Cape York Adventures began in 1996 as a natural progression from John's 20 years of frequent and extensive travelling throughout the area. Passionate about fishing all his life, John began his much loved hobby in Middle Harbour, Sydney, followed by many trips throughout NSW, QLD and NT.
John Charltons first visit to Cape York was in 1980 where he returned regularly to fish, camp and explore. In 1994 he spent several months at Seisia engaged in construction. John built the Island Breeze cruiser, and in June 1996 the family relocated from Sydney to Seisia. John has been conducting fishing and scenic tours ever since. The fleet has since expanded with Island Runner, designed for the conditions in the area, John then commissioned Island Venturer which was designed and built for Cape York Adventures. John and his son Tom share a passion for diving, birds and wildlife, fishing and camping and when conditions are right, you will find them out on the boat exploring and diving. John has also spent time fishing in Papua New Guinea, the NSW south coast and has fished Cato Reef. He has travelled from Cairns to the top of the Cape (and back) on three separate trips in a 5m Quintrex FishMaster. John has fished Coburg Peninsula and Sweers Is.
Tom Charlton moved to Seisia at 4 years old and attended pre-school and school at Bamaga. He moved to Cairns in 2000 for the school terms, returning to Seisia for his holidays. He has spent his childhood and adolescence on the water and 4WDing the Cape. As a young adult he now explores the area on his own and has developed personal interests in the bird and marine life of the area. Tom is now guiding for CYA and you can see his recent charter results in the Photo Gallery and our You Tube Channel. Tom has guided for Cape York Fishing Charters and Carpentaria Seafaris. He has also had two visits to Papua New Guinea.
Justin Moxham has joined us this year as Operations Manager. You'll see hiim early in the morning preping and embarking the boats at Seisia Wharf. He is also spending a lot of time deckhanding and is currently studying to gain his Coxswains ticket to skipper next year.
Sam handles the administrative side of CYA. Tom is now guiding for CYA and jjjjjjjjjjj
Cape York Adventures have pioneered scenic tours providing Sunset Cruises, Adventure Day trips and the very popular ‘Fish on the Way’ tour to Thursday and Horn Is. As a family, the Charlton’s have lived at Seisia since 1996, the children, Kate and Tom attended school at Bamaga prior to returning to Cairns for the school terms.
Over the years John and CYA have entertained guests from all walks of life. John has been featured in fishing magazines, on Getaway and fishing TV shows. He has hosted Glenn Ridge and Mike Leyland while they filmed documentaries. John has conducted some unique charters to Saibai Is, Murray Is, Badu Is and Mapoon for local residents. He was also the support for the kayak leg of a recent (2010) Adventure 1000 trip from Albany Is to Saibai Is.
The highlight for John is always the enjoyment of his guests in this special location. Personally, there have been great fishing trips and memorable catches, spectacular experiences enjoying an untouched beach, a 360o sunset or coral reefs in perfectly clear warm tropical water. John’s passion is exploring the area and even after many years, there are still new places to go. He feels privileged to be involved in charters and trips with guests revisiting areas of personally historic meaning – Piara, Somerset, and Booby is.
