

Best for beginner divers, 1-12m, boat entry, mild current.
Normanby Island in the Frankland Islands offers a shallow reef experience suitable for beginners. Depths range from 1 to 12 metres with an average of 4 metres. The site is accessed by boat and features mild currents, occasionally allowing for drift snorkelling. Visibility varies between 2 and 10 metres. Marine life recorded here includes green sea turtles, titan triggerfish, and various wrasses, including bluestreak cleaner wrasse. Divers and snorkellers may also encounter elongate clams, ocellaris anemonefish, and several species of butterflyfish. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, though stinger suits are recommended from November to April due to the presence of jellyfish.
-17.20450, 146.07750
There are no toilets on the island, so the crew runs direct shuttles back to the main boat for bathroom breaks.
Access is exclusively through the licensed tour operator, Frankland Islands Reef Cruises. The tour departs from a jetty on the Mulgrave River at Deeral, about a 45-minute drive south of Cairns, and includes a river cruise before a short, 10km open-water crossing to Normanby Island.
The departure jetty is listed as not having wheelchair-accessible entrances.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 12m
Visibility
2-10m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Boat
Boat required
Water Temp
24-29°C
Current
Mild
Best Time
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
You may encounter green sea turtles, titan triggerfish, and various wrasses. Other species recorded include elongate clams, ocellaris anemonefish, and butterflyfish such as the copperband and blackback varieties.
Yes, the site is well-suited to beginners due to its shallow depths and generally mild currents.
Depths at Normanby Island range from 1 to 12 metres, with an average depth of 4 metres.
Yes, Normanby Island is a popular location for snorkelling, and guided tours are available.
The best months to visit are April through October, which typically offer more settled conditions and improved visibility.
No, access to Normanby Island requires a boat.
A 3mm wetsuit is recommended for diving at Normanby Island in Babinda. Water temperatures range from 24°C to 29°C.
Divers at Normanby Island in Babinda should be aware of jellyfish. These encounters are generally rare and avoidable with proper awareness. Follow local safety guidance and maintain a respectful distance from all marine life.
Normanby Island in Babinda typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Normanby Island in Babinda typically ranges from 2 metres to 10 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.