Frankland Islands Reef Cruises
As part of the Entrada Travel Group portfolio since early 2020, Frankland Islands Reef Cruises is a certified Ecotourism business, that places conservation of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park at the heart of its operations. The organisation is actively involved in scientific research data collection on marine species, reef damage, debris and tracking the overall health of the ecosystem, via the Eye on the Reef App and Rapid Monitoring Surveys.
Frankland Islands Reef Cruises holds an exclusive commercial access permit to visit the stunning Frankland Islands National Park. With visitor numbers capped at 100 per day, ensuring this pristine and ecologically significant national park is protected for future generations is delivered through a 'leave no trace' policy on the islands, optimising the use of resources across operations and providing quality educational experiences and guidance on sustainability practices for guests.
In addition, Entrada Travel Group operates several dive operations including Divers Den, TUSA Dive, as well as the liveaboard, Spirit of Freedom. With ownership shared amongst the Cummins, Ritchies and Snelgrove families, the Entrada group takes great pleasure in sharing the unspoilt piece of paradise that is the Frankland Islands group with visitors from across the globe.
As part of our commitment to sustainability we have developed a Code Of Practice relating to our wildlife interactions which is available for your reference. We have also sought independent verification of our practices through Ecotourism Australia.
Our Ecotourism Accreditation is awarded to Australia's ecotourism products, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities.
Speciality areas
- Birds
- Fish & Marine Invertebrates
Quick facts
- Part of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
- Normanby Island provides some of the best snorkelling of all the islands along the Reef.
- See healthy fringing reefs full of hard and soft corals, giant clams, schools of fish, turtles, octopus and more.
About the region
Frankland Islands National Park
The Frankland Islands, located off the coast of Far North Queensland, form a picturesque archipelago situated approximately 10 kilometers offshore and about 45 kilometers southeast of Cairns. These islands, namely Normanby, High, Russell, Round, and Mabel, are an integral part of the renowned Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its extraordinary marine biodiversity and ecological significance.
These uninhabited islands are enveloped by pristine fringing reefs, showcasing a dazzling array of hard and soft corals, giant clams, schools of vibrant fish, turtles, octopuses, and occasional sightings of dolphins, whales, manta rays, and dugongs.
A visit to the Frankland Islands promises a breathtaking experience, where you can revel in the beauty of sandy beaches embraced by coastal grasses, pandanus, and coconut trees. As you explore, you'll encounter diverse ecosystems, including mangroves, rocky outcrops, and lush rainforests teeming with a wealth of birdlife. It is a vital nesting ground for various bird species, such as the little tern, beach stone-curlew, pied imperial pigeon, and crested tern.
Normanby Island, renowned for its exceptional snorkeling, owes its unique appeal to its geological history. Once part of the mainland, it now stands as a continental island, separated from the coast by rising sea levels hundreds of thousands of years ago. This island boasts a mix of rainforest vegetation and coastal species, while the cool water channels surrounding it maintain refreshing sea temperatures during the hot summer months.
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