(07) 4082 7470

Frankland Islands Reef Cruise

FROM: $219
100
SingleDay
5.0 (4 Reviews)

Departure Times

Departs: 8:00am - Daily
Returns: 4:00pm - Deeral Jetty | 5-5:30pm - Cairns - Daily

Pricing Options

$160 AUD / Person - 1 Introductory Dive (Add-On) (Between: 01 Apr 2023 and 31 Mar 2024)
$219 AUD / Person - Adult (Between: 01 Apr 2023 and 31 Mar 2024)
$129 AUD / Person - Child (4 - 16 yrs) (Between: 01 Apr 2023 and 31 Mar 2024)
RRP $174 $141 AUD / Person - Family (2A2C) ($564 Total) (Between: 01 Apr 2023 and 31 Mar 2024)
$0 AUD / Person - Infant (0-3yrs) (Between: 01 Apr 2022 and 31 Mar 2025)

Cruise from the river to the reef on an exclusive escape to the pristine Frankland Islands!

  • Scenic cruise through the Mulgrave River to the Frankland Islands
  • Explore the secluded Normanby Island within the Great Barrier Reef
  • Guided snorkel safari, SUP and kayak amongst flourishing fringing reefs
  • Enjoy up to 5 hours of unparalleled island time! 

From the rainforests surrounding the Mulgrave River to the fringing corals of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a Frankland Islands Reef Cruise is an exclusive day tour filled with ample island time! Begin your day of adventure on board the luxury Turtle Islander vessel by enjoying a scenic cruise through the rainforests and mangroves of the Mulgrave River before reaching the Frankland Islands. From here, discover the pristine sandy shorelines of Normanby Island, snorkel amongst sprawling inner fringing reefs, and wade through crystalline waters by kayak and paddleboard. With island activities for all ages, a day filled with fun in the sun is guaranteed!

Frankland Islands Reef Cruise, Cairns Tours


Features

  • Great Barrier Reef day tour with exclusive access to the Frankland Islands
  • Up to 5 hours to relax and explore Normanby Island
  • 30-minute calm water cruise along the Mulgrave River
  • Island and foreshore walk guided by an experienced marine biologist
  • Guided snorkel safari amongst inner fringing reefs
  • Kids snorkelling tutorial and certificate, and island treasure hunt
  • Snorkelling equipment and tuition included
  • Use of kayaks and paddleboards
  • View the reef on a semi-sub expedition
  • Fresh tropical lunch provided (dietary requirements to be advised when booking)
  • Morning and afternoon tea included
  • Comfortable, air-conditioned vessel with full amenities
  • Return transfers to and from your accommodation in Cairns to Deeral Jetty

Soak up the sun and sites at one of the Great Barrier Reef’s best-hidden tropical islands!

Sample Itinerary

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As the only Great Barrier Reef tour permitted to visit Normanby Island, a Frankland Islands Reef Cruise boasts an itinerary brimming with island adventure and plenty of time in the water! Including return transfers to and from your accommodation in Cairns to Deeral Jetty, a seamless island escape is awaiting!  

Scenic cruise 

Begin your Frankland Islands adventure by cruising calmly down the Mu...

Read More

As the only Great Barrier Reef tour permitted to visit Normanby Island, a Frankland Islands Reef Cruise boasts an itinerary brimming with island adventure and plenty of time in the water! Including return transfers to and from your accommodation in Cairns to Deeral Jetty, a seamless island escape is awaiting!  

Scenic cruise 

Begin your Frankland Islands adventure by cruising calmly down the Mulgrave River, which is lined by lush rainforest and mangrove sanctuaries. Take the time to look out for brightly coloured local birdlife, as your knowledgable crew delivers commentary about the flora and fauna of the national park. From the river’s mouth, it is a quick crossing along the Coral Sea to the secluded Frankland Islands archipelago. 

Frankland Islands Reef Cruise, Cairns Tours

Snorkelling

Fringed by flourishing coral reefs, the Frankland Islands deliver unparalleled snorkelling opportunities for everyone to enjoy. Pop on a snorkel, make a splash and take in a world filled with hard and soft corals, unique tropical fish species, giant clams, and sea turtles. During the guided snorkel safari along the western side of the island, you will receive expert assistance and advice from your friendly crew, with children able to participate in Snorkel Stars to earn a special snorkelling certificate.

Frankland Islands Reef Cruise, Cairns Tours

Island activities

Following an unforgettable time exploring the reef, it’s time to relax in paradise! With four hours to unwind on Normanby Island fill your time snorkelling off the beach, hpooing on a kayak or paddleboard, and taking a guided island walk with a local marine biologist and Master Reef Guide to discover the diverse wildlife that thrives on the Frankland Islands. Providing fun for all ages, children can also enjoy an island treasure hunt following their snorkelling tutorial!

Frankland Islands Reef Cruise, Cairns Tours

More Information

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What To Bring

  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Shoes that can get wet and sandy
  • Refillable water bottle 
  • Cash or credit card (Visa / Mastercard)

What's Included

  • Return transfers to and from your accommodation in Cairns to Deeral Jetty
  • Morning and afternoon tea
  • 30-minute water cruise along the Mulgrave River
  • Guided snorkel safari, equipment, and tuition
  • Semi-submersible boat tour
  • Snorkel Stars – kids snorkelling tutorial ...

Read More

What To Bring

  • Swimwear
  • Towel
  • Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
  • Shoes that can get wet and sandy
  • Refillable water bottle 
  • Cash or credit card (Visa / Mastercard)

What's Included

  • Return transfers to and from your accommodation in Cairns to Deeral Jetty
  • Morning and afternoon tea
  • 30-minute water cruise along the Mulgrave River
  • Guided snorkel safari, equipment, and tuition
  • Semi-submersible boat tour
  • Snorkel Stars – kids snorkelling tutorial and certificate
  • Fresh tropical lunch (special dietary requirements to be advised when booking)
  • Guided island and foreshore walk
  • Kayaks and Paddleboards - free to use
  • Up to 5 hours on Frankland Islands

What's Extra

  • Optional Introductory Dive 
  • Any onboard purchases from the bar

Terms and Conditions

Important Information:

  • Child fares apply for ages 4-16. There is no charge for infants (age 0-3) but they must be pre-booked.
  • Please note there are no paved walkways. Prams must be carried or pushed in the sand.
  • We request passengers to advise our crew of any medical conditions and use caution at all times while in the water. All passengers will be requested to complete a medical declaration prior to entering the water and where required wear a flotation device.

Your Responsibilities:

Please advise us before booking if any passengers are under 18 years old to ensure this is the appropriate trip. 

You must reconfirm all booked tours prior to travel as specified on your voucher. If applicable, notes such as dietary requirements, pick-up locations and additional fees should also be confirmed at this time. Reconfirmations cannot be actioned through Cairns Tours / Mr Travel, and must be done so directly through the Service Operator as specified on each ticket.

It is your responsibility to notify us of ticket discrepancies. Please read through the details on your voucher thoroughly to ensure all details such as passenger names, ages and dates of travel on vouchers are correct.

It is the responsibility of all passengers travelling to advise both your travel agent at the time of booking and vessel check-in agent before boarding of any medical conditions including food allergies you may suffer from.

You need to allow adequate time to check-in prior to the specified departure time. 


Prices/Extra Costs:

All prices are stated in Australian dollars and include GST. Surcharges over peak holiday seasons may apply. 

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices and extra costs. Extra costs may include EMC fees, Stingersuit/Wetsuit Hire, Luggage Storage, Insurance, Linen Hire, National Park Fees, Fuel Levies, Dietary Fees, etc. Bonds may also apply.

We will also endeavour to communicate these extra costs with you at the time of booking, and on your ticket. However, it is your responsibility to confirm which (if any) additional costs apply with each Service Operator upon reconfirming your trip.


Travel Risk/Insurance:

It should be noted that adventure travel involves risk. Whilst we make every effort to safeguard clients, we cannot be responsible for personal injury or loss due to the actions of our clients which are beyond our control. All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Tour Operator. We highly recommend that all clients have travel insurance covering illness, injury, loss or damage to personal belongings and not being able to travel on the confirmed date of departure. You should also ensure your travel insurance will cover special circumstances including weather events preventing guests from travelling to their tour departure destination and cancelled flights due to unforeseen circumstances. 


Transport:

It should be noted that any transport you have booked (buses, flights and ferries) through Cairns Tours is non-refundable and non-transferable. It might be possible to change flights however do note this must be done directly with the flight operator and we are unable to offer any support with this. This may incur change fees or cancellation fees, it depends on the T+Cs of the flight operators themselves. As we acted as a booking agent for you, it is possible to liaise with the airline directly should there be any unexpected events and the airline is forced to cancel your flights. If there are any changes to your flight times or days, we will get notified and send this email directly to you in a reasonable time.


Merchant Fees:

Please be aware operators pass on credit card merchant fees so there is a non-refundable 1% surcharge for VISA and MASTERCARD card purchases.


Other: 

Terms and Conditions (including the Cancellation Policy) are subject to change. The most recent versions can be found online on the relevant product pages. 

All ticket/voucher reissues attract a $20 administration fee.


Transfers:

The Service Operator reserves the right to limit courtesy transfers to select local accommodations. Private residences or Airbnb properties may be asked to meet at the closest confirmed location. Failure to meet at the specified pick-up location may be treated as “No Show”, for which the Client Cancellation Policy applies. Not all tours offer transfers, please refer to the individual product to see if this is applicable to your tour.

Open Date Vouchers / Gift Certificate:

Shipping Costs are in addition to the ticket price and will be added at check-out. Shipping costs are non-refundable and do not makeup part of the ticket value. 

E-Vouchers incur no shipping fees.

You have 5 years to use the value of the voucher. Seasonal Price Rises will apply if travelling out the current seasons pricing. Vouchers can be exchanged for free up to the full value of the voucher excluding credit card fees and charges.

Cancellations

Client Cancellations:

All cancellations forfeit 25% of the recommended retail price (RRP) - not the discounted/sale price. No shows or client cancellations made within 48 hours of departure forfeit 100% of the total ticket price. 100% cancellation fee applies for Introductory Dives that are not due to operational decisions (i.e. weather disruptions). No refund will be provided for pre-booked Intro Dive experiences for failed medical clearance or changes of mind. Group Cancellation Policy applies to bookings of 15 or more people. Group cancellations made within 30 days and more than 7 days’ notice incur a 20% cancellation fee. Group cancellations made within 7 days incur a 100% cancellation fee.

Cairns Tours is required to notify the operator of any cancellations within the specified cancellation period. It is your responsibility to make sure you submit your cancellation request with adequate time, and during standard business hours (9am-5pm), to allow us to contact the tour provider.

Transfers between tours can be made at the suppliers discretion, however, it should be noted that supplier fees may apply. Tour transfers also incur a $20 administration fee. 

It is compulsory that all cancellation requests are in writing and sent via email to admin@mr-travel.com. Cancellations attempted via online chat or phone will not be actioned.


Supplier Cancellations:

The Service Operator reserves the right to alter prices, alter itineraries, apply a fuel surcharge, cancel departures, arrange alternative transport and vary itineraries and services if necessary.

All departures and itineraries are subject to weather. Tours may be changed or cancelled for any reason at the discretion of the Service Operator. If the Service Operator has to cancel the trip or activity (prior to departure) and we cannot offer a suitable alternative, then a refund will be given minus a 20% administration fee and any associated card fees. We strongly recommend that you have travel insurance, especially during the wet season.

All add-on activities (including but not limited to scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, helmet diving, guided snorkel tours, banana boat rides and waterslides) are subject to availability and price changing, and may not be available during your tour without notice. Guests are not eligible for refunds on the grounds of non-operating extra activities.

In the unlikely event of your trip being cancelled or stood down, all guest communication is required to go through our Online Store via telephone or email. While there is a Travel Shop retail outlet located in Cairns, please be aware that they operate as a separate entity and are unable to access reservations made by the Cairns Tours/Mr Travel online department.


Refunds:

All refunds are in Australian Dollars and must be made to the card of payment. Cairns Tours/Mr Travel is not liable for exchange rate fluctuations or fees, or any other merchant/bank fees associated with domestic and/or international transactions.

Where a full refund is applicable, there is the option to transfer the whole cost of the tour to another tour or “Credit” to avoid the administration fee. A transfer fee of $20 will apply.

You will be emailed confirmation once the refund has been processed. Once the refund has been processed, it may still take time for the banks to clear the amount. Please allow 7-10 business days for the funds to clear into Australian accounts and up to 21 business days for international accounts.


Accountability/Misconduct:

All Service Operators have the right to provide client feedback and to cancel bookings based off of feedback from other Service Operators. 

Please enjoy your travel experience in a kind and responsible manner.

Cairns Tours/Mr Travel will treat this as any normal client cancellation and therefore the cancellation fees stated in the Client Cancellation Policy will apply.


Information & Advice:

All information, advice or pricing provided by Cairns Tours and our affiliates, or through any of our team, is subject to change. Cairns Tours articles and products are provided online for general information purposes only and are intended as guides. Any advice interpreted from information on the website (including but not limited to financial, immigration, employment and tax information) is not specialist advice and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional instruction. Cairns Tours does not guarantee that any information provided is up-to-date or accurate. Please obtain professional advice before actioning any advice, including but not limited to tax, immigration, employment, travel restrictions and finances.


Thank you for booking with our East-Coast travel experts here at Mr Travel / Cairns-Tours.com . If you would like any further advice, assistance in arranging accommodation, transfers or additional tours please get in touch.


Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the coach transfers pick up from my accommodation?

Coach pick up times will vary depending on the day. Please advise us where you will be staying, and we can advise you the pick up time from your accommodation.

I have my own car, can I just drive to the Deeral boat ramp instead of taking the coach transfers?

Yes you can! There is plenty of free parking, just make sure you are there to check in at 8:15 am for an 8:30 am departure.

What time do we get back to Cairns?

The boat gets back to Deeral around 3:30 - 4:00 pm where the coach will be waiting to bring you back to Cairns around 5:00 pm. Depending on the order of drop offs, the time you get back to your accommodation can vary.

How many hours do we spend on the island?

You get between 4 and 4.5 hours to explore Normanby Island with plenty to see and do!

Can I go scuba diving on this trip?

Scuba diving is subject to availability and minimum numbers apply. Please contact us for more information.

Are special dietary requirements catered for?

Yes, the crew can arrange special meals for most dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking and they will do their best to accommodate you.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes! During your day on the island, young children can easily swim or snorkel from the beach. The crew provide flotation devices and the snorkel guides are happy to help with equipment and tuition. The guided island walk and kids' treasure hunt are also great fun for children. You are welcome to take a portable pram, but please note there are no paved paths. So you will need to carry or push them on the sand. The shaded picnic area is a lovely spot for a nap for the little ones.

What about the elderly or people with mobility issues?

As there are no paved walkways on the island, you will need to be able to walk up to 100 metres on sand and navigate stairs on board the vessel. Unfortunately this tour is not suitable for guests using wheelchairs.

Are there toilets on the Island?

No, there are no toilets on the island. However the crew runs direct shuttles back to the main boat for any bathroom breaks required.

I’m not a very good swimmer. If I choose not to swim or snorkel, what else is there to do?

If you’re not a confident swimmer, the crew can provide a range of flotation devices including life jackets and pool noodles. The snorkel guides will also assist you. Should you decide not to snorkel, you can do the semi-submersible boat tour and the guided island walk. The island is also a lovely place to relax on your very own crowd-free white sandy beach with a good book!

Reviews

Overall Rating

5.0 / 5.0

Based on 4 reviews

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Reviews by our Cairns Tours customers

Grace Oliver, 01 Apr 23
Amazing day! Could not recommend the snorkel safari more. We saw a manta ray, turtles, reef shark and nemo! There is so much to do on the island or you can just chill, which is perfect.
Jess Munro, 31 Mar 23
If you're wanting an alternative to Green and Fitzroy Islands, then this is the way to go! There is so much to do at Frankland Islands! On the included guided snorkel tour we saw a sleeping turtle, reef shark, ramora fish and a Manta Ray! Semi-sub was cool too. Snorkeling off the beach is amazing with vibrant corals and marine life! You have the option to do as little or as much as you like! definitely recommend for an ultimate GBR experience!
Thompson, 03 Jan 23
What a beautiful day! We were told that Frankland islands are a hidden gem, and it is certainly true. Great staff, beautiful reef. My daughter was so excited to see turtles.Thanks for the recommendation.
Ashleah Holliday, 28 Nov 22
Great day out! The staff were great and were very informative. The day began with a river cruise with complimentary tea/ coffee and biscuits. Once we arrived at Normanby Island the weather was perfect, great visibility and stunning scenery. We took part in the snorkel safari, semi-sub, paddle boarding and kayaking which was all included. We saw 3 sea turtles and learnt more about the island and the reef which was very insightful. The day ran from 8-4 and included transfers. Amazing day, would not hesitate to go again and will definitely recommend!
Louise
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