Your day begins with a morning cruise along the Mulgrave river. From the mouth of the river our destination on the The Great Barrier Reef is already in sight, making it the shortest open sea crossing in North Queensland. Welcome to Normanby Island, one of the five stunning islands that comprise the Frankland Islands.
The island’s pristine waters are a coral haven for snorkelling and diving. Visitors share the immaculate reef with green sea turtles, tropical fish and giant clams. While leisurely guided island walks take you through rainforests, rock pools and along secluded sandy beaches. You can satisfy your appetite when you dine under a canopy of trees with our tropical buffet lunch including prawns, fresh salads and tropical fruits.
This cruise offers a unique Great Barrier Reef experience based on the stunning Frankland Islands National Park, south of the City of Cairns. Frankland Islands Reef Cruises are the only operator to visit the island, offering small groups the opportunity to snorkel and dive the healthy fringing coral reef that surrounds the island.
Your tropical island adventure begins with pickup from Cairns and the Northern Beaches before travelling south through UNESCO World Heritage Listed rainforest mountains and fields of sugar cane. Hop off the bus and onto a luxury boat and enjoy a leisurely 30-minute cruise down the colourful Mulgrave River where migratory and breeding birds can be seen. Soak up the beauty of the surrounding rainforest-clad hills from the cabin or shaded deck and admire the panoramic views.
After a short open water crossing (30 minutes) guests arrive at Frankland Islands National Park, your tropical destination for the day. Spend 4.5 hours relaxing and exploring this secluded part of the Great Barrier Reef that sees no more than 100 visitors each day. Snorkel straight from the pristine white sandy beach where an expert marine naturalist guides you over colourful corals and tropical fish while explaining this unique and wonderful ecosystem.
All snorkelling equipment and tuition on how to use masks, fins, and snorkel is provided. During the summer months, a protection suit is provided.
Included in the tour is a delicious tropical buffet lunch served on the island with a choice of local fresh prawns, salad, chicken, ham, bread and an abundance of fresh tropical fruit. The boat departs the island in the afternoon and there’s coffee, tea, and cake on board to enjoy while you sail back to our departure point at Deeral.
Frankland Islands Adventure Package
Be adventurous and jump off the boat and snorkel along the Western reef, guided by our marine biologist. These small group tours will enable you to learn more about the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll see a vast array of hard and soft coral gardens, complete with giant clams and an abundance of colourful reef fish! You might even get to see a turtle. After your tour make use of our sea kayaks and Stand Up Paddle Boards to see the reef from a totally different angle.
What to bring?
Just like a day at the Beach:
ie Hat, 15+ Sunscreen, swimmers, towel and comfortable shoes for beachcombing.