Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Ocean Rafting Win Gold At State Awards

Celebrated local tour company Ocean Rafting have returned from the Queensland Tourism Awards this week with a gold award for Adventure Tourism and a silver in the Major Tour and Transport Operators category.

In addition, their sister company, Ocean Safari which is based in Cape Tribulation, came home with a silver award in the Adventure Tourism category, coming second only to Ocean Rafting.

Capping off a fabulous 25 years in operation, owners Jan and Peter Claxon say they are very proud of the team and look forward to many more successful years to come.

“Both Ocean Rafting and Ocean Safari offer such unique experiences for guests, and they are constantly evolving and growing,” said Jan.

“Our staff play such a big part in all of this and absolutely love what they do and the beautiful natural playgrounds they visit every day.”

With three generations of the Claxton family working within the company, Peter said that the recognition means so much to everyone involved.

“On behalf of the Ocean Rafting and Ocean Safari teams, we must thank our supportive family and friends, which includes our staff, to the traditional custodians of the land and sea country which we are grateful to share, to our loyal agents, fellow tourism operators, industry and government partners, and especially to our incredible guests who we share the beauty of the Whitsundays with every day, we thank you,” said Peter.

“While there has been ongoing evolvements for many tourism operators, it was wonderful to see so many Queensland tourism businesses come together to celebrate what this beautiful state has to offer and we pass on our congratulations to all the other winners and finalists.”

Ocean Rafting will now head to the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards in March 2023.

With eight custom-built bright yellow vessels that operate day-tours around the Whitsundays, Ocean Rafting have been fine-tuning their unique offering over the years.

They are a coveted Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame member for being continuously Advanced Ecotourism Australia Certified for 20 years or longer and a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award winner in the Top one per cent of Tourism Businesses around the world and Top 10 Experiences in Australia.

They have also won a swag of awards including multiple gold wins at the Australian, Queensland and Whitsunday Tourism Awards.

The only company in the Whitsundays with four Master Reef Guides, who are recognised as the world’s leading reef guides, interpreters and story tellers, Ocean Rafting have a team comprised of Marine Biologists and Eye On the Reef trained Eco Hosts.

Despite two COVID-impacted years, the business managed to grow and evolve, introducing a seven-seater Australian-built Airvan plane to the fleet.

Flying into operations in May, the new plane adds to the pre-existing Fly Raft package offering scenic flights over Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet and famous Heart Reef.

This new addition creates an iconic triple-whammy providing the ultimate Whitsunday experience in just one day.

Owners of Ocean Rafting, Peter and Jan Claxton with Sales Captain Nathan Fleming

Three generations of the Claxton family

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