• Experience the new eco-friendly Wantaim vessel—offering the fastest open water crossing to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns in just 30–45 minutes with Frankland Islands Reef Cruises.
• The coral reefs on the northern side of Frankland Island are spectacular and are home to many sea turtles and the odd Dugong now and again
• Includes guided snorkel tour & snorkel safari, guided island walk, semi-submarine tour, beachside buffet lunch & use of kayaks and paddleboards during your Great Barrier Reef tour experience.
• Smaller groups - With a capped capacity of just 44 passengers, the Frankland Island offers a personal wildlife and reef tour.
• You will be snorkeling and scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef in Australia within 30 minutes of leaving the boat harbour
• Family Deal - Save $115 based on 2 adults & 2 children
• Our Frankland Island tour has the best coral gardens on the northern facing side of the island protecting it from any winds or bad weather making it a great year round reef trip choice
• FUEL LEVY Any bookings for travel past 1st April 2026 will incur a fuel levy. The below fuel levy is not included in your booking and will be payable on day of travel: Fuel Levy: $10 per person

A superb Eco Cairns Great Barrier Reef Island tour & River Cruise. Travel with small numbers to snorkel or dive the reef and explore an uninhabited tropical island that is home to many turtles.

What to Expect

Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef Tour from Cairns

This unique Cairns Great Barrier Reef tour offers an unforgettable snorkelling adventure, taking you to an uninhabited tropical island that’s home to thriving marine life, including many sea turtles. As the only boat permitted on the Frankland Islands daily, this reef tour ensures a relaxed, uncrowded experience for up to 44 guests. It’s an ideal family-friendly day trip, offering a blend of reef exploration and island discovery, with guided snorkelling, intro scuba diving, and a chance to unwind on a beautiful island all to yourselves.

Starting with a scenic river cruise followed by a short ocean crossing, this Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns is perfect for those who prefer a shorter boat ride or have concerns about seasickness. Once on Frankland Island, you can enjoy guided marine activities or explore the reef at your own pace.

Features and Highlights

• Exclusive Access to Normanby Island: This Great Barrier Reef tour from Cairns is the only one licensed to visit Normanby Island in the Frankland Islands, offering an exclusive experience with no crowds and pristine, untouched surroundings.
• Short Ocean Crossing: Just a 30-minute cruise from the mainland makes this one of the shortest crossings to the Great Barrier Reef, ideal for families with young children or anyone concerned about seasickness. It’s also a great tour option for non-swimmers.
• Snorkelling and Scuba Diving: Whether you’re a snorkeller or would like to try an introductory scuba dive, you’ll find calm, shallow waters perfect for exploring. The island’s northern lagoon is sheltered and teeming with vibrant coral gardens and resident sea turtles.
• Guided Reef and Island Tours: Enjoy guided snorkelling tours, an adventure drift snorkel over the western reef, and informative island walks led by marine biologists. Learn about the island’s ecosystem while discovering its hidden treasures.
• Tropical Buffet Lunch and Beachside Dining: Refuel with a delicious buffet lunch served right on the beach under the shade of trees. Morning and afternoon tea are also included, with most dietary requirements catered for with prior notice.
• Family-Friendly Fun: The Frankland Island tour’s flexibility, guided activities, and shallow beach entry points make it perfect for families. Kids and non-swimmers will feel comfortable and safe exploring the island and snorkelling from the shore.

Activities and Itinerary

• Scenic River Cruise: Your day begins with a tranquil cruise down the Mulgrave River, where you’ll see mangroves, rainforest, and migratory birds before reaching the open ocean.
• Island Exploration and Guided Walks: Take a stroll around Normanby Island or join the guided nature walk to learn about its unique flora and fauna.
• Snorkelling and Diving: Snorkel directly from the beach or join the adventure drift snorkel for a more thrilling experience. First-time divers can enjoy a safe and comfortable introduction to scuba.
• Relaxation and Beach Time: After lunch, unwind on the sandy shores, soak up the sun, or explore the island’s secluded spots at your leisure.

New Eco Friendly Vessel

The journey to the Frankland Islands now feels more exclusive and relaxed aboard our new custom-built 14-metre Naiad RHIB designed with both comfort and sustainability in mind. Travellers can enjoy a smoother, quieter, and greener ride aboard Wantaim carrying a maximum of 44 guests daily.

Engineered specifically for the trip to Normanby Island, Wantaim cuts open-water travel time by up to 45 minutes. This means more time to snorkel vibrant coral gardens, explore rainforest trails, or simply soak up the serenity of this pristine island escape—without the crowds.

This Cairns reef tour is the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, offering a unique opportunity to experience the Great Barrier Reef and a secluded tropical island just a short distance from Cairns. Don’t miss out on this exclusive, family-friendly reef adventure that promises an unforgettable day in paradise!

Frankland Islands is often recommended for families seeking wildlife, turtles and a quieter Great Barrier Reef experience. Compare Frankland Islands with Green Island and Fitzroy Island in our detailed family guide before deciding which island day trip is right for your family.

See all Great Barrier Reef Island island tours from Cairns and Port Douglas.

Learn more about the Great Barrier Reef on our Blog.

Cairns Island Tours - Frankland Islands Reef Trip - Cairns

• This Great Barrier Reef tour just out of Cairns is unlike any other- whether you are self-driving or choosing to book the coach transfers, your day will start with a nice scenic drive just South of Cairns to Deeral.
• That’s where you will board the new Eco friendly boat to enjoy 30 minute river cruise down the beautiful Mulgrave River where rainforest, mangroves and migratory birds can be seen!
• After the river cruise it is only a short 30 minute ocean crossing to the stunning group of Cairns Islands known as Frankland Islands, which makes it a perfect trip for someone who is worried about seasickness, so it's a great non-swimmer reef tour and family tour.

Optional Activities

Mulgrave River Cruise - From Rainforest Waterways to the Coral Sea

Discover the natural beauty of Far North Queensland as you cruise along the stunning Mulgrave River system. Stretching more than 70 kilometres inland, this scenic waterway winds through lush rainforest landscapes before meeting the Coral Sea and the spectacular Frankland Islands.

Your journey begins at our private jetty near the peaceful township of Deeral. From here, enjoy a relaxing 6km river cruise through calm tropical waterways as we make our way towards the mouth of the river and the protected Frankland Group National Park.

The Mulgrave River is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Watch for kingfishers darting across the water, wading birds searching the riverbanks, and other native species thriving within this rich ecosystem.

You may even spot one of Far North Queensland’s most famous residents — the saltwater crocodile. Perfectly camouflaged against the muddy banks, these impressive predators are commonly found throughout the region’s rivers, creeks, lagoons, and mangroves.

Relax on the shaded outdoor decks while our friendly crew shares fascinating insights about the local environment, wildlife, and history of the area along the way.

Guided Semi-Submarine Tour - Explore the Reef Without Getting Wet

Experience the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef from the comfort of our semi-submarine. This unique tour allows you to discover colourful coral gardens and tropical marine life while staying completely dry.

Large underwater viewing windows provide incredible close-up views of the reef surrounding Normanby Island. Sit back and enjoy informative commentary from our crew as you glide past vibrant corals, giant clams, reef fish, and other fascinating marine creatures.

Our experienced guides take the semi-submarine to some of the reef’s best viewing locations, giving guests an unforgettable perspective of life beneath the surface.

The semi-submarine tour is suitable for all ages and is an excellent option for guests who prefer not to snorkel or who have limited mobility.

The tour runs for approximately 30 minutes and offers an easy, accessible way to enjoy the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.

Guided Island Walk - Discover the Natural Wonders of the Frankland Islands

Join our knowledgeable marine naturalists on a guided walk through the beautiful landscapes of the Frankland Islands. This experience is included in our All-Inclusive Day Tour and provides a fascinating insight into the island’s unique environment.

Explore rocky shorelines, tropical vegetation, mangroves, and rainforest areas while learning about the diverse ecosystems that thrive on these secluded islands.

Despite their small size, the islands support a surprising range of plant life, including rainforest, low woodland, beach vegetation, and mangrove habitats.

The islands are also a haven for birdlife. Keep an eye out for seabirds, wading birds, and native land birds that regularly visit or nest within the area.

Cairns Island Snorkelling - Experience the Great Barrier Reef Up Close

Snorkelling around the Frankland Islands is one of the best ways to experience the Great Barrier Reef. The fringing reefs surrounding Normanby Island are filled with vibrant coral formations and an incredible variety of marine life.

During your day tour, you can join a guided snorkel tour, take part in our Adventure Snorkel Safari, or simply explore the reef at your own pace throughout the day.

If you are new to snorkelling, our crew will provide full instruction and support to help you feel comfortable in the water. Flotation devices are available for added confidence and relaxation.

Our experienced snorkel guides and Master Reef Guides know exactly where to find the reef’s highlights, including turtles, giant clams, tropical fish, and colourful corals.

Young adventurers can also join our Snorkel Stars program, where children learn basic snorkelling skills with one of our guides and receive a personalised certificate to remember their reef experience.

The Adventure Snorkel Safari takes guests by boat to the western side of the island before drifting back towards the beach through stunning coral gardens filled with marine life.

Guides remain with guests throughout the safari to ensure both safety and an unforgettable reef experience.

Please note: The Adventure Snorkel Safari operates at the same time as the Semi-Submarine Tour. Guests on the Express Day Tour may choose one of these guided activities.

Kids’ Treasure Hunt - Fun Family Adventure on the Island

Young explorers will love our exciting island treasure hunt. Designed especially for children, this guided activity encourages kids to follow clues, discover hidden treasures, and learn about the island’s natural environment along the way.

Perfect for families, the treasure hunt combines fun, exploration, and education in a safe and engaging outdoor setting.

The Kids’ Treasure Hunt runs at the same time as the Guided Island Walk and is available exclusively on the All-Inclusive Day Tour.

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding - Paddle Through Crystal-Clear Tropical Waters

Enjoy the calm waters surrounding the Frankland Islands with our stand-up paddleboards and two-person kayaks.

Whether you are a first-time paddler or an experienced adventurer, this is a fantastic way to explore the reef at your own pace while taking in incredible island scenery.

Glide over clear tropical waters and look down to spot coral formations, colourful fish, and other marine life beneath you as you enjoy a peaceful day on the reef.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Coach transfers begin in Cairns: 6.55am - 5.00-5.30pm (Daily)
• Departs and Returns Deeral (self drive): 8.15am - 4.00pm (Daily)

Departure Instructions

Self-drive guests will need to make their own way to Deeral, 45 minutes south of Cairns

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Frankland Islands National Park
• Mulgrave River

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

9 hours (approx)
Approximately 4 - 4.5 hours on island

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Prescription masks
• Wetsuits

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

• Guests must be able to walk up to 100 m on sand / uneven ground
• Not suitable for disabled passengers
• Diving is not refundable

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
• Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
• Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
• Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

Additional Information

Diving is non refundable

• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Swimsuit
• Towel and shoes that can get wet for island walk and boat transfers
• Camera
• Cash or Credit Card for additional purchases

• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children (not applicable with other discounts)
• Child rate applies to children age 4 to 16
• Infants 0-3 years travel free of charge
• Proof of age may be required
• All children under 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times. Exceptions are school groups, when children are accompanied by a teacher and have filled out a disclaimer form.