Jan von Keyserlingk has always felt at home in the wild, so it’s no surprise he found his calling guiding people along the Daintree River.
Winding through the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, this ancient waterway is home to some of the most diverse wildlife on Earth. And there’s no better way to explore it than with Crocodile Express - Greater Daintree Wildlife Cruises, one of the region’s longest-running tour operators, established in 1979 and purpose-built to get visitors close to the locals, saltwater crocodiles included.
When Jan first stepped aboard nearly 20 years ago, it was meant to be a short-term job. But something about the river, the wildlife, and the rhythm of life in the rainforest drew him in.
Today, Jan is still out on the water, guiding guests through the Daintree’s extraordinary ecosystem. His tours reveal crocodiles, hidden wildlife, and stories that change how visitors see the natural world, and their place in it.
His Upper Daintree River cruise departs from Daintree Village, an old timber-milling settlement surrounded by rainforest and rich in character.
Jan’s own story starts far from the Daintree. Born in Germany, he arrived in Australia as a child, emigrating with his family. After years of moving around, they settled in Daintree Village in the 1970s, drawn by his father’s love of remote, wild places.
“My dad was a bit of a black sheep,” Jan says. “The tropics suited him. In the ’70s, this was the end of the road; wild, empty, and green, and he loved it.”
In true eccentric fashion, his father even built a castle in the village. It still stands today and, although it sits on private land and isn’t open to the public, it holds the distinction of being the first tourist attraction in the area.
After finishing school in the tropics, Jan trained as a motorcycle mechanic and worked in Brisbane. But city life didn’t suit him once he had kids, so he returned to Daintree Village, wanting a nature-filled upbringing for his daughters.
His guiding career began by chance while visiting his sister Anja and her husband, Dean Clapp, who has run Crocodile Express since 1986. When a position opened, Jan got his licence, gave it a try, and was instantly hooked. The business has remained proudly local and family-run ever since.
With a sharp memory, trained eye, and constant curiosity, Jan can spot a green tree snake long before anyone else notices. His deep understanding of the Daintree comes from lived experience, quiet observation, and genuine fascination, and his gift lies in connecting naturally with both people and the environment.
Jan doesn’t follow a script; the river, weather, and group shape each tour. “It’s not just about knowledge,” he says. “People want connection. It’s like going to a party, if no one’s dancing, someone has to start. I do that on tours.”
For Jan, guiding isn’t about reciting facts but shifting perspectives; helping people reconnect with the natural world. “We’re too alienated from Mother Nature,” he says. “Animals are seen as products.”
Through his tours, he encourages guests to slow down, look closer, and value the Daintree’s interconnected life. “If someone leaves knowing how to spot a snake or feeling more in tune with the bush, that’s enough.”
“My dad used to say, ‘If you learn something new every day, you’ll be a wiser old man.’ I’m getting there.”
To learn more or book a tour, click here