Far North Queensland tourism operators Jan and Peter Claxton have struck a winning formula for the Great Barrier Reef, their clients and their bottom line.

The couple, who own Ocean Safari at Cape Tribulation, have invested in ultra-low-emission engines for their large semi-rigid inflatable boat (RIB) that takes tourists out to the Reef.

The twin 350hp four-stroke engines were about 25 per cent more expensive than the two-stroke equivalents, but they use much less fuel.

It's a business decision which has made the Claxtons industry leaders in responding to climate change and looking after the Great Barrier Reef.

"Our business is intrinsically linked to the health and welfare of the Reef so we felt a strong sense of duty to minimise our impact on climate change," Mrs Claxton said.

"We decided that reducing our outboard engine emissions was the single most important step we could take in this direction."

Mrs Claxton said four-stroke engines were more reliable than two-strokes, had fewer environmental impacts and reduced fuel and oil use by 30 per cent.

"The engines are much quieter than two-strokes and the exhaust fumes aren't as smelly, so they are also much better from a passenger comfort point of view."

The Claxtons also operate four boats in the Whitsundays under the name Ocean Rafting. They are certified by Ecotourism Australia as being environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Tourism and Recreation Director Chris Briggs said high standard tourism operators such as Ocean Safari were leading the way in looking after the marine environment.

"A healthy Reef is vital to a healthy tourism industry and operators who implement best practice are minimising their impact on the Reef while also improving their position in the marketplace.

"The Great Barrier Reef Tourism Climate Change Action Strategy recognises there are considerable savings to be made by calculating, reducing and monitoring emissions.

"We've worked with tourism operators to develop the first online emissions calculator specific to the marine tourism industry and we recommend it to anyone wanting to get a better picture of where they can make savings."