All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia
Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia

All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef

Outty Ranking 78 4.7 · 454 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $186
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Outty Ranking

78/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 454 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef worth booking?

All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef is a 8-hour experience in Cairns & the Tropical North, Australia, from $186 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 454 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
78 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (454)
Duration
8 hours
From
$186 per person

Frankland Islands Reef Cruises are the only commercial operator allowed to land on stunning Normanby Island, offering ample space and time for relaxation and exploration. Customise your day trip with a variety of optional activities on our all-inclusive tour. The islands are also home to several endangered species like the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, spectacled flying-fox, and beach stone-curlews. Explore the vibrant underwater world with 200 coral species around Normanby and Mabel islands, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's total of 600 species. On Frankland Islands, stars aren't just in the sky—they're beneath your feet! Baclogypsina sphirulata, known as Sand Stars found on Normanby Island, are typically rare and found on beaches across the Indo-Pacific. They're often considered unique to Okinawa, Japan, but it's our hidden delight that you can also discover them in a secluded spot on Normanby Island.

What you get

    About this experience

    Frankland Islands Reef Cruises are the only commercial operator allowed to land on stunning Normanby Island, offering ample space and time for relaxation and exploration. Customise your day trip with a variety of optional activities on our all-inclusive tour. The islands are also home to several endangered species like the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, spectacled flying-fox, and beach stone-curlews. Explore the vibrant underwater world with 200 coral species around Normanby and Mabel islands, part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park's total of 600 species. On Frankland Islands, stars aren't just in the sky—they're beneath your feet! Baclogypsina sphirulata, known as Sand Stars found on Normanby Island, are typically rare and found on beaches across the Indo-Pacific. They're often considered unique to Okinawa, Japan, but it's our hidden delight that you can also discover them in a secluded spot on Normanby Island.

    What's included

    Included

    • Spacious and comfortable boat
    • Spectacular 30-minute calm water cruise along the Mulgrave River
    • Guided Island Walk
    • Use of Snorkeling Equipment, Kayaks and Stand up Paddle boards
    • Morning & Afternoon Tea and fresh water throughout the day
    • Lunch
    • Return transfers from select Cairns CBD accommodation, subject to availability.
    • Guided Snorkel Safari Tour
    • Lycra Suits (seasonal)

    Not included

    • Introductory Diving
    • Varied drinks including soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (available to purchase)

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Cairns & the Tropical North

    If you are making your own way to the boat, please meet us at 8.15am for an 8.30am departure from Deeral Jetty - 169 Ross Rd, Deeral QLD 4871, Australia. Please note the Deeral Jetty is 40 minutes south of Cairns.

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 90 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    If you are making your own way to the boat, please meet us at 8.15am for an 8.30am departure from Deeral Jetty - 169 Ross Rd, Deeral QLD 4871, Australia. Please note the Deeral Jetty is 40 minutes south of Cairns.

    Options you can book

    • Day Tour - Self Drive

      Activities: Snorkel Safari, Semi-Submarine Tour, Island Walk, Kayaks, Stand Up Paddle Boards and Snorkel Equipment Food & Drinks: Morning & Afternoon Tea as well as a Fresh Tropical Buffet Lunch are provided. Water is available throughout the day too. Meet at Vessel - Deeral: 169 Ross Road, Deeral - meet the vessel at the Jetty

    • Day Tour- Inc Cairns Pick Up

      Activities: Snorkel Safari, Semi-Submarine Tour, Island Walk, Kayaks, Stand Up Paddle Boards and Snorkel Equipment Food & Drinks: Morning & Afternoon Tea as well as a Fresh Tropical Buffet Lunch are provided. Water is available throughout the day too. Pickup included

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Frankland Islands Reef Cruises

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • All guests are required to wear lycra suits that are provided during stinger season
    • All guests are required to complete a snorkelling safety acknowledgement prior to entering the water.
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Please advise of any dietary requirements at time of booking
    • Please note that there are no paved walkways. Prams must be carried or pushed in the sand.
    • Please note that if the bus transfers are fully booked, you will need to make your own way to Deeral to board the boat

    Photos

    All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef in Cairns & the Tropical North, photo 2Easy access on and off the vessel, All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef in Cairns & the Tropical NorthCruising Mulgrave River, All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef in Cairns & the Tropical NorthSnorkel right off the beach!, All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef in Cairns & the Tropical NorthUnlimited beach snorkelling, All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef in Cairns & the Tropical NorthStars of the reef, All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef in Cairns & the Tropical North

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 454 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    6 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Organization

    4 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    The guide

    2 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    454 verified traveler reviews for All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    381
    4 star
    41
    3 star
    16
    2 star
    7
    1 star
    9
    Sort
    maureen_f · October 2026

    We had such a great time...

    We had such a great time exploring the Frankland Islands! The island was absolutely beautiful, with crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery. The crew were fantastic, friendly, well organised and very well prepared throughout the entire trip. Lunch was delicious, and everything was well planned, making the whole experience relaxing and enjoyable. A little tip for anyone visiting: bring reef shoes or water sandals when exploring the island, as some areas can be rocky and uncomfortable to walk on barefoot. Definitely one of the highlights of our Cairns holiday! We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend this tour!

    via Viator

    J7298FHracheli · October 2026

    Wonderful Value For Price!

    I have wanted to snorkel the great barrier reef since I was 8 years old. I’ve been planning & saving for the last 8 years! This snorkel was amazing and did well with my expectations. The crew was absolutely wonderful! The pick up from our hotel was even early! The bus driver & crew member was so sweet when we got picked up. The bus was a bit outdated but whatever. We picked up more hotels and got to the dock and they were great and efficient. They helped us get gear and showed us where to store it on the boat. Based on other experiences I have done I felt it was high quality gear wasn’t torn or broken or icky which was great. Highly cleaned. We had a nice river cruise although I didn’t know it was the river cruise I thought something was wrong that we were going slow lol. But it was relaxing had coffee, tea and cake. The island was wonderful lovely shaded area, they discussed safety very well. The snorkelling experience was so good!! The guide was great, we had the space to ourselves and the reef was at stunning. Lunch was also wonderful the prawns were so good, lots of options and tons of food. They also had water at all times for us. Then the island walk was relaxing we went on part of it, we got to snorkel alone a lot and saw a sea turtle! We didn’t do the paddle boards but they had them out not very advertised though. But I cared about snorkelling. The island was stunning! So beautiful and looked untouched, there is a camper toilet to use and one on the boat. They also gave us cheese and crackers which was so good on the way back. Overall it was an absolutely amazing experience and well beyond worth the money! They could charge more but I’m happy they don’t because I think it is perfect. Wonderful staff and wonderful time. Thank you for the wonderful 27th birthday and a trip of a lifetime! I would 100% book this again!!! Disclaimer: My camera was set wrong. We went 27 September 2026

    via Tripadvisor

    Dorisontour2020 · October 2026

    Amazing and highly recommend

    Amazing trip which was very well organised. I felt safe and informed. Food was brilliant. The island was beautiful and there were plenty of activities if you wanted that. Plenty of cheese too :-)

    via Tripadvisor

    daniloe694 · October 2026

    Father on Son

    It was awesome! Took my 12yr old son and he loved exploring the island and learning everything our guide could teach us. The staff also had activities for the kids and they got to go on a treasure hut. My son got to meet other kids to explore. The crowd wasn't big either so I got to meet other folks and enjoyed the good weather.

    via Tripadvisor

    sarahbJ601ML · October 2026

    The most amazing all inclusive reef day we had!

    We absolutely loved our day with Frankland Islands Tours! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was our third day of snorkelling during our holiday, after visiting a couple of different islands and the reef, and we are SO glad we booked this tour. It was honestly one of the highlights of our trip. The whole vibe of the day was amazing. The crew were so friendly, welcoming and genuinely seemed to love what they do. Everything was so well organised, but still felt relaxed and fun. There was so much included in the day — the glass-bottom boat tour, reef safari, kayaking, stand-up paddleboards and a really lovely, fresh lunch. There was also a treasure hunt around the island for the kids, with a special treat at the end, which our kids absolutely loved. We saw so much marine life, including beautiful coral, loads of fish, giant clams, turtles, a reef shark and so much more. It was incredible to experience the reef and island from so many different perspectives. What we loved most was that it was genuinely enjoyable for both adults and young kids. There was something for everyone, and the crew made the whole experience feel really special for our family. We would highly, highly recommend Frankland Islands Tours to anyone visiting Cairns. If you’re tossing up which snorkelling tour to book, definitely put this one at the top of your list — you won’t regret it! 🐢🐠🌴

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $186 to $260
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    159
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Why this scores 78

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)78
    Review evidence (18% weight)80
    Booking momentum (14% weight)77
    Value for money (12% weight)69
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cairns & the Tropical North.

    How much does All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef cost?

    +

    Prices start at $186 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cairns & the Tropical North usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef take?

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    Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cairns & the Tropical North is not rushed.

    Is All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 454 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cairns & the Tropical North, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef?

    +

    Around 159 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cairns & the Tropical North can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cairns & the Tropical North and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cairns & the Tropical North within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Cairns & the Tropical North?

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    On Outty we rank every Cairns & the Tropical North experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Fun, Falls and Forest Day Trip from Cairns, Passions of Paradise Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Catamaran, Tully River Full-Day Rafting: Cairns, Mission Beach or Self-Drive. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Cairns & the Tropical North?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Cairns & the Tropical North?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef?

    +

    Included: Spacious and comfortable boat; Spectacular 30-minute calm water cruise along the Mulgrave River; Guided Island Walk; Use of Snorkeling Equipment, Kayaks and Stand up Paddle boards; and Morning & Afternoon Tea and fresh water throughout the day. Not included: Introductory Diving; and Varied drinks including soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (available to purchase). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 121 listed pickup locations in and around Cairns & the Tropical North. Be ready about 90 minutes before the start time.

    What languages is All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Please note that there are no paved walkways. Prams must be carried or pushed in the sand. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef?

    +

    Across 454 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, organization, the guide. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    What booking options are available for All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef?

    +

    There are 2 options to choose from, including Day Tour - Self Drive, Day Tour- Inc Cairns Pick Up. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for All Inclusive Day Tour to Frankland Islands Great Barrier Reef.

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