• Experience the new eco-friendly Wantaim vessel—offering the fastest open water crossing to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns in just 30–45 minutes with Frankland Islands Reef Cruises.
• The coral reefs on the northern side of Frankland Island are spectacular and are home to many sea turtles and the odd Dugong now and again
• Includes guided snorkel tour & snorkel safari, guided island walk, semi-submarine tour, beachside buffet lunch & use of kayaks and paddleboards during your Great Barrier Reef tour experience.
• Smaller groups - With a capped capacity of just 44 passengers, the Frankland Island offers a personal wildlife and reef tour.
• You will be snorkeling and scuba diving the Great Barrier Reef in Australia within 30 minutes of leaving the boat harbour
• Family Deal - Save $129 based on 2 adults & 2 children
• Our Frankland Island tour has the best coral gardens on the northern facing side of the island protecting it from any winds or bad weather making it a great year round reef trip choice

Join a unique small-group Great Barrier Reef snorkelling tour (max 44 guests) to Frankland Islands. Cruise the Mulgrave River aboard our new eco-friendly boat before a quick 30–45 min reef crossing to an exclusive island paradise.

Cairns Snorkelling Tours - Great Barrier Reef Tour - Frankland Islands National Park

What To Expect

Your Frankland Island tour guides talk about the importance of the mangrove-fringed banks and the stories of the Yidiniji indigenous Aboriginal people. They also talk about what to expect on your Cairns island tours itinerary.

This Cairns snorkelling tour on the Great Barrier Reef has the shortest open water crossing ride in Queensland to the Frankland Islands and this company is the only tour operator allowed to visit the uninhabited and undeveloped pristine Normanby Island.

New Eco Friendly Vessel

With a maximum of just 44 guests, the journey to the Frankland Islands now offers a more intimate and personalised experience. Travellers can look forward to a faster, quieter, and more environmentally friendly ride aboard the newly launched Wantaim. This state-of-the-art 14-metre Naiad RHIB has been purpose-built to enhance comfort while minimising environmental impact.

Custom-designed for the route to Normanby Island, Wantaim slashes travel time by up to 45 minutes. That means more time to snorkel among vibrant coral reefs, unwind on the island’s unspoiled beaches, or explore its lush rainforest tracks—all with fewer crowds and a smoother ride.

Guided Introductory Diving - for Adults only 17+

• Take the plunge and experience scuba diving on Frankland Islands. If you want to try diving at the Great Barrier Reef, our friendly and experienced crew will be happy to help you start your underwater adventure! Frankland Islands Reef Cruises is a PADI 5-star Dive Centre with years of experience in diving instruction.
• You don’t need any previous scuba diving experience – if you’re comfortable in the water, and with no medical conditions that preclude you from scuba diving, you can usually do an intro dive. You’ll be given briefings, tuition and all the skills practice you need at the surface to make sure your dive is a safe, amazing experience.
• During your intro dive, under the expert supervision of our instructors, you’ll descend to 12m (40 feet) below the surface and enjoy the amazing marine life that makes Frankland Islands so unique.

Features & Highlights

• Only Introductory Diving will be available, we are not currently offering Certified Diving on Frankland Islands.
• The Intro Dive Experience is not included in our all-inclusive tour price, and does have an additional cost.
• Due to the activity timings of the day, if you are taking part in an Intro Dive you may miss one of the other island activities (i.e. the Guided Island Walk). Please speak to our team in the morning if there are any activities you want to take part in, so they can assign you the best Intro Dive time slot for the day.
• Due to the limited number of Intro Dive slots per day (6 total per trip), no refunds will be provided for pre-booked Intro Dive experiences. Failing the medical clearance or change of mind will not be valid reasons for refunds of the Intro Dive cost.
• Self drive from Cairns or book a coach pick up to meet the boat at the departure point in Deeral.
• The journey combines a river cruise as well as a reef and Island experience. It is a visual delight to have the backdrop of the mainland all day.
• Frankland islands reef cruises visits the largest of the five islands in the group, Normanby island.
• They are the only operator who are permitted to visit this location which makes for an exclusive day exploring this Cairns Island on the Great Barrier Reef.
• There are no other snorkelling tours and no crowds at this beautiful island, it's all you and Mother Nature!
• This tropical island boasts an abundance of plant and wildlife species, vibrant and colourful rainforest which is met by beautiful, unspoilt beaches and brilliant coral gardens which are home to tropical fish, giant clams and, most notably, green sea turtles; a popular calling card for Frankland Islands Reef Cruises and one which takes pride of place in adorning their logo.
• Due to their natural beauty and abundance of flora and fauna, the islands are classified and protected by both National Park as well as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
• It truly is a privilege for guests to be able to visit this unique group of Cairns islands. 

See all Great Barrier Reef tours from Cairns and Tropical North Queensland and the rest of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland. 

Learn all the things you need to know before you go on The Tour Specialists Blog. 

Tour Languages Offered

• English

Departs From

Cairns

Departure Time

• Coach transfers begin in Cairns: 6.55am - 5.00-5.30pm (Daily)
• Departs and Returns Deeral (self drive): 8.15am - 4.00pm (Daily)

Departure Instructions

Self-drive guests will need to make their own way to Deeral, 45 minutes south of Cairns

Destinations

• Great Barrier Reef
• Frankland Islands National Park
• Mulgrave River

Months of Operation

January - December

Days of Operation

Daily

Duration

9 hours (approx)
Approximately 4 - 4.5 hours on island

Available for Purchase / Hire

• Prescription masks
• Wetsuits

Fitness Level Required

Low, Medium

Restrictions

• Guests must be able to walk up to 100 m on sand / uneven ground
• Not suitable for disabled passengers

IN-WATER RESTRICTIONS

Scuba Diving Restrictions

• Certain medical conditions and medications may preclude some people from scuba diving.
• Participation is subject to a medical questionnaire completed on board with the tour operator
• Minimum age for scuba diving is 12 years.
• Flying after scuba diving: a wait of 12 hours is recommended after one dive, 18 hour after 2 dives and at least 24 hours after multiple dives, before ascending to an altitude of 300 metres or greater.

Read more about Diving Safety on the Great Barrier Reef.

• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Swimsuit
• Towel and shoes that can get wet for island walk and boat transfers
• Camera
• Cash or Credit Card for additional purchases

• Family Fare: 2 Adults and 2 Children (not applicable with other discounts)
• Child rate applies to children age 4 to 16
• Infants 0-3 years travel free of charge
• Proof of age may be required
• All children under 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times. Exceptions are school groups, when children are accompanied by a teacher and have filled out a disclaimer form.