About the Great Barrier Reef

Learn about the GBR

The Great Barrier Reef - Experience World Heritage

The Great Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is recognized for its outstanding universal value. It is one of the most important natural ecosystems on the planet, and it is a critical source of food, livelihoods, and tourism for the people of Australia. Located off the coast of north-eastern Australia, the Great Barrier Reef spans over 2,300 kilometres (1,400 miles) along the Queensland coastline. It is made up of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands, and it covers an area of approximately 344,400 square kilometres (133,000 square miles).

Home to over 1,500 species of fish, including clownfish, giant trevally, and barracuda, as well as over 600 species of hard and soft corals, the reef is also home to dozens of species including dugongs, dolphins, and humpback whales. The reef is also an important breeding and nesting site for sea turtles and seabirds, such as the magnificent frigatebird.

Fringing reefs around the Frankland Islands
Frankland Islands Coral Reefs

The reef is managed by and cared for by GBRMPA, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. They work alongside the traditional owners, marine scientists, government departments, local tourism operators and individuals to protect the reef from environmental threats and preserve it from future generations.

All commercial day tours to the Great Barrier Reef pay an included EMC, or Environmental Management Charge, which goes directly to GBRMPA to fund the day-to-day management of the marine park. So by visiting the Frankland Islands with us, you’re helping to protect the reef!

Protecting the Great Barrier Reef

Unfortunately, the Great Barrier Reef is facing several significant environmental challenges that threaten its long-term survival. The reef is facing significant pressures from climate change, pollution, overfishing, and coastal development. These threats have resulted in declines in some fish populations and affecting the health of the reef ecosystem. Despite these challenges, several conservation and restoration efforts are underway, including initiatives to reduce pollution, promote sustainable fishing practices, and restore damaged reef habitats. These efforts are critical for ensuring that the Great Barrier Reef can continue to thrive.

Journey to the Great Barrier Reef

Discover a Cairns hidden gem

When visiting North Queensland, the must-do experience is a Great Barrier Reef day tour. Look no further than the Frankland Islands off Cairns, which offers pristine snorkelling opportunities amid beautiful, healthy corals. You can access this hidden gem on an organized day trip from Cairns.

Fun facts about the Great Barrier Reef

Learn about the largest living structure on the planet and one of the natural wonders of the world – Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Here are some fun facts about this awe-inspiring coral reef environment and its fascinating marine creatures.

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#1

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park classification extends into the airspace above the water and into the earth beneath the seabed.

#2

You may think of coral reefs when you think of the Great Barrier Reef, but they only make up about 7% of the entire Marine Park.

#3

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is almost as big as Germany - laid on top it would cover 98.6% of the country.

#4

The Great Barrier Reef is home to six of the world’s seven turtle species and contains 25% of all known marine species in the world.

Nemo and Anemone
Laura W, January 2025 (Tripadvisor)

The crew was so friendly and everything was well organized! Pick up & drop off were timely. They had so much gear and we saw so much wildlife.

Batul B, December 2024 (Tripadvisor)

A fun day with lots to do and a very friendly and helpful crew. Enjoyed all the activities. The snorkelling was great, all the gear was provided and one crew even swam with us and took us out to see the reef as we weren’t very confident and are not very good swimmers. The semi submarine was beautiful and we saw a turtle and a sting ray. And finally the island walk – very interesting and informative. All in all a great experience and a big thanks to the crew.

Sharon S, December 2024 (TripAdvisor)

Amazing day out on the reef so many turtles and fish to see the staff are amazing they know exactly where to look for things and let you know. Day is well run and organised friendly and helpful staff made the day one to remember.

Akshay J, Jan 2025 (Google Reviews)

Absolutely loved my experience with Frankland Island Tours! From start to finish, it was a fantastic day. The staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful, making us feel welcome right away. Our guides, were amazing! They were so knowledgeable about the reef, the island, and all the marine life. We learned so much and had a great time doing it.
The island itself is stunning, and the snorkeling was out of this world. We saw so many colorful fish and even a few turtles! Everything was well-organized and ran smoothly, which made the whole day relaxing and enjoyable. If you’re looking for a great day trip in the Cairns area, I highly recommend Frankland Island Tours! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Anna L, Jan 2025 (Google Reviews)

Truly Cairns hidden gem… knowledgeable and friendly staff all inclusive .. absolutely pristine..turtles baby sharks so much marine life large fish and variety of coral .. food was lovely .. very good value for money .. not a huge day ..felt relaxing ..even W kids 😉

Christina G, Jan 2025 (Google Reviews)

Our experience with Frankland Islands Cruises was absolutely incredible! The staff were remarkably knowledgeable, helpful, fun, and full of energy, making the entire day a joy from start to finish.

We’re so glad we chose this cruise over the others—it was perfect for families and packed with activities! Snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking—we did it all! Swimming with turtles, countless fish, and seeing the vibrant coral up close was simply unforgettable.

Lunch was delicious and exactly what we needed after such an action-packed day.

This has truly been the highlight of our trip, and we can’t thank the amazing staff enough for making it so special. Highly recommend Frankland Islands Cruises!

Cathy & Craig H, Jan 2025 (Google Reviews)
Great family activity. We highly enjoyed our tour. Was great that everything is included and you can choose which activities you want to do. The guides were very informative and helpful. Buffet lunch was also yum. Highly recommend this tour.
Mary C, Dec 2024 (Google Reviews)

Despite some showers and a thunderstorm during lunch, it was an excellent day for my two kids and I. We much prefer this experience over the outer reef because the water was calmer and easier for the kids to handle. Plenty of marine life to see. Staff were great. We did not partake in the glass boat tour or the island walk because my kids wanted to stay on the beach, snorkel, and kayak. You can customize your experience to suit your desires. Thank you Frankland Island Reef Cruises for a memorable day!

Zsolt B, Dec 2024 (Google Reviews)

Great tour. Worth the money. The crew makes sure that everyone finds the right activity. The equipment is sufficient. The activities are well planned. I would absolutely recommend the tour.

LKaddy, Oct 2024 (TripAdvisor)

This tour was the highlight of our holiday and the best snorkeling to be had outside of the outer Great Barrier Reef. We saw clown fish living in bright blue anemones, a reef shark, turtles and a bright yellow box fish. Conditions were very calm and clear on the day we went. It was like swimming my in an aquarium.

Staff were professional and helpful and food was great. There were even beach games for young children.

We loved our day on a tropical island, admiring the views, snorkeling, swimming and stand up paddle boarding.

Nomad22362691146, Sept 2024 (TripAdvisor)

Undoubtedly one of the best island trip, if not the best. To begin with, once you are picked up by the bus, the bus ride to the ferry is unbelievably beautiful. With mountains and sugar cane fields. The ferry ride on the river and sea is smooth and not bumpy which keeps sea sickness away.
The island itself is a Virgin island. You will have semi submarine tours and snorkeling. Beginners will have guides on water. The underwater coral view is truly amazing. The staff is super friendly and will take good care. Highly recommend 👌

Great Barrier Reef Tours in Cairns