About Us - Reef Adventures

Our Story

Reef Adventures began in 2005 when marine biologists Dr. Emma Richardson and Jack Thornton discovered their shared passion for the Great Barrier Reef during a research expedition in Cairns. Having witnessed firsthand both the breathtaking beauty and the growing threats to the reef ecosystem, they were inspired to create a company that would combine sustainable tourism with conservation education.

Starting with just one small boat and a team of three passionate divers, we conducted our first guided tours focused on educating visitors about the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Within five years, our commitment to conservation and exceptional diving experiences earned us recognition throughout Queensland, allowing us to expand our fleet and educational programs.

In 2012, we launched our coral restoration initiative, becoming one of the first tourism operators to actively contribute to reef regeneration. Today, Reef Adventures has grown into a team of 25 dedicated professionals, including marine biologists, conservation specialists, and experienced dive instructors, all united by our mission to share and protect the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Our Mission & Values

Guiding principles that drive everything we do

Our Mission

At Reef Adventures, our mission is to inspire a deeper connection with the Great Barrier Reef through immersive diving experiences while actively contributing to its conservation. We strive to educate our guests about marine ecosystems, promote sustainable tourism practices, and support scientific research that helps protect this natural wonder for future generations.

Our Core Values

Environmental Stewardship
We are committed to minimizing our ecological footprint and actively participating in conservation initiatives that protect and restore the Great Barrier Reef.
Education & Awareness
We believe knowledge is the foundation of conservation. Every experience with us includes educational components that foster understanding and appreciation of marine ecosystems.
Responsible Tourism
We adhere to strict sustainable practices that ensure our operations have minimal impact on the reef while maximizing positive experiences for our guests.
Scientific Contribution
We actively support and participate in research initiatives that advance our understanding of coral reef ecosystems and contribute to their preservation.
Inclusive Excellence
We welcome people from all backgrounds and abilities, striving to make the wonders of the reef accessible to everyone through tailored experiences and educational programs.

Meet Our Team

The passionate experts behind Reef Adventures

Dr. Emma Richardson

Co-Founder & Marine Conservation Director

With a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from James Cook University and over 20 years of research experience on the Great Barrier Reef, Emma leads our conservation initiatives and scientific partnerships. Her groundbreaking work on coral resilience has been published in leading scientific journals, and she regularly consults with government agencies on reef protection policies.

Jack Thornton

Co-Founder & Head of Diving Operations

A PADI Master Instructor with over 15,000 dives on the Great Barrier Reef, Jack oversees all diving operations and training programs. His innovative approach to underwater education has transformed how visitors experience the reef, combining technical expertise with storytelling that brings marine ecosystems to life. Jack's underwater photography has been featured in National Geographic.

Dr. Mei Lin Chen

Marine Ecologist & Education Program Director

Mei joined Reef Adventures in 2010 after completing her doctorate in Coral Reef Ecology. She designs our educational programs and citizen science initiatives, making complex ecological concepts accessible to visitors of all ages. Her research on climate change impacts on reef ecosystems has informed our adaptation strategies and conservation efforts.

Sam Winters

Lead Underwater Photographer & Workshop Instructor

A former documentary filmmaker, Sam brings his visual storytelling expertise to our underwater photography workshops. His images have won international awards and brought global attention to the beauty and fragility of the Great Barrier Reef. Sam leads our documentation efforts for conservation projects and trains visitors in ethical underwater photography techniques.

Our Achievements

Making a difference for the reef and our visitors

Coral Restoration

Successfully planted over 15,000 coral fragments across 12 reef sites since 2012, with an 85% survival rate, contributing significantly to reef regeneration in damaged areas.

Education Impact

Educated more than 50,000 visitors through our immersive programs, with surveys showing 92% of participants reporting increased knowledge about reef conservation and changed behaviors to reduce environmental impact.

Industry Recognition

Received the Queensland Eco-Tourism Excellence Award for three consecutive years (2019-2021) and recognized by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as a leading example of sustainable tourism.

Scientific Contribution

Participated in 18 scientific research projects in partnership with leading universities, contributing valuable data on reef health, marine species populations, and climate change impacts.

Community Engagement

Established the Reef Futures scholarship program, providing marine science education opportunities to 25 local students from Indigenous communities, fostering the next generation of reef stewards.

What Our Guests Say

Experiences that leave lasting impressions

"My diving experience with Reef Adventures was transformative. Their team's knowledge and passion made every moment underwater a learning opportunity. The coral restoration project they showed us was inspiring, and I left with not just amazing memories but a deeper commitment to ocean conservation."

Sarah Johnson

Environmental Educator, Brisbane

★★★★★

"As a professional photographer, I've joined many underwater expeditions, but none compare to the experience provided by Reef Adventures. Sam's photography workshop completely transformed my approach to capturing marine life. Their commitment to responsible interaction with the reef ecosystem sets a gold standard for eco-tourism."

Marcus Chen

Wildlife Photographer, Singapore

★★★★★

"I brought my family to Reef Adventures for our first diving experience, and they exceeded all expectations. They adapted the program perfectly for my children, making complex marine biology concepts engaging and age-appropriate. Dr. Chen's passion for education is evident, and my kids haven't stopped talking about becoming marine biologists!"