ECO CERTIFICATION Cruise Whitsundays is proud to announce that our Great Barrier Reef Adventures and Camira Sailing Adventure have recently acquired Advanced Eco Certification. Advanced Eco Certification is given to Australia's leading and most innovative ecotourism products, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities. The ECO Certification logo is a globally recognized brand which assists travellers to choose and experience a genuine and authentic tour, attraction, cruise or accommodation that is environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. The ECO Certification program assures travellers that certified products are backed by a strong, well managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high quality nature-based tourism experiences.The ECO Certification Program is a world first. It has been developed to address the need to identify genuine nature and ecotourism operators.

BEST ENVIRONMENTAL PRACTICES

All our activities and operations are designed following world-best environmental practices to prevent potential impacts on the reef.

REEF PROTECTION PROGRAM

We perform ongoing monitoring of reef health and bio diversity at our site to help in detecting adverse impacts and unusual natural phenomena.

NO TOUCHING POLICY

We have adopted a no touching policy with regards to all marine life. This helps protect the animals from stress and disease.

BIODEGRADABLE CLEANING AGENTS

All chemicals used on the pontoon and vessels are biodegradable and the amount of these chemicals used is kept to a minimum. Silicon based antifoul products are used on ‘Seaflight’ as alternatives to toxic antifoul paints. This avoids potential leaching of toxic chemicals into the ocean.

INNOVATION TECHNOLOGY

As new environmental technologies and products are developed, we trial them. One example is the use of microfibre for cleaning to eliminate the need for chemicals.

LITTER CLEAN UP AND WASTE REDUCTION

Our scuba divers carry out daily ‘litter patrols’ of the reef and surrounding areas. Wherever possible, plastic items are replaced with biodegradable or reusable products. All sewerage and waste is carried back to the mainland and pumped into the town treatment system and not dumped in to the sea.

OIL SPILL CONTROL

The risk of fuel and oil spills from the pontoon has been eliminated by not having a generator on the pontoon. A fully equipped oil spill kit is however kept on the pontoon at all times.

SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

Scientists are actively encouraged to conduct reef research at Knuckle Reef Lagoon.

INTERPREATATION PROGRAMS

Interpretive/educational programs have been designed by reef specialists to make the visitors’ experience enjoyable and informative.

STAFF TRAINING

All our staff are well trained in environmental awareness and reef ecology to promote a sense of stewardship towards the reef.

COMPLIANCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT CHARGE

We comply with all legislation and permit requirements set out by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Included in your cruise fare is a $5.50 per head fee which is used for the management and protection of the Reef by this authority.

GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY LIAISON

We liaise closely with government agencies and community groups to help promote and support good overall environmental management of the reef. Cruise Whitsundays also actively participates in a number of environmental / conservation programmes with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. These are:
Sightings Network: reporting sightings of unusual fish, birds and whale sightings.
BleachWatch: a community based coral monitoring initiative.
Eye on the Reef: we collect a range of biological information on Knuckle Reef which GBRMPA assembles alongside information from other selected operators.

SUSTAINABLE REGIONS PROGRAMME
Cruise Whitsundays recently joined this programme and is one of only three operators in the Region to do so. It is a statewide programme and a first for Tourism Queensland. The programme engages Queensland tourism operators to measure their environmental footprint and develop operator specific action plans. We are delighted to have joined.