Latest News

10.09.23 – Epaulette Shark
This week we found this camouflaged little fella hanging out in the reef flats! Epaulette sharks are known to inhabit the shallow waters around the Great Barrier Reef. These small sharks have the ability to “walk” using their pectoral fins, which allows them to move across the reef during low tide. It’s a fascinating adaptation […]

27.07.23 – Humpback Whale
This week we have been spoilt with an abundance of humpback whales on their annual migration up the East Coast of Australia. Recently being named a Whale Heritage Area, all eyes have been on the Whitsundays and these iconic seasonal visitors. On board, our Northern Exposure Tour this incredible sighting was captured by Eco Manager […]

06.06.23 – Sea Cucumber
Sea Cucumbers! The Oceans vacuum cleaner! This stunning Pineapple Sea Cucumber was sighted on one of our Reef Protection Days when conducting Reef Health surveys for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Pineapple Sea Cucumber is an echinoderm, a group which also includes seastars, brittle stars, sea urchins, sand dollars and sea lilies. Located […]

24.05.23 – Mud Crab
The Mud Crab is throughout Australia. Known for their big claws, mud crabs belong to a group of crabs that have the last pair of legs flattened for swimming. They have a smooth carapace (outer shell). The Magnificant Muddie! A Mud Crab doesn’t grow continuously but results from a series of moults that happen when […]

11.04.23 – Soldier Crab
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is home to many different habitats. Ranging from coral reefs, mangroves, islands and beaches the Whitsundays really showcase everything that the GBR has to offer. That’s why this week, we’re showing off Hill Inlets’ famous soldier crabs! These little guys form ‘armies’ during the low tide and with Ocean Rafting’s ultimate access to Hill Inlet, if the […]

09.05.23 – Giant Trevally
Of the large trevally family, the most well-known is the Giant Trevally. It is found throughout the Indo-Pacific region and all across the Great Barrier Reef. They will grow up to 170 cm and weigh at least 35 kg. The giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis) is normally a silvery colour with occasional dark spots, but males […]