• 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
• Half-day Great Barrier Reef tour with later start and early return, ideal for families and cruise passengers
• Free use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards to explore Normanby Island’s crystal-clear waters

Discover the Great Barrier Reef on this half-day Express Frankland Island tour from Cairns. Enjoy free time to swim, kayak or paddleboard, plus a guided snorkel or semi-sub tour, with optional picnic lunch and early afternoon return.

What to Expect

The Frankland Island Express Tour is a half-day Great Barrier Reef experience from Cairns featuring a scenic Mulgrave River cruise, snorkelling from the beach, guided reef activities, semi-submarine reef viewing and free time on the secluded Frankland Islands National Park. Ideal for travellers wanting a shorter reef tour without spending a full day on the water.

Discover the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef with an express tour of Frankland Islands, designed for travellers who want a shorter yet unforgettable reef experience. With a later morning departure and early afternoon return, this tour is ideal for cruise ship passengers, families with younger children, or visitors wishing to fit more activities into their Cairns itinerary.

The day begins with complimentary coach transfers from Cairns CBD hotels at 9:00 am, or you may self-drive to the Deeral departure point, arriving by 10:00 am for check-in. Your transfer vessel departs at 10:15 am for a picturesque journey along the Mulgrave River and out to the Frankland Islands, one of the most untouched and scenic destinations on the reef.

On arrival, you’ll have free time to swim in crystal-clear waters, relax on the sandy beach, or explore the surrounding reef lagoons at your own pace. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are provided for those who want to experience the calm waters from a different perspective.

This Express Tour also includes one guided activity of your choice – either a semi-submersible tour to view colourful coral and marine life without getting wet or a guided snorkelling session to explore the reef with an experienced guide.

An optional picnic lunch (Panini, fresh fruit, and a muffin) can be pre-booked 24 hours in advance for a relaxed beachside meal. Your tour concludes mid-afternoon, with the vessel departing Frankland Island around 2:30 pm for the return trip to Deeral. Travel time back to Cairns is approximately 45 minutes.

Features and Hightlights

• Semi-submersible reef viewing or guided snorkelling session included
• Complimentary use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
• Free coach transfers from Cairns CBD
• Optional picnic lunch can be prebooked or BYO

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.

For more time on this beautiful island, consider upgrading to the full day Frankland Island Tour, which includes a buffet lunch and additional activities such as scuba diving and extended reef exploration.

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

10:15am

Departure Instructions

If you prefer to self-drive, please allow time for the drive and check in at Deeral by 10.00 am

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Frankland Islands

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

4 Hours

Available for Purchase / Hire

Picnic Lunch: Tuck into a delicious pre-packed picnic lunch, which can be added on to our Express Tour (must be pre-booked 24 hours in advance). Including both vegetarian and vegan options for every taste.

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Additional Information

Please note: All timings are approximate and dependent on tidal and weather conditions.

Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children