Frankland Islands Marine Park
Teeming with vibrant marine life
There are many underwater characters that call the Frankland Islands home. We’ve compiled a list of commonly found marine life that you may get to see on your day out with Frankland Islands, so you can be better prepared when you see them face to face!
During our Guided Island Walks and Guided Snorkel Tours, our marine guides will make sure to show you the best places to spot underwater creatures and rockpool inhabitants, including Anemonefish, Green Turtles, Giant Clams and Spider Conch snails.
Some of our marine inhabitants are seasonal visitors, like the majestic manta rays and humpback whales. You can learn about the best time to plan your visit from our travel guide article about the different seasons of the Great Barrier Reef if you want to see these island guests.
Creatures and critters of Frankland Islands
Pristine islands & fringing reefs full of marine life
Anemones and Clownfish
Anemonefish, more commonly known as Clownfish, and sea anemones have a unique symbiotic interaction. The fish are impervious to the anemone’s tentacles’ sting, which gives them a unique safe haven from predators.
The clownfish helps the anemone in exchange for this safe haven by luring in other fish and shrimp, which are then stung and consumed by the anemone. Frankland Islands is home to two rare jewel-blue anemones containing clownfish, which you can see right off the beaches on the north and west sides of Normanby Island.
Sea Turtles
The waters of the Great Barrier Reef are home to six of the world’s seven sea turtle species. The islands are home to the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and the hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) which We see on almost every trip! Snorkelling with sea turtles is an amazing experience, floating alongside them as they swim and feed.
Manta Rays
The name ‘Manta,’ which means blanket or cloak in Spanish, is given to these large, flat, and uniquely shaped fish because of their striking look. The Manta Ray may be found across the Great Barrier Reef and is among the world’s largest fish, measuring up to 7 metres in length from wingtip to wingtip. Despite their massive size, manta rays eat minuscule plankton, the tiniest animals in the ocean. Manta rays, unlike other rays, lack a stinging barb and are therefore completely harmless to people.
Giant Clam
The giant clam, the largest aquatic mollusc on Earth weighing up to 200 kilograms and over a metre long. These organisms, which may be found all throughout the Great Barrier Reef, have two hard shells that protect soft tissue within that filters nutrients from seawater. Giant Clams are the only invertebrate listed among the Great 8 species, and can live over 100 years!
Coral
Coral may look like a rock or plant, but it’s actually a type of animal! Coral is made up of tiny but mighty coral polyps. Each polyp is typically a couple of millimetres in diameter and is closely related to sea anemones and jellyfish.
As the polyps grow, they secrete calcium carbonate, also known as limestone, forming a hard skeleton, and building a coral reef structure.
Brittle Stars
Brittle stars may look like starfish, but they’re not! Although brittle stars and starfish are closely related, as they’re both echinoderms, they are different species.
Each brittle star has a distinct central disk and five skinny, flexible arms. The central disk is made up of calcium carbonate and contains all their internal organs. If in danger, brittle stars can ‘drop’ one or more arms to escape predators. As long as a brittle star has its central disk, it can function and regenerate any lost limbs.
Red Lionfish
The gorgeous Lionfish are native to the Great Barrier Reef. The 13 long fins that extend from their spine are venomous and used to deter predators. To humans, a lionfish sting is painful but fortunately, while unpleasant, is not fatal.
Unfortunately, Lionfish have become an invasive species in North American waters, likely due to irresponsible aquarium owners releasing them directly into the Atlantic Ocean.
Damselfish
You’re definitely going to see Damselfish at Frankland Islands – they’re everywhere! Damselfish are plankton feeders. They have extendable mouths that shoot out to catch food. They stay close to the coral and are often in schools so they can spot predators and hide in the corals.
Wherever you see damselfish, you may see the predator fish that want to eat them… Sitting very still and camouflaged, waiting patiently.
Sea Cucumbers
There are about 1,500 species of sea cucumbers that come in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes. They can be from less than an inch to several feet in length. Sea cucumbers are echinoderms, meaning they are related to starfish, sea urchins, and sand dollars.
Sea cucumbers have a surprising defence mechanism, where they expel their internal organs if they feel threatened. This process is called evisceration, and once the organs are discharged, the sea cucumber can regenerate them.
This was a fantastic day. An easy cruise to the island, enthusiastic crew, good equipment and a pristine island. The lunch was good and the island walk was really interesting. Plenty of coral and fish although it doesn’t compare to the outer reef. We did see turtles 👏🏻 though. One of the best days we have had in FNQ. I would definitely recommend this day when visiting the Cairns area.
Highly recommend this tour. Loved the snorkelling tour and water activities. Food was fresh and plentiful. Staff were friendly and helpful. Such a great day for all of the family.
Best day ever!!! Kelly, Panchi, and the rest of the crew were so fantastic! The boat ride over was lovely and the snorkeling was PERFECT. We saw soooo many fish and felt super safe the whole time! Thank you guys 🐠🐟
Even though the weather wasn’t the best, it still was an enjoyable day. The staff were great and very approachable. Meals included morning tea on the boat travelling along the river, an excellent buffet lunch on the island, and then afternoon tea on the way back. Easy to follow instructions for pick-up if going with the bus transfer. A great way to spend my Birthday.. Thanks to everyone 🌞
Embarking on a Frankland Islands tour is like stepping into a vibrant underwater wonderland, and our recent experience was nothing short of magical. The highlight of our adventure was the exceptional care provided by Kelly, who ensured my 83-year-old mother felt comfortable and safe while snorkeling. Her patience and expertise allowed my mother to explore the aquatic marvels with confidence and ease. Meanwhile, Punchie, our scuba guide, led us on an exhilarating dive around Normanby Island, revealing the hidden treasures of the reef with enthusiasm and knowledge that greatly enriched our experience. Their passion for the marine world and dedication to their guests’ enjoyment shone as brightly as the tropical sun. It’s clear that the Frankland Islands crew doesn’t just offer tours; they create lifelong memories. If you’re seeking an unforgettable aquatic adventure, look no further than this dedicated and professional team.
Glorious day. Coach collected us across from hotel. Painless transfer down the coast to catch the boat. Nice cruise up the river and then over to the island. Biscuts, tea and coffee served onboard and for those snorkelling we were given our snorkeling gear and a wetsuit.
Snorkeling saw 4 sea turtles – coral in some parts certainly impacted by climate change and pollution and hopefully it will return. Saw lots of fish life and better coral as we swam closer to the beach.
Nice lunch including prawns and really interesting walk around the island where Anna(?) pointed out some great marine facts and sea life we wouldn’t have picked up ourselves. Saw a Spider Snail, Clown Fish and an Epaulette Shark.
Cool river cruise on an uncrowded catamaran style ferry. Quick trip out through the heads of the Mulgrave river to Normanby island. We had a great snorkel on the lee side of the island so we were out of the 15kt south Easter which was crucial. Lovely island walk where sandals were very necessary. On return we saw two crocs in the river , one being a massive male croc called Clyde. My son got to sit with the captain with the other kids. Great food and snacks and a totally satisfying day.
We had the most amazing day with Frankland Island Reef Cruises. Pick up from Cairns accommodation in a comfortable bus and taken to boarding point just south of Cairns. As we cruised down the river, we were fitted out with all our snorkelling gear and wetsuits. As soon as we got to Normanby Island, everything was ready to go. Options to go on a guided snorkel tour or you can just snorkel from the beach (plenty of reef to see), glass bottom boat, kayaks, stand up paddle boards and an informative eco walking tour of the island. Fantastic crew who make sure everyone is included (shout out to Callie – she was so thoughtful and considerate when helping an elderly lady go snorkelling in the bay). Delicious lunch served under the shelter. We only had 33 passengers on our cruise (much better than the hundreds that cram on to some of the bigger reef tours). Some croc spotting as we returned back up the river. Highly recommended – Best day out – Thanks to Captain Crabby and the crew. Snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef – tick !!
This was a wonderful day out. We had Normanby Island all to ourselves. The only structure on the island is a permanent cabana providing shelter, shade and picnic tables and looks out over the water. This was our base for lunch and activities including snorkelling and glass bottom boat tours to view coral, stand up paddle boards, kayaking and a walk around the island. A yummy lunch was included and complimentary tea and coffee on the journey there and back. The boat is beautiful and very comfortable. The trip along the river is smooth (crocodiles may be spotted if you look closely) and the voyage across the sea was a little bumpy. I was impressed by the staff and guides who were always cheerful and well organised and who worked tirelessly to make sure everything down to very last detail was taken care of for passengers. Thank you to crew members Kelly, Panchi, Anna, Nanami, Crabby and Callen for a great day.
Cally, Luisa and Alisa has been a great staff during our day tour! The whole team seemed to be really happy to help and serve and we had a snorkeling tpur given to just 3 people by Alisa and it was a really great experience! We even saw a turtle which was pointed to us by the staff while we’re snorkeling in the afternoon! We did extra snorkeling after lunch while most of the group went for an island hike and so we felt like we had ample time to do our marine life exploring at our own pace. Lots of food and snacks althoughout the day. Fantastic experience! Highly recommend their service!