Hamilton Island
Explore the Whitsundays with Ocean Rafting’s unique adrenalin-fuelled adventure.
Experience the ride of your life
About us
Experience “the ride of your life” with Ocean Rafting’s signature adrenalin-fuelled action, travelling at speeds up to 30 knots while exploring iconic Whitsunday destinations on one of our eight high-powered, custom built, semi-rigid inflatable vessels. It’s not just the ride either…Ocean Rafting takes to the skies with our unforgettable scenic flights, offering unique experiences and exclusive adventures like no other! Ocean Rafting truly puts the ‘action’ back into natural attraction!
We also showcase one of the most beautiful places on earth…the Whitsundays, the traditional lands and seas of the Gia, Giru and Ngaro people, transporting guests on an adventure to experience unique access to some of the Whitsundays’ most desirable destinations, including world-famous Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, Heart Reef and special snorkelling sites, on a choice of iconic marine and aviation adventures.
Since 1997
9 Vessels
500HP Engines
Our Crew
The fabulous crew on our Whitsunday tours to Whitehaven Beach are well trained professionals and will ensure that your day with us is fun and memorable. Reef and island naturalist talks are offered by the Skipper and Eco Host with on board vessel commentary, guided walk information and snorkelling instruction.
First time snorkellers….no problem! They have great local knowledge of the island’s flora, fauna and marine wildlife and informative talks include historical, geographical and ecological information of the Whitsunday area.
Meet the Claxton Family
More than a tourism business. A family legacy.
For over 30 years, Ocean Rafting has remained proudly family owned and operated. What began with Jan and Peter Claxton’s passion for the Whitsundays has grown into one of Australia’s most awarded adventure tourism businesses, while never losing the personal service and genuine hospitality that have been at the heart of the company from day one.
Today, the second generation proudly leads the business, continuing the values established by Jan and Peter while embracing innovation, sustainability and new opportunities. Every decision is still guided by the same philosophy: treat every guest like family, care for the environment, and create experiences that people will remember for a lifetime.
Whether you join us on an Ocean Rafting adventure, soar above Heart Reef, experience Ocean Safari in Cape Tribulation or stay at Safari Lodge, you’re travelling with a business built by family and driven by passionate people who genuinely love what they do.
The heart and soul of Ocean Rafting, Jan and Peter founded the business over three decades ago with a single vessel and a vision to share the beauty of the Whitsundays with visitors from around the world.
Through hard work, determination and an unwavering commitment to exceptional guest experiences, they have grown the business into one of Australia’s most respected tourism operators.
Growing up on the water, Cole has spent his life immersed in tourism, boating and the Whitsundays. As CEO, he leads the Ocean Group’s strategic direction, driving innovation, business growth and new experiences while maintaining the personalised service that has always defined the company.
Kerr oversees operations across the Ocean Group, ensuring every experience runs safely, efficiently and to the exceptionally high standards guests expect. His hands-on leadership and operational expertise help deliver unforgettable adventures every single day.
Clementine leads the marketing, branding and creative direction of the Ocean Group. From digital campaigns and website development to tourism awards, partnerships and storytelling, she is passionate about showcasing not only the destinations but also the incredible people behind the business.
Jasmin keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes. Leading the reservations and administration team, she ensures every guest receives outstanding service from their very first enquiry through to the end of their adventure. Her organisation, care and attention to detail make her an invaluable part of the Ocean Rafting family.
Nathan has been part of the Ocean Group family for many years and has become one of the most recognised faces of Ocean Rafting within the tourism industry. Working closely with travel agents, wholesalers, tourism organisations and industry partners throughout Australia and internationally, Nathan has played a key role in building lasting relationships and helping Ocean Rafting grow into the award-winning business it is today.
While the Claxton family remains at the heart of Ocean Rafting, our business wouldn’t be what it is today without our incredible crew, office team and long-standing colleagues. Many of our staff have been with us for years, becoming part of our extended family and sharing the same passion for delivering exceptional experiences and caring for the beautiful places we are privileged to operate in.
When you travel with Ocean Rafting, you’re not just booking a tour. You’re joining a family that has proudly shared the magic of the Whitsundays with guests from around the world for more than three decades.
Our Vessels
All boats are up to 12 metre semi-rigid inflatable vessels, originally designed and built as rescue crafts and are driven by 500hp engines, allowing guests to experience a fun, high speed ride amongst the natural beauty of the Whitsundays. 70% of the vessel has shade, providing comfort from the tropical sun.
The vessels take a maximum of 25 to 32 passengers, with small groups allowing guests to experience tropical paradise away from the crowds, while still having the ability to carry up to 270 guests per day on Whitsunday tours with nine vessels. The size of the boats also make them ideal for private charters for groups.
← 12 Meters →
25 – 32 passengers
500hp engines
70% shade
Our Aircraft
In partnership with Wave Air, Ocean Rafting offers spectacular scenic flights over the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef. Operating from Whitsunday Airport at Shute Harbour, WAVE Air provides the aviation component of our Scenic Flight and Fly Raft experiences, giving guests an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of this incredible region.
Flights are conducted by Whitsunday Tiger Moth Adventures trading as WAVE Air Pty Ltd, AOC# CASA.AOC.0067, licensed and certified Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) carriers.
Our Local Partners
Proudly working with local businesses and tourism partners across the Whitsundays.
A special adventure
Ocean Rafting is proud to have special permits allowing the vessels to visit protected areas of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and offers a highly unique experience, including access to Hill Inlet, one of the Whitsundays’ most famous icons, which is found on many postcards. A visit to Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach and snorkelling pristine coral reefs all in one day, along with the “ride of your life”, allows for a very special adventure!
Best Of Queensland Experience
Ocean Rafting has been awarded Gold in Best of Queensland 2026 with a perfect score of 100/100 as a 2026 Best of Queensland Experience!
Tourism and Events Queensland assesses tourism experiences listed on queensland.com against a set of criteria, including online traveller reviews, recommendations and social media activity, so you can be assured you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
Operators identified as a 2026 Best of Queensland Experience are highlighted on queensland.com with a ‘Stamp of Recognition’ to identify them as some of the best-performing experiences according to customer reviews and a range of other best-practice criteria.
We know travellers are constantly reviewing experiences online which is why Tourism and Events Queensland assesses the Best of Queensland Experiences every year.
Ocean Rafting earned a 2025 Travellers’ Choice award being in the top 10% of attractions worldwide, for consistently achieving a ‘5 out of 5’ rating from guests and is proud to have received the prestigious Hall Of Fame recognition.
Ocean Rafting was ranked in the ‘Top 1% of Tourism Businesses Around The World’ and in the ‘Top 10 Experiences in Australia’ in the 2020 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards! Travellers’ Choice awards are the highest honour TripAdvisor can give and is based on reviews and opinions from millions of travellers!
NB: TripAdvisor renamed the award from Certificate of Excellence to Travellers’ Choice Award in 2020.
TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award
2025
TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award
2024
TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award
2023
TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award
2022
TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award
2021
TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award
2020
TripAdvisor Best of the Best Award
2020
TripAdvisor Top 10 Experience
2020
TripAdvisor Top 10 Experience
2019
TripAdvisor Hall Of Fame Recognition
2019
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
2019
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
2018
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
2017
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
2016
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
2015
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
2014
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
2013
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
2012
Tourism Awards
Ocean Rafting is proud to have won the following Whitsunday, Queensland and Australian Tourism Awards:
Adventure Tourism Awards
Best Day Tour/Activity
Winner
2025
Adventure Tourism Awards
Eco-Tourism Award
Winner
2025
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Marketing
Gold
2025
Australian Tourism Awards
Australian Major Tour & Transport Operator
Bronze
2024
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Major Tour & Transport Operator
Gold
2025
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Adventure Tourism
Bronze
2024
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Major Tour & Transport Operator
Gold
2024
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday People’s Choice
Winner
2024
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Adventure Tourism
Silver
2024
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Major Tour & Transport Operator
Hall of Fame
2024
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday People’s Choice
Hall of Fame
2024
Australian Tourism Awards
Australian Adventure Tourism
Gold
2023
Australian Tourism Awards
Australian Major Tour & Transport Operator
Silver
2023
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Major Tour & Transport Operator
Gold
2023
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Adventure Tourism
Gold
2023
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Major Tour & Transport Operator
Gold
2023
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Adventure Tourism
Gold
2023
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday People’s Choice
Winner
2023
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Young Achievers Award
James Unsworth
2023
Australian Tourism Awards
Australian Adventure Tourism
Silver
2022
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Adventure Tourism
Gold
2022
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Major Tour & Transport Operator
Silver
2022
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Major Tour & Transport Operator
Gold
2022
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Adventure Tourism
Gold
2022
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday People’s Choice
Winner
2022
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Major Tour & Transport Operator
Silver
2021
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Adventure Tourism
Gold
2019
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday People’s Choice
Winner
2019
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Major Tour & Transport Operator
Silver
2019
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Adventure Tourism
Bronze
2019
Adventure Tourism Awards
Eco and Sustainability
Silver
2019
Adventure Tourism Awards
Best Activity in Queensland
Bronze
2019
Adventure Tourism Awards
Best Activity in Australia
Bronze
2019
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Major Tour & Transport Operator
Silver
2018
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Major Tour & Transport Operator
Silver
2018
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Adventure Tourism
Bronze
2018
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Adventure Tourism
Silver
2018
Australian Tourism Awards
Australian Major Tour & Transport Operator
Gold
2017
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Major Tour & Transport Operator
Gold
2017
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Major Tour & Transport Operator
Gold
2017
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Adventure Tourism
Bronze
2017
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Adventure Tourism
Bronze
2017
Australian Tourism Awards
Australian Major Tour & Transport Operator
Gold
2016
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Major Tour & Transport Operator
Gold
2016
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Major Tour & Transport Operator
Gold
2016
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Major Tour & Transport Operator
Silver
2015
Adventure Tourism Awards
Queensland Adventure Tourism
Bronze
2015
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Business of the Year
Winner
2015
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday People’s Choice
Winner
2015
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Hall of Fame
Winner
2014
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Tour & Transport Operator
Winner
2014
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Tour & Transport Operator
Winner
2013
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Adventure Tourism
Silver
2013
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Tour & Transport Operator
Winner
2013
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Adventure Tourism
Winner
2013
Australian Tourism Awards
Australian Tour & Transport Operator
Winner
2012
Australian Tourism Awards
Australian Adventure Tourism
Bronze
2012
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Adventure Tourism 2012
Winner
2012
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Tour & Transport Operator
Winner
2012
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Tour & Transport Operator
Winner
2012
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Adventure Tourism
Winner
2011
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Adventure Tourism
Finalist
2011
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Tour & Transport Operator
Finalist
2011
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Adventure Tourism
Hall of Fame
2011
Whitsunday Tourism Awards
Whitsunday Adventure Tourism
Winner
2008
Queensland Tourism Awards
Queensland Adventure Tourism
Finalist
2007
Our Accreditations
Advanced Ecotourism Certification
Ocean Rafting has been certified for its Whitsunday tours since1998 at the Advanced Ecotourism level, the highest level of ECO certification achievable.
Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame
Ocean Rafting was inducted into the coveted Ecotourism Australia Hall of Fame in 2018 for being continuously certified for 20 years or longer.
Green Travel Leader
Ocean Rafting is acknowledged as a Green Travel Leader through Ecotourism Australia highlighting our extensive and ongoing commitment to conservation and sustainability.
Climate Change Business
Ocean Rafting is also certified as a Climate Action Innovator dedicated to reducing carbon emissions and committing to sustainable practices related to addressing climate change.
Quality Tourism Accreditation
QTAB Accreditation reflects quality assurance and the delivery of quality tourism experiences.
Sustainable Tourism Accreditation
QTAB Sustainable Accreditation reflects Ocean Rafting’s environmental standards for activities in protected areas.
Healthy Heart Reef Partner
This partnership aims at developing innovative and practical solution to help manage the impact of Climate Change. We are also working towards a sustainable and resilient Whitsunday Region.
Master Reef Guides
Ocean Rafting is proudly the only company in the Whitsundays with six accredited Master Reef Guides, made up of Ocean Rafting Skippers and Eco Hosts. Recognised as the world’s leading reef guides, interpreters and story tellers, sharing the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. These reef ambassadors provide up to date information on the reef, share stories of the magical World Heritage Area and explain what guests can do to make a difference. The Master Reef Guide program is delivered by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators and Tourism and Events Queensland, and is the first of its kind for the reef.
Our Memberships
Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC)
This Queensland tourism body is a not for profit membership organisation representing members’ interests – both large and small, of which Ocean Rafting is an active member.Bowen Tourism and Business operates two information outlets in Bowen – the fully accredited ‘Big Mango’ Information Centre on the Bruce Highway south of Bowen, and the ‘Front Beach Booth’ on Bowen’s foreshore. BTB provide professional information and booking services, souvenir and local merchandise retail, destination marketing for our region and membership support. Bowen Tourism & Business is a led by a board of elected committee members.
Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association (WCBIA)
The WCBIA represents members operating a multi-million dollar charter boat tourism industry within the Whitsunday region of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The WCBIA Inc is a member of the industry peak body, The Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators (AMPTO). The WCBIA collaborates with local, state and federal government agencies, as well as other key stakeholders to ensure we as operators conducting Whitsunday tours, produce a high standard of Best Practice principles. Ocean Rafting is also a member of the WCBIA Climate Change and Sustainability committee whose key goal is to reduce the marine tourism industry’s carbon footprint.
Bowen Tourism and Business
Bowen Tourism and Business is a not for profit organisation whose main role is to promote and showcase our beautiful region and its businesses.
Bowen Tourism and Business operates two information outlets in Bowen – the fully accredited ‘Big Mango’ Information Centre on the Bruce Highway south of Bowen, and the ‘Front Beach Booth’ on Bowen’s foreshore. BTB provide professional information and booking services, souvenir and local merchandise retail, destination marketing for our region and membership support. Bowen Tourism & Business is a led by a board of elected committee members.
Visit Gay Australia (GALTA)
GALTA is a national network of tourism professionals dedicated to the welfare and satisfaction of all gay and lesbian travellers within and to Australia. Gay and Lesbian Tourism Australia Ltd is a non-profit organisation operated by a team of elected individuals who work with federal, state and regional tourism bodies, corporations, businesses and individuals to develop and grow the gay and lesbian market and increase the awareness of gay and lesbian travellers and their needs.
Tourism Whitsundays
Tourism Whitsundays is the peak marketing body for the promotion of the Whitsundays and Ocean Rafting is a proud member, regularly supporting destinational marketing activities.
Adventure Queensland
Queensland offers a multitude of activities and accommodation options for backpackers and Ocean Rafting is a member of this organisation, which offers a wealth of information for any backpacker planning their Queensland experience.
Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators (AMPTO)
Ocean Rafting is a member of the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators, the peak industry body for marine tourism within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Permits & Program Participation
Eye On The Reef
Ocean Rafting participates in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority study, “Eye on the Reef “program. This monitoring program is the largest of its kind and relies on a strong relationship between The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, marine tourism operators such as ourselves who conduct Whitsunday tours and the reef research community. It is an ongoing exercise in collecting and documenting marine life, water temperatures and coral health.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park protects and preserves the largest and richest system of coral reefs in the world. It incorporates most of Australia’s north-eastern continental shelf, including the Whitsunday islands and their magnificent fringing reefs. Ocean Rafting has several GBRMPA permits in order to visit the marine park on our daily Whitsunday tours and each passenger pays an Environmental Management Charge (EMC) fee as part of the price of their fare. These fees are vitally important in the day-to-day management of the Marine Park and in improving its long-term resilience.
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