FRANKLAND ISLANDS REEF CRUISES

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises

Escape to an uncrowded tropical island paradise and experience the beauty of the magnificent Great Barrier Reef, with Frankland Islands Reef Cruises. From river and rainforest to reef, this tour encapsulates the quintessential elements of any great Tropical North Queensland experience.

Commencing with a rainforest river cruise, this tour offers the shortest open water crossing to the reef of any Cairns operator, meaning less time in transit and more time to explore the island’s abundant beauty. Snorkel the clear blue tropical waters and get up close to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef with a guided reef snorkel tour, enjoy a delicious buffet lunch and discover the diverse wildlife that inhabits this pristine environment on a guided island walk. This all-inclusive tour lets you experience all the splendour of the reef both above and below the water, with a range of interactive and multi-sensory experiences for everyone to enjoy.

As the only commercial operator with a permit to visit these unspoilt, uninhabited islands, you’ll have approximately four and a half hours to explore and enjoy this paradise at your leisure. With a maximum capacity of just 100 passengers per day, this exclusive tour delivers the space, comfort and personalised service that will help you escape the crowds, relax and make the most of your Great Barrier Reef experience.

Frankland Island Reef Cruises operate from Thursday to Tuesday each week, and comfortable coach transfers from Cairns CBD accommodation are included in the package, making transport a breeze! Guide dogs are permitted on the island, and a range of audio commentary will help make the experience more accessible for those with vision loss.

From River to Reef

Your island adventure begins with an air-conditioned coach transfer from your Cairns accommodation to Deeral Jetty, approximately 45 minutes south of Cairns. Along the way you’ll pass World Heritage listed rainforests, mountains, green fields of sugar cane and Walsh’s Pyramid, a 922m natural pyramid-shaped peak protruding from the surrounding landscape. At Deeral Jetty, ascend a ramp with steps to board the luxurious, two-storey vessel, Turtle Islander, for your cruise to an idyllic island paradise. Relax in the boat’s spacious air-conditioned interior and enjoy a tea or coffee as you cruise the calm waters of the Mulgrave River. The crew will provide audio commentary about the passing sights, including rainforest, mangroves and possibly prehistoric-looking crocodiles. Or head upstairs to the shaded upper deck to enjoy the fresh air and immerse yourself in the scents and sounds of the river. During the boat trip the crew will also provide a safety briefing and distribute snorkel gear and wetsuits.

A brief, 10km open water crossing from the mouth of the Mulgrave River delivers you to the secluded shores of Normanby Island, part of the pristine Frankland Island archipelago. The final approach brings into view the island’s white sandy beaches surrounded by healthy fringing reefs, teaming with wildlife bathed in azure waters. Descend a flight of stairs and feel the warm scrunch of sand between your toes, and inhale the salty tang of the ocean air. Listen for the playful call of birds lucky enough to call this island home, as they welcome you to their natural playground. The salty embrace of waves gently lapping at your feet is almost as calming as the rhythmic sound of the ocean’s soothing lullaby.

Beneath the Surface

Once you’ve disembarked, you’ll be asked to assemble at a tented, covered area with long wooden tables and benches, as well as a mat to keep bags out of the sand. Here you’ll receive a quick briefing before being split into groups for the days adventures. While on the island, you can choose to do as much or as little as you please. Take part in a guided snorkel tour straight off the beach, embark on an adventurous snorkel safari, get an up-close look at underwater life with a semi-submarine tour, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the warm caress of sunshine on your face.

The guided snorkel tour provides an excellent introduction to the natural wonders and diverse marine life that can be found in the surrounding protected waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Professionally guided by instructors, these tours help guests discover underwater treasures, including healthy corals, fish, turtles, giant clams, and vibrantly-coloured anemones. Expert instruction and floatation devices are available, making this an excellent choice for novice or less confident snorkellers. For the more experienced and adventurous, the popular Snorkel Safari departs via tender boat to the western side of the island, where guests can jump into the water and snorkel back to the shore at their own pace, drifting over magnificent hard and soft coral gardens and marine life in this thriving natural aquarium. Please be aware that this tour takes at least 45 minutes and can be quite physically exerting for those who aren’t strong swimmers.

For those wishing to delve deeper, climb aboard the two-storey, glass-bottomed semi-submarine for a 20-minute tour beneath the surface. Informative pre-recorded audio commentary offers fascinating insights into the Island’s diverse marine inhabitants and the history of the Great Barrier Reef.

A Sensory Feast

After a busy morning exploring, you’re sure to have worked up a healthy appetite. A delicious tropical buffet will help you recharge, complete with fresh prawns, peri peri chicken, salads, shaakootuhree, fresh bread rolls and condiments. Dietary requirements are catered to. After lunch, there’s an excellent interactive opportunity to discover the island’s hidden gems through participating in a guided sensory eco-walk conducted by the tour supervisor. Crunch your way over coral deposits and wander natural walkways to investigate rock pools and vegetation which provide a haven for abundant wildlife. Explore the shapes and textures of dried coral and shells, and listen to informative briefings about the island’s diverse flora and fauna. There’s even a treasure hunt for the kids.

As a magical day of discovery draws to a close, it’s time to reboard the boat for the return cruise. Tea, coffee, cheese platters and tea cakes are served to accompany excited recollections of the days adventures.

About the Islands

The Frankland Islands remain a relatively undiscovered hidden gem amidst the better-known jewels of the Great Barrier Reef. However, it’s unspoilt, pristine beaches , rainforest vegetation, rocky outcrops and healthy fringing reefs make it a natural refuge for marine and birdlife, and one of the best spots to snorkel close to Cairns. Located about 45 kilometres south-east of Cairns and just 10km off-shore, this island archipelago forms part of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Within this protected zone, the surrounding waters abound with colourful tropical reef fish, giant clams, turtles, and a multitude of marine species gliding and darting through an aquatic wonderland. Larger species such as dugongs, manta rays and whales also frequent the area. Beyond the island’s sandy shores, dense rainforest vegetation provides nesting sites for an abundance of birdlife, including curlews, tern and imperial pigeons. With such natural beauty and seclusion, it’s little wonder they all flock here!

Discover the island’s natural treasures for yourself with Frankland Islands Reef Cruises!