throughout the day.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, this tour is family-friendly and suitable for children, with calm water conditions, beach access and a variety of activities both in and out of the water.
Is the tour physically demanding?
The tour is generally low to moderate in difficulty. You can choose how active you want to be, from relaxing on the beach to participating in snorkelling and guided activities.
Can I take a GoPro or underwater camera?
Yes, GoPros and underwater cameras are allowed and are a great way to capture marine life and your reef experience. Make sure your device is secure when in the water.
Can I take a drone on the tour?
Drones are generally not permitted due to national park regulations, safety concerns and guest privacy. It’s best to assume drones are not allowed unless you receive prior approval.
Is the water calm compared to other reef tours?
Yes, this tour is known for relatively calm conditions, thanks to the sheltered fringing reef and short open-water crossing, making it a good option for families and first-time snorkellers.
What happens in bad weather?
Tours operate in most weather conditions but may be rescheduled or cancelled if conditions are unsafe. In these cases, alternative dates or refunds are typically offered.
What makes this tour different from outer reef tours?
Unlike pontoon or outer reef tours, this experience takes you to a tropical island with fringing reef, offering a mix of beach time, guided activities and fewer crowds in a more natural setting.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the day?
No, while swimming ability helps for snorkelling, there are plenty of options for less confident swimmers, including guided tours, flotation aids and the semi-submarine experience.
Why choose the Frankland Islands tour?
This tour offers a unique combination of rainforest river cruise, island relaxation and Great Barrier Reef snorkelling, with fewer crowds and a more personalised, nature-focused experience compared to larger reef tours.
Is there a bathroom on the island?
There are no permanent structures on the island as it is a protected National Park. However, our vessel remains moored nearby throughout the day, providing full access to restroom facilities and showers at all times via our shuttle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bookings can be made directly from any of the tour or attractions individual pages - or simply give us a call on +61 07 40574312.
All payments are securely processed by the NAB (National Australia Bank) No credit card information is held by us. In fact we never even see your credit card details.
We are an online only agency operating out of offices in Trinity Beach, a suburb on Cairns' Northern Beaches (about a 25 minute drive from the city).
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