One Year Of Adventurous Island Escapes

With Ocean Rafting Hamilton Island

Visitors seeking adventure, twists and turns, hidden beaches and authentic local knowledge need look no further.  

For almost three decades, Ocean Rafting has been offering high-speed adventures across the turquoise Whitsunday waters, providing holidaymakers with endless unforgettable days in one of the most beautiful corners of the world.  

Now, the award-winning tourism operator is celebrating a new milestone: the first anniversary of Ocean Rafting Hamilton Island, an event that marks a powerful first chapter of the company's ongoing evolution.

Already a familiar name for day-trippers departing from Airlie Beach and Daydream Island, Ocean Rafting has spent the past 12 months establishing a presence on Hamilton Island, bringing a new range of experiences to guests staying on one of Australia's most iconic island destinations.

The expansion has been a huge success, with countless new visitors able to access some of the Whitsundays' most spectacular locations and experience the warm, adventure-focused approach that has made Ocean Rafting’s vessels a key fixture of the Whitsunday landscape over 29 years.

Operating from an office opposite the Hamilton Island Marina Tavern, Ocean Rafting Hamilton Island offers three signature experiences departing directly from the island, alongside a dedicated fishing charter.

The flagship Full Day Eco Adventure combines many of the region's highlights into a single experience, taking guests to the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet lookout and to secluded snorkelling locations on the fringing Great Barrier Reef.

For travellers with less time to spare, the Half Day Dash provides a condensed adventure featuring Hill Inlet and Whitehaven Beach, while the Half Day Splash focuses on snorkelling, allowing guests to discover colourful coral gardens and abundant marine life without committing to a full-day itinerary.

Rounding out the Hamilton Island offerings is a half-day fishing charter, giving anglers the opportunity to experience the rich waters surrounding the Whitsunday Islands under the guidance of experienced, fun-loving local skippers.

"Expanding to Hamilton Island has been an exciting step for Ocean Rafting," CEO Cole Claxton said. "Over the past year we've loved introducing even more visitors to the incredible beauty of the Whitsundays, and we're grateful for how the Hamilton Island community have welcomed us."

The year has seen a host of happy customers consistently praising the knowledgeable, warm crew, seamless organisation and breathtaking locations visited throughout the tours, with many guests describing the experience as a highlight of their holiday.

Purpose-built vessels allow Ocean Rafting to access Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach and secluded snorkelling locations that many larger boats simply can't reach. Combined with long-held permits and nearly three decades of local knowledge, guests are delivered secret slices of paradise and chances to get up close with rare wildlife.  

The Hamilton Island expansion has seen four vessels join the fleet, and, in keeping with one of the company's traditions, each vessel was named after a song.

Leading the Hamilton Island fleet are Love Shack, Valerie and Billie Jean, while the fishing charter vessel carries the suitably fierce name Predator.

Whilst Ocean Rafting charts new adventures, its foundation remains in family.  

CEO Cole Claxton and Chief Operating Officer Kerr Claxton work closely together in leading the company's continued growth, building on the vision established by their parents, Jan and Pete.

Though the company is growing, many faces on the tours stay familiar, with long-term staff fully integrated within the Ocean Rafting family.  

Along the way, the operator has advocated for the reef and pushed to protect the landscapes that the team witness instilling wonder within their visitors every day.  

“We’re incredibly proud to be family operated three generations strong.” Chief Operating Officer Kerr Claxton said.  

“We’re incredibly proud to have been operating out of Hamilton Island over the last year – it’s a 7-day a week operation so we’re always busy but we’re so proud. We’re very lucky to call the Whitsundays our back yard and offer such unique experiences.”  

As Ocean Rafting Hamilton Island celebrates its first birthday, the milestone is less about looking back than marking the beginning of another epic adventure, building on nearly three decades of experience while welcoming a new generation of visitors to experience the Whitsundays by sea.

Testimonials:

The whole experience was unforgettable! Jess and Cody were absolute legends — fun, knowledgeable, and full of energy, which made the trip even more exciting.

The kids had the best time and were entertained from start to finish.
The beach, the views, the ride… everything was spot on.

-Cuong Luo

From the fun and fast 30 minute boat ride to our beautiful destination, to the cracker tunes along the way and great humour, we would highly recommend! The crew went out of their way to make sure we had a great time and we absolutely did. Great way to explore Whitehaven and snorkel at an amazing location! Thank you!

- Lucy Oliveri

The service and attention we were given was second to none and money you can't buy service. The knowledge and experience the boys had gave my boys memories that will last a lifetime. We caught a lot of fish on the tour and we kept a sweet lips and a coral trout and was cooked at marina. Honestly I can't thank the boys enough for the amazing experience and knowledge.

- Monique Barrett

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