On the Water
6+ hours
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Recommended by 94% of travellers
94% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
from
AU$229
per adult
Frankland Islands Reef Cruises
Frankland Islands Reef Cruises
Frankland Islands Reef Cruises
4.5
Scuba & SnorkellingBoat ToursWater SportsNature & Wildlife ToursDay Trips
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Frankland Island Reef Cruises is an exclusive Cairns Great Barrier Reef day tour. Starting with a calm river cruise along the Mulgrave River, you are put you right on the Great Barrier Reef to begin your journey. Our destination is Normanby Island in the beautiful Frankland Islands National Park island group. The largest of the Frankland Islands, you are surrounded by vibrant fringing reefs, it’s home to many species of marine life, including turtles, octopus and the ever-popular anemone clownfish, Nemo. You have up to 4 hours to explore & enjoy this natural paradise, above and below the water. Frankland Islands Reef Cruises is the only company to hold a permit to visit Normanby Island, making ours an exclusive day tour option. With maximum daily passenger numbers of 100, and a high crew to passenger ratio, a Cairns Great Barrier Reef day trip to the Frankland Islands ensures you an intimate, personal and unforgettable tropical Island experience from Cairns and the northern beaches
Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours and Tickets by Frankland Islands Reef Cruises
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Travellers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
800 reviews
Excellent
643
Very good
98
Average
28
Poor
13
Terrible
18
Tammy vdR
2 contributions
Sept 2022 • Family
The Snorkel Safari was brilliant and highly recommended. Beautiful environment and extremely well lead by the Guide Emma. She lead the tour at a leisurely pace so we got to explore the open side reef for about an hour. Her interpretive comments were informative, well chosen and not too over done or intrusive. Well done Emma.
Written 22 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldTravla7
Cairns, Australia8,618 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
I’ve done quite a few Island & reef tours off Cairns now and this one is the best in terms of diversity of coral and marine species. We saw green sea turtles (which nest on the island) and countless fish species of all shapes, sizes & colours and some amazing coral while snorkelling. The tropical fish are like living works of art and even the most creative painter would find it hard to dream up the colour, lines and detail evidenced on some of the species I saw surrounding the Franklands. Just breathtaking. A friend saw a large purple octopus as well.
We did the day tour for $140 (with locals 30% discount) which included transfers out to Normanby island & back from Deeral, snacks on the boat, lunch on the island, 2 snorkelling sessions in different sections of the island (gear included) & a guided tour of the island with Marine biologist Ally.
The islands are beautiful & uninhabited & far less touristy than Green Island & Fitzroy Island given they are accessed 45km drive from Cairns. An added bonus was some beautiful rainforest heading out via the Mulgrave River and spotting a saltwater crocodile on the river bank heading back.
The tour kicked off just after 8.30pm and we were back not too long after 3pm.
We did the day tour for $140 (with locals 30% discount) which included transfers out to Normanby island & back from Deeral, snacks on the boat, lunch on the island, 2 snorkelling sessions in different sections of the island (gear included) & a guided tour of the island with Marine biologist Ally.
The islands are beautiful & uninhabited & far less touristy than Green Island & Fitzroy Island given they are accessed 45km drive from Cairns. An added bonus was some beautiful rainforest heading out via the Mulgrave River and spotting a saltwater crocodile on the river bank heading back.
The tour kicked off just after 8.30pm and we were back not too long after 3pm.
Written 14 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, thank you so much for taking the time to write a 5 star review of your time out with us! It is great that you enjoyed the experience and all that we have to offer. We really are privileged to be able to take guests to such a pristine and natural location on the Great Barrier Reef and what a bonus seeing a saltwater crocodile on your way back in!
Written 12 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kimberly F
Port Moody, Canada58 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We truly enjoyed our Frankland Island trip. The bus was convenient. The snorkel tour was a bit too quick because we landed late and there were so many people it was hard to stay together and hear the guide. But the location was gorgeous and we were able to snorkel the rest of the afternoon. Having the freedom to choose different activities was really good. The lunch was nice and there were plenty of snacks. We were really happy with our choice and was one of our favourite experiences in Australia.
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The choices of activities now include intro diving, thank you for experiencing our tour.
Written 10 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris Fluffy
12 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Money well spent on a great day out on the reef.
You get so much value out of this reef trip from spotting crocs, to two species of turtles and even a couple of blue spotted rays.. words cannot quite describe how wonderful it is to be guided by the team and the knowledge that they impart in each of their talks.
I was particularly impressed by Harriet with her seemingly endless amount of knowledge and patience when explaining each aspect of what we saw out and about. Her beach tour was brilliant and we got to see a beautiful spider conch flip itself over, also heard heaps of clicking and snapping from mantis/pistol shrimp.. even spotted a tiny decorator crab!
Maria was a fantastic snorkel lead - I got to see three turtles with her at the helm before she saved my friend from in water ocean sickness. I was so grateful that she reacted so quickly to my friends need and enjoyed the pace at which she guided us through the drift snorkel. I found visibility was very contrasted at each snorkel site - however spotting things through low visibility made it that bit extra special.
I could go on, the skipper was brilliant and the team did really well with regards to knowing their roles and implemented them through a drill which was run and completed promptly.
Kudos to the team that made the day a stand out, and my friends first snorkelling one she will treasure.
You get so much value out of this reef trip from spotting crocs, to two species of turtles and even a couple of blue spotted rays.. words cannot quite describe how wonderful it is to be guided by the team and the knowledge that they impart in each of their talks.
I was particularly impressed by Harriet with her seemingly endless amount of knowledge and patience when explaining each aspect of what we saw out and about. Her beach tour was brilliant and we got to see a beautiful spider conch flip itself over, also heard heaps of clicking and snapping from mantis/pistol shrimp.. even spotted a tiny decorator crab!
Maria was a fantastic snorkel lead - I got to see three turtles with her at the helm before she saved my friend from in water ocean sickness. I was so grateful that she reacted so quickly to my friends need and enjoyed the pace at which she guided us through the drift snorkel. I found visibility was very contrasted at each snorkel site - however spotting things through low visibility made it that bit extra special.
I could go on, the skipper was brilliant and the team did really well with regards to knowing their roles and implemented them through a drill which was run and completed promptly.
Kudos to the team that made the day a stand out, and my friends first snorkelling one she will treasure.
Written 2 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your 5-star review and detailed feedback! You've made our day !
We're so happy that you could spot a variety of marine life on your trip and might we add, a little jealous too ! We are so proud of our beautiful paradise and elated that you could experience it with us.
We will also share your feedback with Harriet, Maria and the rest of our crew who work really hard towards ensuring our guests are comfortable. They are passionate about the reef and love showing off this natural beauty to others.
We hope to see you again in the future !
Written 12 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue2610
Mooloolaba, Australia24 contributions
Oct 2021
We were told by the telephone booking person to find the jetty with a reference to the BP service station, which doesn't exist! Then a further phone call gave us a Google reference to a gentleman's house who was quite surprised to see us on his doorstep!
However, once we were on the boat, everything was great. The crew were extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and took special care to ensure our 94 year old mother had a special time. From the time we cruised up the river towards the sea and the Frankland Islands, their support made sure she had a wonderful day, snorkeling with the best of them and we really appreciated that Also very grateful for the stinger suits and other equipment to keep us all safe.
What a fantastic lunch! Fresh prawns, cooked chicken, salads, fresh fruit, soft drinks and fresh water on tap, all served under a tarpaulin strung up under the trees. I was very grateful for the vegetarian option.
The young children loved the treasure hunt, families were well provided for and the older of us had plenty of time to swim, stroll, snorkel at our will - beautiful fishes, turtles, coral, crystal clear water.
The crew were always there on hand to assist and advise where needed.
On the way home, coffee, tea and cake were provided for afternoon tea as we cruised back up the river.
This was a really good day, run by a reliable, friendly and caring company.
However, once we were on the boat, everything was great. The crew were extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and took special care to ensure our 94 year old mother had a special time. From the time we cruised up the river towards the sea and the Frankland Islands, their support made sure she had a wonderful day, snorkeling with the best of them and we really appreciated that Also very grateful for the stinger suits and other equipment to keep us all safe.
What a fantastic lunch! Fresh prawns, cooked chicken, salads, fresh fruit, soft drinks and fresh water on tap, all served under a tarpaulin strung up under the trees. I was very grateful for the vegetarian option.
The young children loved the treasure hunt, families were well provided for and the older of us had plenty of time to swim, stroll, snorkel at our will - beautiful fishes, turtles, coral, crystal clear water.
The crew were always there on hand to assist and advise where needed.
On the way home, coffee, tea and cake were provided for afternoon tea as we cruised back up the river.
This was a really good day, run by a reliable, friendly and caring company.
Written 31 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CT81
Australia130 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
As locals to the area we figured we’d take advantage of a special local rate and a spectacular weekend (weather wise) and check this off the bucket list. We’re so glad we did!!
The day started with an 8am roll call and boarding the well appointed ferry for an easy commute to the island. On the way, a magical experience with a whale and calf sighting. Spectacular!
The island itself was great. Enough time to enjoy guided snorkelling (Nemo and all), picnic lunch (delicious), an adventure walk (with the incredibly knowledgeable Ale) and some chill time for good measure. All included in the very reasonable price.
Highly recommend this adventure to locals and visitors alike. A truly remarkable day with something for all and a reminder of the paradise we are lucky to call home. Thanks to staff and crew.
The day started with an 8am roll call and boarding the well appointed ferry for an easy commute to the island. On the way, a magical experience with a whale and calf sighting. Spectacular!
The island itself was great. Enough time to enjoy guided snorkelling (Nemo and all), picnic lunch (delicious), an adventure walk (with the incredibly knowledgeable Ale) and some chill time for good measure. All included in the very reasonable price.
Highly recommend this adventure to locals and visitors alike. A truly remarkable day with something for all and a reminder of the paradise we are lucky to call home. Thanks to staff and crew.
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HI CTay81 - thank you for coming out and exploring Frankland Islands with us. Glad you had a great time and appreciate your recommendation to locals and visitors.
Written 15 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mireia
14 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
We had a great day at Frankland Island! I believe it is the complete pack for a great adventure day. First of all, the boat departs from the Mulgrave river so it is very stable and unlikely to get seasick (the island is very close). On top of that, during the river cruise we could spot a few large crocodiles!! Once in the island, we were snorkeling on the beach and we also did the sea safari. Highly recommended to book the all inclusive package as we could spot 5 turtles on the sea safari and take some kayaks after lunch. We also had time to relax on the sand and go for a walk to the next island as there was low tide.
As I said, I found it is a very comple pack as there was a river cruise where we could spot some crocs, we enjoyed the reef sea safari and we had time to relax and wander around. It was a very memorable experience and we will definitely come back very soon.
As I said, I found it is a very comple pack as there was a river cruise where we could spot some crocs, we enjoyed the reef sea safari and we had time to relax and wander around. It was a very memorable experience and we will definitely come back very soon.
Written 19 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
juliebarrett1964
London, UK410 contributions
Jan 2020
Six years since first trip, group larger, boat bigger,: more payable options but it is completely different to the major barrier trips
The beautiful coral beach, birds, fauna, snorkeling for beginners to more powerful swimmers. The bus collection is more expensive per person with added tax etc, makes it more expensive for families without transport, but 40 minutes. Y bus from Cairsn, then a lovely trip on the river before arriving in paradise. it is basic with not really enough seating. last trip we were 16, this time more than 40, but lunch is plentiful and water supplied. A more back to nature trip, worth the early start!
Caroline, a fabulous guide
The beautiful coral beach, birds, fauna, snorkeling for beginners to more powerful swimmers. The bus collection is more expensive per person with added tax etc, makes it more expensive for families without transport, but 40 minutes. Y bus from Cairsn, then a lovely trip on the river before arriving in paradise. it is basic with not really enough seating. last trip we were 16, this time more than 40, but lunch is plentiful and water supplied. A more back to nature trip, worth the early start!
Caroline, a fabulous guide
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
Thank your for your 5 star review. Our maximum passenger numbers are 100 as per permits issued by National Parks. Glad to hear you had a great time & hope all your holidays went well.
Take Care & Kind regards
Wendy
Written 13 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary B
Dunedin, New Zealand10 contributions
June 2021
We booked online for this tour - which said it was “all inclusive, including pickup”. It also asked for our pick up address. We then got an email confirmation that our booking had been received along with payment in full.
So next morning we waited until 8.15am, but HADN’T been picked up, so phoned them. Apparently the bus had left town 10 mins before - and there had been NO attempt to contact us at all!!! Offered our money back - but no apology was made.
Apparently we hadn’t made it onto their pick up sheet. Actually I don’t believe they even registered our booking. What a downer.
So next morning we waited until 8.15am, but HADN’T been picked up, so phoned them. Apparently the bus had left town 10 mins before - and there had been NO attempt to contact us at all!!! Offered our money back - but no apology was made.
Apparently we hadn’t made it onto their pick up sheet. Actually I don’t believe they even registered our booking. What a downer.
Written 14 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barnaby The Dog
Cairns, Australia12 contributions
Aug 2020
Thank you for great experiences!!!!
We local don't often take tour, but 40%Local discount motivated us to take advantage of this trip. My last visit to Frankland Island was 2006. We were so happy to see this Island stays beautiful same as 14 years ago. Thank you all crew members to keep these Islands beautiful.
Special Thanks to the master Reef Guide Palou( Italian guy, sorry if its wrong spell) Your Island walk was the best experience ! Also pirate Treasure hunting. My kids really loved your entertaining and amazed your knowledge.
Highly recommend this Master Reef guide !!
Your great service makes me miss my old days as diving crew.
We local don't often take tour, but 40%Local discount motivated us to take advantage of this trip. My last visit to Frankland Island was 2006. We were so happy to see this Island stays beautiful same as 14 years ago. Thank you all crew members to keep these Islands beautiful.
Special Thanks to the master Reef Guide Palou( Italian guy, sorry if its wrong spell) Your Island walk was the best experience ! Also pirate Treasure hunting. My kids really loved your entertaining and amazed your knowledge.
Highly recommend this Master Reef guide !!
Your great service makes me miss my old days as diving crew.
Written 15 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glad you have you back on Frankland Island! Great feedback for Paolo, we will be sure to pass it on. Thanks for your support.
Written 15 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi :) I was wondering what is the limit of people per trip , and about how many divers ? Also would I need a wetsuit ?
Written 7 March 2020
Hi, we were about 30 people, I think the vessel could take up to 90 but they are not fully booked at the moment. No idea about diving, but the snorkeling is so good, there s no need to go for a dive. Stinger suits, masks etc all is provided.
Written 8 March 2020
Hi,
The price of 99$ for the certified diving is only for one dive or for more?
Thanks
Written 18 June 2018
Good Morning Arnold,
That is the correct price for Certified Diving. You can arrange this on board or if you like contact the office to book your diving in with your tour.
Kind Regards
Dwayne
Reservations
Frankland Islands
Written 18 June 2018
If our group has a mix of those that wish to snorkel and some who wish to scuba dive, is this available all on the same boat/trip? If so, will there be a dive master on board to lead the divers? It seems most comments and reviews are about snorkeling and not scuba diving.
Written 3 May 2018
Hi thanks for your question and interest in our tour! Yes we can accommodate snorkellers as well as divers on the same tour. We are the only boat visiting this location so apart from when the divers are in the water you will be able to do the tour together.
All our dives are with a dive instructor or dive master for certified divers. Let us know when you are looking at joining us and whether you have any other questions!
Written 4 May 2018
Hi, do you pick up from Palm Cove? Thanks!
Written 30 April 2018
Good Morning, Yes we pick up at Palm Cove normally around 06:55am.
Thanks
Written 1 May 2018
Hi. Do you pick up from Port Douglas hotels ?
Ive seen special offers for advanced booking for your trip on the internet
Are these legitimate?
Many thanks
Denise
Written 13 November 2017
Hello Denise,
We apologise for the delayed response to your questions.
No - we do not pick-up from the Port Douglas area, however you can self-drive to the Northern Beaches (Palm Cove is the closest one) & we can pick you up from there. You could also alternatively self-drive all the way to Deeral Landing where you could meet out boat, if you so wish.
If you are lucky enough to come across any advertised special offers on other sites, please call / email to inform us of the source, and we will see what we can do for you. We look forward to having you come out to the beautiful Frankland Islands with us !
Written 21 November 2017
I have my return flight to Melbourne at 7.30 PM. My hotel is in Cairns downtown. Will I be able to catch the flight after the day tour?
Written 9 October 2017
Hi Soham,
Thank you for your enquiry.
You will have plenty of time to make your 7.30pm domestic flight to Melbourne. Our boat returns to Deeral @ approx 3.30pm, and we have you back to your hotel in Cairns CBD well and truly before 5pm. (More than likely 4.30pm - ish).
We look forward to having you out at the magical Frankland Islands :-)
Written 9 October 2017
Hi. We are coming to Cairns in September, We are very experienced snorkellers in our 70s and would like to confirm that we could go on the advanced trip in the afternoon? If we chose not to could we continue snorkelling anyway?
Thanks for your help
Written 13 May 2016
You will not regret choosing Frankland Island Cruises, All your snorkelling dreams come true :-)
Written 22 August 2017
Hi, I was wondering how long the reef cruise is (the beginners option)? What time does the tour start, I.e the time guests are supposed to arrive at the destination where the tour takes off? We arranging at 9am and I am wondering if we would make it in time (given a few hours it takes from the airport to the tour destination)
Written 27 August 2015
Hi Saba,
Our jetty departs from Deeral landing which is a 45min drive from Cairns City, so if you are self driving please plan your trip with plenty of time.
Normal departing time is 08:30am, so you need to be there by 08:15am. You can download our self drive map from our webpage where you will also find some more info about our tour.
We also offer transfers from Cairns City and Northern Beaches at a cost of $18 return per person.
Regards,
Written 27 August 2015
I have read all the reviews on Frankland Island and they vary from absolutely beautiful and definitely worth seeing, to big disappointments due to the limited snorkelling and dead coral. Can anyone tell me honestly if the coral is colourful and worth seeing. I have seen the coral and the fish in Fiji and it was breathtaking. Is it the same here? I live in Far North Queensland now and would like to experience the best that we have up here.
Written 3 April 2015
ron c
Cairns, Australia
Hi Annely
My apologies this is the second time I have replied to your request. With regard to the first one it seems to have disappeared into the internet somewhere.!
Normanby Island is a part of the Frankland island group where the Frankland islands tour visits daily. It is part Coral Atoll and part Sandcay . this combination is extremely rare and offers 2 distinctively different types of coral . Soft corals that cling to the rock outcrops close to shore around the Attol we call the coral garden . At a depth of 1 to 2 metres of water he full colour of the coral can be seen when snorkelling and is very impressive & where the guided snorkelling tours go.
On the Sand cay side of the island the coral is found in abundance 100 metres off shore on the edge of the reef where the movement of sand around the sandcay has no impact . This is where the Semisubmersible & Advanced snorkelling tours visit and where the majority of the Turtle population are found.
It is defiantly worth the money to join the tours all conducted by a marine Biologist . Annely the company would be happy to refund your day if you joined the tours and were not happy with the coral you would experience.
If you chose to go it alone and not join the tours then take some time to ask the Frankland Island Staff where to Snorkel . As the area around the Reef flats close to the Sand cay you would see very little Coral due the constant movement of sand.
For some visiting a deserted tropical island is all about doing your own thing. This the staff appreciate & respect. Sadly it is very frustrating when we read the comments about poor coral and know if they had just ask someone then there experience would have been completely different.
Written 7 April 2015
Showing results 1-9 of 9
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.