In short
- Basic day trips start from $114 per person.
- All-inclusive tours with lunch start from $185.
- Private visits cost only fuel and camping permit fees.
In this article
Booking a trip to the Frankland Islands is straightforward. Frankland Islands Reef Cruises runs the only commercial tour. You can choose between a basic ticket or a fully catered day. Prices change depending on the platform, so check current rates before booking.
What do Frankland Islands reef cruises cost?
Prices range from approximately $114 for a basic day trip to $186 for an all-inclusive tour.
Frankland Islands Reef Cruises limits guest numbers to 100 people per day on Normanby Island. Their basic express day trip excludes lunch and starts from $114 per person. The all-inclusive package starts from $186 per person. Note that prices vary by booking platform and change over time.
What is included in the all-inclusive tour?
The all-inclusive ticket covers your boat transfer, snorkel gear, guided tours, and a tropical buffet lunch.
This package provides a guided snorkel safari, an island walk, and use of kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. You also receive morning and afternoon tea, plus drinking water throughout the day. Return bus transfers from select Cairns locations are usually included.
How does the basic day trip differ?
The basic day trip does not include lunch or the guided island walk.
With the express option, you must bring your own food or pre-book a lunch box. You still get access to snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards. The tour also offers a choice between a semi-submersible tour and a guided beach-to-reef snorkel.
Are there extra costs on the day?
You only pay extra for optional upgrades like introductory diving and varied drinks.
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase on the boat. If you book the basic tour, you will also need to buy your own lunch. Introductory diving is an additional cost on both tour types.
How do Frankland Islands prices compare to the Outer Reef?
Frankland Islands tours are priced similarly to or slightly lower than standard Outer Reef trips from Cairns.
Outer Reef tours often cost well over US$200 per person. The Frankland Islands offer a low-footprint alternative with a short 10-kilometer open-water crossing. You get a quiet island environment instead of a busy reef pontoon.
Questions travellers ask
Can I visit the islands without paying for a tour?
Yes. Entry is free for private vessels. You will only pay for fuel, ramp fees, and a $7.75 AUD per night camping permit if you stay overnight on High Island.
Is a stinger suit included in the price?
Yes, lycra stinger suits are provided seasonally on commercial tours to protect against dangerous jellyfish in warmer months.
How long is the boat ride to the islands?
The total travel time is about 1.5 hours. This includes a 45-minute drive from Cairns to Deeral and a 45-minute boat ride down the Mulgrave River and across the ocean.
