About Us
Our Story
In 1987, Lee and Janet Lafferty founded the Daintree River Cruise Centre with a vision to showcase the region’s wildlife and rainforest in the most environmentally responsible way.
A passionate conservationist, Lee became a well-known authority on the Daintree River’s flora and fauna. His unforgettable tours and deep love for the ecosystem left a lasting impact on visitors and the local eco-tourism community.
After Lee’s passing in 2015, his daughter Kianna took the helm. She proudly continues her father’s legacy—operating the business with the same passion for conservation and commitment to sustainability, while actively supporting the local community and environment.
Our Mission
& Values
At Daintree River Cruise Centre, our mission is to reveal the beauty and magic of this World Heritage-listed rainforest we call home. We aim to educate and inspire every visitor while creating lasting memories and fostering a deeper connection to nature.
We believe in giving back—to both the environment and the community. By reinvesting in local projects and supporting initiatives that protect the Daintree, we strive to preserve this unique ecosystem for future generations.
As the only Advanced Ecotourism Certified operator on the Daintree River, we’re proud to meet and exceed global best-practice standards. With Respecting Our Culture (ROC) Certification and recognition as a Climate Action Business, we walk the talk—minimizing our footprint and directly supporting conservation, cultural, and community projects.
Our Boats
We proudly operate four custom-designed vessels—MV Matilda I, II, III, and The Golden Dolphin—each built specifically for eco-cruising on the Daintree River. Designed by founder Lee Lafferty and marine biologist Dr. Walter Stark, these boats are powered by low-emission, fuel-efficient Yamaha four-stroke outboards, allowing us to explore the river with minimal impact on the environment. Their shallow draft and smooth handling let us get close to the action without disturbing the riverbanks, offering incredible opportunities to spot crocodiles, birds, and more.
All boats feature open-air, tiered seating and full overhead canopies to ensure excellent all-round viewing and comfort in any weather. Their exceptional stability provides a calm, relaxing cruise experience—perfect for photography, wildlife watching, and soaking up the serenity of the Daintree Rainforest.
Our Boats
We proudly operate four custom-designed vessels—MV Matilda I, II, III, and The Golden Dolphin—each built specifically for eco-cruising on the Daintree River. Designed by founder Lee Lafferty and marine biologist Dr. Walter Stark, these boats are powered by low-emission, fuel-efficient Yamaha four-stroke outboards, allowing us to explore the river with minimal impact on the environment. Their shallow draft and smooth handling let us get close to the action without disturbing the riverbanks, offering incredible opportunities to spot crocodiles, birds, and more.
All boats feature open-air, tiered seating and full overhead canopies to ensure excellent all-round viewing and comfort in any weather. Their exceptional stability provides a calm, relaxing cruise experience—perfect for photography, wildlife watching, and soaking up the serenity of the Daintree Rainforest.
Fully Certified
The ONLY Advanced ECO Certified operator on the river.
