Day Tour to Frankland Islands - Great Barrier Reef - Frankland Islands Reef Cruises

Embark on a unique adventure to the stunning Frankland Islands, a hidden tropical island south of Cairns. Our all-inclusive day tour offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, making it the ideal choice for travellers seeking an unforgettable Cairns island getaway. Your day with Frankland Islands Reef Tour begins as you board our air-conditioned coach from Cairns and travel south through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed rainforest, fields of sugar cane, and past the iconic Walsh’s Pyramid – the highest freestanding natural pyramid in the world!

Enjoy a peaceful river cruise down the Mulgrave River, followed by the shortest open-water crossing of any Cairns day tour to Normanby Island, the most pristine island off Cairns and a gateway to the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. The Frankland Islands Group offers the best snorkelling experience of all the islands near Cairns, Australia, thanks to its unique geographical location.

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises are the only commercial operator licensed to land on beautiful Normanby Island, so you can relax and explore with plenty of space and time. Once on the island, you can customize your day trip to suit your interests, our all-inclusive day tour offers a fantastic range of optional activities. Set off on a snorkel safari, explore the sea floor while staying dry on our semi-submarine tour with commentary, join our knowledgeable crew for an informative guided island walk, paddle with kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, and enjoy a delicious beachside buffet lunch, do as much or as little as you like, you’re on island time!

Once you’ve had your fill of vitamin-sea, enjoy a relaxing return to Cairns, arriving in the late afternoon.

Complimentary Bus Transfers:

Complimentary transfers are available from select Cairns CBD accommodation but are subject to availability. If the bus transfers are fully booked, you will need to arrange your own transport to the Deeral Jetty.

Self-Drive Check-In:

We recommend allowing at least 45 minutes of travel time south of Cairns along the Bruce Highway to reach Deeral Jetty, located at 169 Ross Road, Deeral 4871. For those driving themselves, please aim to arrive by 8:15 a.m. for check-in. The Turtle Islander departs Deeral at 8:30 a.m. and returns at approximately 4:00 p.m.

Meeting Point: If you prefer to self-drive, please allow time for the drive and check in at Deeral located at 169 Ross Road, Deeral 4871 by 8:15am, for an 8:30am departure.

Fuel Recovery Surcharge -travel dates fromApril 1st 2026 – September 30th2026.

This company charges a fuel levy of $10 per person payable directly to the tour company after booking. The tour company will reach out directly to arrange payment of $10 per person prior to day of travel.