Page 103 - Port Douglas Magazine 43

DAINTREE ADVENTURES. DAINTREE ADVENTURES.

WORDS by Jamie Jansen

Swiming with turtles on the Great Barrier Reef
LOCATION Mackay Coral Cay

“As a family-run business, Ocean Safari aims to provide an authentic, grounded Daintree
experience - perfect for families seeking a geniune connection with nature”
YOUR GATEWAY TO ADVENTURE:

WHERE THE RAINFOREST From the start, it was a true family effort. Jen and Peter’s children grew up AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

pitching in - painting, digging, and shaping the adventure hub that Ocean
MEETS THE REEF Safari is today. Their vision was to offer an authentic Daintree experience, Ocean Safari’s passion for eco-friendly adventure has won them a stack of

awards, including two Queensland Tourism Gold Awards, and it’s clear their
accessible and grounded, ideal for families wanting to connect with nature
without the frills of luxury travel. guests feel the love too!

For the Claxton family, it’s all about sharing their love for this incredible Thanks to glowing feedback and a consistent 5-star rating, they’ve claimed
the #1 spot on TripAdvisor for Cape Tribulation tours, earning a Certificate

region, creating genuine excitement, and offering experiences that connect of Excellence in 2022.
t’s often repeated but worth saying time and again; the Daintree is rainforest along the mainland beach as you snorkel the Great Barrier Reef visitors with the Daintree’s unique beauty.

the only place on Earth where two world heritage sites, the ancient - a rare and stunning view of two extraordinary ecosystems side by side. Both Ocean Safari and Safari Lodge proudly hold a “Best of Queensland
rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, meet in breathtaking But this family-owned operation is about more than just reef tours. AN ECO-FRIENDLY MISSION WITH A TWIST Experience” title for 2024, a testament to the unforgettable experiences they

harmony. Here, you get the rare chance to explore both lush jungle Ocean Safari offers the complete Cape Tribulation experience, with cosy deliver year after year.

Iand colourful coral reef in one unforgettable experience. accommodation at Safari Lodge - complete with a swimming pool and well- Ocean Safari’s commitment to conservation runs deep. As active participants But what really fuels Ocean Safari’s success is their team - locals deeply
in the Tourism Reef Protection Initiative (TRPI) with the Reef Authority,
Located in the heart of Cape Tribulation, multi award-winning tour kept facilities - and fresh, local bites at Turtle Rock Café. It’s an ideal base for Ocean Safari works tirelessly to ensure the reef’s vibrant future. connected to the Daintree who love what they do and bring that excitement

operator Ocean Safari offers the only direct tour to the reef from within immersing in the raw beauty of the Daintree. to every guest interaction.

the Daintree. This half-day eco-tour takes you to two incredible snorkelling One of their conservation programs, Reef Seeker, offers a rare, hands-on And, of course, it’s all kept close to the heart. As a true family business, the
way to make a difference. This program invites visitors to step into the

spots at Mackay Reef, a pristine sand cay surrounded by vibrant coral and A TRUE FAMILY BUSINESS role of “marine biologists for a day,” immersing them in reef surveys, data Claxtons run the show, with family members involved at every level, from

rich marine life. With just 25 passengers per tour, you can enjoy the beauty operations to general management. Their shared vision and dedication
of the reef in an intimate, small-group setting. Founded in 2008 by Jan and Peter Claxton, who previously built Ocean collection, and marine science. Led by seasoned marine biologists and have turned Ocean Safari into a thriving hub of adventure, rooted in family
Rafting in the Whitsundays, Ocean Safari is the result of their passion for

expert guides, the experience is perfect for students and curious travellers
Check-in unfolds beneath the lush rainforest canopy, followed by a tranquil ecotourism and small-group, eco-friendly tours. alike. values, local pride, and genuine teamwork.
stroll toward the shoreline. From there, a high-speed vessel whisks guests

across turquoise waters, reaching the stunning cay in just 25 minutes. Their journey to the Daintree began when a family friend managing reef Imagine snorkelling alongside vibrant corals while collecting real data to oceansafari.com.au
help monitor reef health! This is eco-tourism with a twist—fun, interactive,
tours in the area invited them to visit. Struck by the natural beauty, Peter

Here, you’ll swim among colourful coral gardens, tropical fish, eagle rays, knew it was the perfect place for a more intimate, eco-friendly experience, and meaningful, allowing visitors to help safeguard this natural wonder for
giant clams, and abundant sea turtles. On most days, you can even see the and Ocean Safari was born. generations to come.