How one family built a Daintree eco tourism icon
OCEAN SAFARI LEGACY
BUSINESS FEATURE
Since 2008, Ocean Safari has operated as the only reef tour operator providing a direct link between the Daintree rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. It’s a business built on the Claxton family’s “all-in” spirit, a project they started from scratch that has now grown to include three generations.
Located at Cape Tribulation, this multi-award-winning operation is shaped by years of family history.
The story began in 2008 when founders Jan and Peter Claxton, the team behind the legendary Ocean Rafting in the Whitsundays, visited the Daintree and were struck by its raw beauty.
Peter saw a calling for an intimate, eco-friendly experience that skipped the luxury frills to focus on a real connection with the water.
It was a family effort from day one. Jan and Peter’s children grew up pitching in; painting, digging, and helping shape the adventure hub into what it is today.
Their vision was to offer an authentic, grounded experience for families wanting to connect with nature.
For the Claxtons, it’s still about sharing their love for the region and offering a genuine way to experience the Daintree’s unique beauty.
The three-generation legacy
That same grounded, family-first energy is still what you feel when you’re out on the water with them now.
The goal remains simple: to offer a grounded experience that feels less like a commercial tour and more like a day out with locals. By capping groups at just 25 passengers, the half-day trip to Mackay Reef stays personal, allowing visitors to explore two distinct snorkeling spots in a relaxed, small-group setting.
However, the operation offers more than just reef tours. The family has created a complete Cape Tribulation base at Safari Lodge, and Turtle Rock Café, which serves fresh, local bites. It’s an ideal spot for travelers wanting to truly immerse themselves in the Daintree.
Conservation is also central to the mission. As active participants in the Tourism Reef Protection Initiative, the team works with the Reef Authority to monitor coral health.
For those who want to get involved, their Reef Seeker program lets guests become “marine biologists for a day,” helping with actual reef surveys and data collection.
The effort has earned them a stack of accolades, including two Queensland Tourism Gold Awards and the #1 spot on TripAdvisor for the area. Both Ocean Safari and Safari Lodge also hold the “Best of Queensland Experience” title for 2024.
Ultimately, the secret to Ocean Safari’s success is its team; locals deeply connected to the Daintree who bring genuine passion to every guest interaction.
With family members involved at every level, the business remains rooted in the values it was built on: teamwork, local pride, and a deep love for the Daintree.
oceansafari.com.au
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