Frankland Islands – All Inclusive
Explore Normanby Island in the Frankland Islands near Cairns with a guided snorkel safari, semi-submarine tour, island walk, kayaking, and a beachside buffet lunch, including coach transfers and scenic routes through UNESCO World Heritage rainforest and past Walsh's Pyramid.
Key Highlights
- All-inclusive day tour to the Frankland Islands from Cairns
- Snorkel safari guided by a marine biologist
- Semi-submarine tour with commentary
- Guided island walk and free kayaking or paddleboarding
- Beachside buffet lunch included
- Calm water cruise down the Mulgrave River to Normanby Island
- Exclusive access to pristine Normanby Island
- Travel through UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest and past Walsh's Pyramid
What’s included
- Air-conditioned coach transfer from Cairns
- River cruise on the Mulgrave River
- Scenic crossing to Normanby Island
- Guided snorkel safari
- Semi-submarine tour
- Guided island walk
- Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
- Beachside buffet lunch
- Kids Treasure Hunt
Reviews
“Truly awesome! Much better and less crowded/touristy than the Outer Reef/Green/Fitzroy tours for a more secluded feel. All inclusive makes it stress free. Tour guides were fun and informative. River entrance adds the croc dimension. Definitely recommend this tour more than the others or at least do both, but don’t miss this.”
Marco
“Amazing day out at Frankland Islands. The staff were so great with the kids (they especially loved the pirate treasure hunt)! We had a wonderful time on the glass bottom boat, snorkelling with turtles and kayaking. Thanks to the great crew, especially Riley & Jimmy who made our day!”
Amelia
Overview
Discover an unforgettable snorkelling adventure on the Great Barrier Reef with the Frankland Islands Snorkel Package, departing from Cairns. Begin your day with an air-conditioned coach journey south from Cairns, travelling through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest, sugar cane fields, and passing Walsh's Pyramid, the highest freestanding natural pyramid in the world.
Board the river cruise on the Mulgrave River, experiencing a calm water journey followed by the shortest open water crossing to Normanby Island. Normanby Island, part of the Frankland Islands Group, offers access to some of the most pristine reef environments near Cairns.
Enjoy exclusive access to Normanby Island, where you can customise your day with a range of activities. Explore vibrant reefs on a guided snorkel safari with a marine biologist, stay dry as you discover underwater life on a semi-submarine tour, or join a guided island walk.
Relax beachside with included buffet lunch and choose from optional activities like kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. After a day of adventure and exploration, return to Cairns on the Turtle Islander, arriving in the late afternoon.
Commonly asked questions.
The tour takes approximately 8.5 hours, including transfers, with up to 5.5 hours available to enjoy Normanby Island. It is ideal for visitors who want a full day exploring the Great Barrier Reef, relaxing on a tropical island and enjoying a variety of activities.
Complimentary coach transfers are available from selected accommodation and pickup locations in Cairns CBD. Alternatively, you can drive to the departure point at Deeral, approximately 45 minutes south of Cairns, where free parking is available
Normanby Island is part of the Frankland Islands group within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. It features beautiful sandy beaches, rainforest vegetation and fringing coral reefs teeming with tropical marine life. Frankland Islands Reef Cruises is the only commercial operator licensed to land on Normanby Island, offering a more secluded island experience.
Yes, a tropical buffet lunch is included and served beachside on the island. It provides a convenient opportunity to enjoy a meal between swimming, snorkelling and exploring. If you have specific dietary requirements, contact the operator before your trip to discuss available options
Absolutely! You can snorkel directly from the beach in a supervised area or join a guided snorkelling tour with a marine biologist. Confident swimmers can also take part in the Adventure Snorkel Safari, which involves entering the water offshore and snorkelling back towards the island with a guide.
No, you don't need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the entire experience. Beach snorkelling is suitable for first-time snorkellers, and flotation aids are available to help guests feel more comfortable in the water. You can also explore the reef aboard the semi-submarine, join the guided island walk or relax on the beach without snorkelling. The Adventure Snorkel Safari is intended for confident swimmers.
The semi-submarine tour allows you to discover the underwater world surrounding Normanby Island without getting wet. From the comfort of the vessel's underwater viewing area, you can observe colourful coral formations, tropical fish and other marine life while listening to informative commentary about the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.
The guided island walk is led by a marine biologist and Master Reef Guide who introduces guests to the island's natural environment. Discover its rainforest interior, sandy beaches, rock pools, native plants and wildlife while learning about the ecology of this special part of the Great Barrier Reef.
Yes, the tour is a wonderful family adventure, offering activities for different ages and interests. Children can enjoy beach snorkelling, the semi-submarine, kayaking, paddleboarding and a fun treasure hunt around the island. The family-friendly activities make it possible to enjoy the reef even if not everyone wants to spend the day swimming.
Yes, the tour includes the use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. These activities let you explore the clear tropical waters around the island at your own pace while enjoying views of the coastline and marine environment. Two-seater kayaks are available, making them a great option for couples and families.
Bring your swimwear, towel, hat, sunglasses, reef-friendly sunscreen and comfortable footwear that can get wet or sandy. A refillable water bottle is also recommended. Snorkelling equipment and wetsuits are provided, so you won't need to bring your own gear unless you prefer to use it
Additional info by the operator.
- 7:00am - Complimentary coach pickup from selected Cairns CBD locations
- 8:15am - Check in at Deeral - meeting point/time for Self Drivers
- 8:30am - Depart Deeral aboard the transfer vessel
- 9:00am - Scenic cruise along the Mulgrave River and across to Normanby Island
- 9:15am - Arrive at Normanby Island and begin your island adventure
- 9:30am - Snorkelling, semi-submarine tour, kayaking, paddleboarding and other activities
- 12:00pm - Tropical beachside buffet lunch
- 12:45pm - Continue exploring the island, reef and surrounding waters
- 2:30pm - Afternoon refreshments and reboard the vessel
- 3:30-4:00pm - Return to Deeral
- 4:30-5:00pm - Approximate arrival back in Cairns