Beachcomber Cruises buoyed by Port Marlborough community

Each Friday in the latter half of 2025, Jessica Jones made a splash on social media. That somehow seems fitting given her family’s water taxi and tourism company.

Beachcomber Cruises commissioned a purpose-built boat last year to carry visitors on sightseeing trips in Marlborough Sounds. Overseeing the construction in Picton, Jessica shot video footage she shared online to show progress.

“The community really got behind us,” she said, “whether it was people saying, ‘I look forward to watching your Facebook videos every Friday,’ or people who’d stop me in the supermarket ‘Oh, Jess, I love your videos and feel like we are part of the team!’”

One thing was kept under wraps: the name. Only at the 1 February ceremonial launch did the family reveal that the vessel is called Intrepid. Beachcomber Cruises announcement explained that “Intrepid reflects the spirit of adventure, resilience, and quiet determination that has shaped the company over the past two decades.”

Indeed, this year marks the 20th anniversary of Margaret and Tony Crapper purchasing Beachcomber Cruises, which has operated the Mail Boat Cruises for over 150 years. They started with two vessels – adding the new boat Intrepid increases the fleet to 11.

Jessica’s sister, Lora, started working with Tony and Margaret in 2006. Jessica joined them in 2011. With their parents now retired, the siblings now proudly operate Beachcomber Cruises and Picton Water taxis. Jessica as general manager and Lora in accounts.

Four generations of the family celebrated the launch of Intrepid, whose maiden voyage took 30 passengers to and from Mistletoe Bay.

Bon voyage
Born and raised in New Zealand, Tony and Margaret moved to Australia to continue their fishing career. When it came time to stow the nets for good, Jessica said, “obviously by the seaside is where they wanted to retire.”

When deciding where to settle, the opportunity to purchase Beachcomber Cruises arose. This was soon followed by the acquisition of several water taxi services, and as demand grew, the Beachcomber Cruises fleet steadily expanded.

“All our vessels have been locally and purpose-built, and we have been able to oversee the builds,” Jessica explained. “It’s been a really nice family and community connection to use local people and local trades.”

Jessica also leads the company’s sales and marketing, and proudly promotes the wider Marlborough region as she sees the benefit of local businesses working together.

The busy summer season remains in full swing, yet she still makes time to enjoy her “happy place” onboard in the Sounds. She loves seeing the fleet out daily.

“Being out on the water with the Marlborough sunshine and sparkling waters is living the dream,” Jessica says. “It’s an experience we love, sharing this piece of paradise with guests from around New Zealand and across the world.”

Visit www.beachcombercruises.co.nz for schedules, bookings and more information.