Frankland Islands – Express
Explore Normanby Island on the Great Barrier Reef with this express tour from Cairns. Enjoy swimming, island relaxation, use of kayaks and paddleboards, and your choice of a semi-submarine or guided beach snorkelling experience, all with a later start and earlier return.
Key Highlights
- Flexible express tour with later start and earlier return
- Access to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
- Choice of guided semi-sub tour or guided beach snorkelling
- Time to swim, explore Normanby Island, or relax on the beach
- Perfect for families, cruise ship passengers, or busy travellers
What’s included
- Island exploration and relaxation
- Snorkelling Gear
- Use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards
- Choice of one guided activity: semi-sub tour or guided beach snorkelling
Reviews
“Fabulous experience. Staff had tons of enthusiasm and took great care of us. The person that lead the snorkel tour (I didn’t catch her name but she is from Missouri) was particularly great. Do not hesitate to take this tour. The snorkeling was awesome and we had plenty of time. Even saw a manta ray!”
Ben
“Very glad we chose the Frankland Islands for our trip to the reef. Enjoyable river cruise with crocodiles and friendly crew. The island is beautiful and the snorkelling was excellent with sharks, turtles, Moray eel and plenty of fish and coral just offshore”
Alexander
Overview
Experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef on Normanby Island with the Express Tour No Lunch, ideal for busy itineraries in the Cairns region. The tour is perfect for families with young children, cruise ship passengers, or those seeking a flexible option with a later start and earlier return.
Explore Normanby Island at your own pace. Spend your time swimming in clear waters, relaxing on the pristine beach, or delving into island adventures. Enjoy complimentary access to kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for fun both on shore and in the water.
Choose one included guided activity: a fascinating semi-submarine tour to view the vibrant marine life beneath the surface, or a guided snorkelling tour along the island's shore.
This express tour does not include the adventure snorkel safari, guided island walk, or kids treasure hunt, and picnic lunch is available as an optional add-on. Make more of your time in Cairns with this practical reef experience.
Commonly asked questions.
The Frankland Islands are located south of Cairns within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The tour travels from Deeral along the scenic Mulgrave River before crossing to Normanby Island.
The Express experience takes approximately 5.5 hours, including the river cruise, island visit and return journey to Deeral.
Complimentary coach transfers are available from selected Cairns CBD locations. Alternatively, you can self-drive to the departure point at Deeral.
You can swim, snorkel from the beach, relax on the sand, use kayaks or stand-up paddleboards and take part in one of the included guided activities.
Yes. Snorkelling equipment, including wetsuits, is provided. You can snorkel from the beach in the supervised area and explore the reef around Normanby Island.
The semi-submarine allows you to explore the coral reefs without getting wet. A guide provides information about the reef ecosystem and the marine life, including fish, turtles and corals.
Yes. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for use during the Express Tour, allowing you to explore the calm tropical waters around the island
Lunch is not included in the standard Express Tour. However, a pre-packed picnic lunch can be added when booking and must be pre-booked at least 24 hours in advance. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
Yes. The shorter itinerary makes the Express Tour a particularly convenient option for families with young children or visitors who prefer a shorter day on the reef.
Bring swimwear, a towel, hat, sunglasses, reef-friendly sunscreen and footwear that can get wet and sandy. A refillable water bottle is also recommended.
The Express Tour is ideal if you're short on time. You still get to experience the Frankland Islands, Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling, kayaking and either a guided beach snorkel or semi-submarine tour, while returning to Cairns earlier.
Additional info by the operator.
- 9:00am - Complimentary coach pickups commence from selected Cairns CBD locations
- 10:00am - Check in at Deeral. Meeting point for self drivers
- 10:15am - Depart Deeral aboard the transfer vessel
- 10:15-11:00am - Scenic Mulgrave River cruise and short crossing to Normanby Island
- 11:00am - Arrive at Normanby Island
- 11:00am-1:30pm - Enjoy the island with time for beach snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding
- During your visit - Choose either a guided beach snorkel or semi-submarine tour
- 1:30pm - Reboard the vessel for the return journey
- 2:30pm - Arrive back at Deeral
- 3:15pm - Return to Cairns CBD