Reefstar Cruises are proudly accredited through Eco Tourism Australia, keeping us at the forefront of sustainable tourism in the Whitsundays. This accreditation celebrates a commitment to preserving our environment and our dedication to the local community. Our mission is to educate and inspire all who venture to the Whitsundays, fostering a lasting legacy of conservation to protect our incredible marine life for generations to come.
ECO Tourism
What is ECO Tourism?
ECO Tourism is a form of tourism focused on responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, respects local and Indigenous cultures, and benefits local communities. While also providing education and meaningful experiences for visitors.
In simple terms, ECO Tourism aims to leave a place better than it was found.
Core principles of ecotourism is generally defined by these key elements:
Nature-based experiences
Activities take place in natural environments such as reefs, forests, national parks, and marine areas.
Environmental conservation
Tourism operations actively minimise impact, protect ecosystems, and support conservation efforts.
Education and interpretation
Visitors learn about the environment, wildlife, and cultural heritage through guided interpretation and information.
Respect for culture and Traditional Owners
Ecotourism acknowledges and respects Indigenous knowledge, culture, and connection to Country.
Benefits to local communities
It supports local jobs, businesses, and community initiatives.
Sustainable operations
Operators use practices such as fuel efficiency, waste reduction, responsible wildlife interactions, and eco-friendly products.
Our ECO Tourism Commitment
Reefstar Cruises is committed to delivering memorable Whitsundays reef experiences while protecting the Great Barrier Reef for future generations.
As an ecotourism operator, we actively minimise our environmental footprint, support marine conservation efforts and contribute positively to the local community.
Protecting the Great Barrier Reef
Caring for the Reef We Explore
Our day cruise operations are conducted in accordance with Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) ecotourism standards. We:
Operate only at permitted reef and snorkelling sites
Follow site-specific management plans and marine park zoning
Brief guests on reef etiquette, responsible snorkelling and wildlife interaction
Prohibit the collection or disturbance of marine life
Encourage the use of reef-safe sunscreen and low-impact behaviours
The GBRMPA’s Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Planis the overarching strategy guiding reef protection, with actions and targets to improve reef health, resilience and sustainable use. The plan is informed by scientific knowledge and ongoing consultation with government, industry and community partners.
Whitsunday Marine Life
The Living Reef
The Whitsundays form part of the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem and support a rich diversity of marine life. Guests may encounter:
Hard and soft corals forming complex reef habitats
Reef fish including parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and clownfish
Green, loggerhead and hawksbill turtles
Rays, reef sharks, giant clams and other invertebrates
Our crew provide interpretation on local species, reef ecology and seasonal wildlife activity. All wildlife interactions are passive and observation-only, in line with GBRMPA guidelines.
Key Environmental Issues
Challenges Facing the Reef
The Great Barrier Reef and its catchments face multiple environmental pressures. Reefstar Cruises recognises these challenges and integrates responsible practices and education into our operations:
Climate Change - Rising sea temperatures, coral bleaching and extreme weather events
Reef Health & Physical Damage - Poor snorkelling practices can damage corals
Water Quality - Sediment and pollution from land affect marine ecosystems
Coastal Development - Urban expansion increases run-off and habitat loss
Illegal Fishing & Overfishing - Threatens fish populations and marine balance
Wildlife Disturbance - Inappropriate interactions can stress marine animals
Marine Debris & Plastics - Poses serious risks to wildlife
What We Do (Our Actions)
Reefstar Cruises
We actively work to protect the marine environment by:
Monitoring and removing marine debris during daily operations
Partnering with local conservation groups and businesses
Reducing onboard waste and single-use plastics
Educating guests about responsible reef stewardship
Our Guests
We encourage our guests to:
Support local environmentally responsible businesses
Take all waste back to shore
Use reef-safe sunscreen
Follow responsible snorkelling guidelines
Share awareness about reef protection
Protected Areas & Management
Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS)
In addition to Commonwealth marine park regulations, QPWS (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services) manages protected areas within Queensland’s jurisdiction. Their work includes habitat preservation, wildlife protection, zoning, enforcement, and sustainable visitor access.
Regional Waterway Health
Reef Catchments & Healthy Rivers
Reef Catchments and the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac Healthy Rivers to Reef Partnership produce annual health scorecards assessing freshwater, estuarine and marine environments. These reports guide conservation efforts and improve regional water quality.
Education & Interpretation
Environmental education is central to every Reefstar experience. Our crew:
Explain reef ecosystems and marine species
Discuss climate change, run-off and fishing impacts
Encourage reef-friendly behaviour during and after visits
Respect for Traditional Owners
We acknowledge the Ngaro and Gia Peoples, Traditional Owners of the Whitsundays Sea Country, and recognise their deep cultural connection to land and sea. An Acknowledgement of Country forms part of our guest experience.
Conservation & Community
Reefstar Cruises contributes positively by:
Operating responsibly to protect the natural environment
Supporting conservation, monitoring and education initiatives
Employing local crew and sourcing locally where possible
Continuous Improvement
Our sustainability practices are regularly reviewed to ensure continual improvement and alignment with recognised ECO Tourism certification standards.
Reefstar Cruises acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging. Learn more.