Words by Jamie Jansen
Our region is full of unique tours, made even more special by the beautiful, passionate people who guide them.
Where the ancient Daintree Rainforest spills onto the shores of Cape Tribulation, two World Heritage sites meet in rare, breathtaking harmony. It’s the only place on Earth where a lush tropical canopy sits directly beside the vibrant, kaleidoscopic world of the Great Barrier Reef.
Operating directly out of Cape Tribulation, multi-award-winning operator Ocean Safari offers the only gateway between these two iconic ecosystems. Taking just 25 passengers at a time, their high-speed vessel blasts across turquoise waters, reaching the pristine sand cay and coral gardens of Mackay Reef in just 25 minutes.
While the destination is magical, the soul of the experience lies in the crew. Meet Kiyana and Lachy, two deckies hailing from the West Australian coast who grew up with a shared pull toward the ocean, both now living out long-held dreams on the Great Barrier Reef.
For Kiyana, who grew up on the water, the path was set early.
“Working on the ocean was the plan since I was a little girl,” she says.
She chose a high school with a specialist marine program before working as an eco-guide in Perth while studying marine biology and communications. When a deckhand role opened at Ocean Safari, she jumped at the chance to head north, drawn to the Daintree by the company's unique approach to showing guests the reef.
Lachy’s route took him through the Pilbara, Shark Bay, and Ningaloo as a 4WD and aquarium guide. “While living in the West and working on the Ningaloo, my partner and I were always talking about moving to Far North Queensland to find a nice place to live and work,” Lachy shares. “The Daintree was a long shot, but we made it work. When I did some research and saw Ocean Safari's reputation, I was sold. Getting to work on their boat is a real privilege.”
Living and working where the rainforest meets the reef keeps both deckies deeply connected to the region. “I love sharing this place because you can’t find anywhere else in the world where two World Heritage sites meet,” says Kiyana. “Our small groups mean guests get more time and insights, and the visibility at Mackay Reef is incredible.”
For Lachy, seeing the Daintree through visitors' eyes keeps his perspective fresh. “Having visitors come to the place you live means you never take it for granted,” he reflects. “Seeing guests react to the same mountain we pass on the drive home or the creek we swim in every day makes living in this beautiful place even more enjoyable.”
That local enthusiasm translates directly to how they guide. Out on the reef, their distinct personalities create a balanced, welcoming atmosphere. Lachy brings warmth and quick humour to the deck. “My style is all about making people laugh, breaking the ice, and helping the group feel connected,” he says. “In the water, I love chatting with guests. If I can answer their questions and help them understand the reef, I feel like I’ve done my job well.”
Kiyana pairs a relaxed guiding style with a deep passion for marine science. Her favourite location is Turtles, the tour’s first snorkel site right next to the Cay. “I love seeing someone's face light up when they spot their first turtle, or showing kids Nemo,” she says.
Turtles is also where she conducts regular health surveys for Eye on the Reef, a Marine Park Authority program that tracks coral and marine health. “Because I survey it, I’ve gotten to know the site very well and know where everything is hiding,” Kiyana explains. She involves guests in hands-on monitoring, letting them contribute real data to marine researchers.
For Lachy, nothing tops a rare drop at The Wall, accessible only in picture-perfect weather. “It’s 15 metres of cascading corals with fascinating little neighborhoods of fish,” he shares.
“Floating out there, looking down as the rays of light break through the deep blue, is just humbling.”
Daily life on the Great Barrier Reef brings constant surprises. Kiyana fondly remembers swimming alongside a rare Flatback sea turtle and watching a Green turtle feast on a jellyfish, while Lachy points to a breathtaking encounter with a Great Northern Hammerhead as a personal highlight.
Ultimately, both deckies measure a successful day by the impact left on their guests. “I hope people walk away with more than just memories,” Lachy says. “Whether it’s someone discovering a whole new world or parents creating special moments with family, I want them to leave with a relief of fear, a gain of knowledge, and a big smile.”
For Kiyana, it comes down to connection: “I hope they walk away happy, with memories that last a lifetime, and a deeper appreciation for our marine life.”
Click here to book a tour with Ocean Safari.