An intrepid marine biologist and Master Reef Guide, Jacinta is a champion for the Great Barrier Reef. Inspired by her ancestor, Sir Ernest Shackleton, she's forging her own legacy through conservation, education, and world-class underwater photography.
For Jacinta, the call of the ocean was ignited at 13 during a family holiday to Cairns. A day trip to Green Island was all it took; her commitment to marine conservation was set. She took that passion to Griffith University and the University of the Sunshine Coast, earning a degree in Marine Biology with First Class Honours. In her role at Lady Elliot Island, Jacinta brings the Reef to life for visitors. Her Master Reef Guide credentials enable her to shift perceptions, educating people on the Reef's importance and the role they can play in its preservation. She believes that making a personal connection with the Reef is key to its future protection.
An accomplished underwater photographer, Jacinta has captured the awe of the Reef, spotlighting rare species like melanistic manta rays and blanket octopuses. Her work isn't just about the spectacle; it's a call to action.Just as her famed relative Sir Ernest Shackleton left a legacy of exploration, Jacinta aims to leave her own legacy of conservation and education. If you're looking to truly understand the Great Barrier Reef, Jacinta Shackleton is your guide to its wonders and its urgent need for protection.
Marine Biologist
Discover My World
“I want visitors to understand what is actually happening on the Reef and to show them first-hand, so they too develop a passion to protect the Reef.”
“It is this shared understanding of the Reef, how it works, why it is important and how we can all play our part to protect it that will future proof the Great Barrier Reef.”
