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Sustainability
SeaLink Whitsundays, part of SeaLink Marine & Tourism – Australia’s leading marine transport and tourism operator, has achieved the highest tourism product certification from Ecotourism Australia’s ECO Certification Program.
SeaLink Whitsundays has been awarded Ecotourism Australia’s Advanced ECO Certification as an exemplary operator in terms of sustainability and provision of authentic, high-quality nature-based tourism experiences.
We offer guests a unique and memorable experience as they discover the beautiful Whitsundays Islands. We successfully and respectfully operate services within our local region and work to minimise our impact on the environment whilst focusing on delivering a sustainable service in ways that matter the most.
SeaLink Whitsundays has been working hard to improve its sustainability position and support the environment.
OUR GUESTS
Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and we encourage all guests to support environmentally responsible travel while exploring the Whitsundays.
Guests can support sustainable tourism by:
- Bringing a reusable water bottle to refill onboard and reduce single-use plastic waste.
- Choosing reef-safe sunscreen free from harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Ensuring all waste is disposed of responsibility using onboard waste and recycling bins.
- Downloading the Eye on the Reef App to access reef information and record wildlife sightings or reef observations.
- Shopping mindfully and avoiding product made from threatened or protected wildlife species.
- Considering carbon offset programs to help reduce travel emissions.
- Learning about and respecting the cultural heritage of the Ngaro People, the Traditional Custodians of the Whitsundays region.
''Together, we can help preserve this incredible environment for future generations.''
ON THE WATER
SeaLink Whitsundays continues to improve its sustainability practices across all marine operations. Current initiatives include:
- Lighting within the vessels is energy efficient, and is turned off when not in use.
- Equipment is maintained to obtain optimal operation e.g. our A/C systems across the fleet.
- All paper is recycled.
- Only non-disposable items (cutlery, plates, and containers) are utilised for service onboard.
- Measure, manage and, report our sustainability performance through Earth Check, which covers energy consumption, Greenhouse emissions, water consumption, and landfill waste and focuses on ways to improve scores.
- Recycle bins are located on all vessels.
- 10c recyclable items are processed at the local facility and all funds are donated to Fauna Rescue Whitsundays
ON THE ISLANDS
Our island-based sustainability initiatives focus on protecting local wildlife, marine habitats, and the natural environment. Current initiatives include:
- Our guides educate our guests on environmental conservation.
- All guided tours remain on the designated tracks to protect the local fauna and flora.
- Here at SeaLink Whitsundays we leave nothing behind and dispose of all rubbish responsibly.
- We make sure to never feed or leave food available for wildlife.
ON THE MAINLAND
SeaLink Whitsundays also incorporates sustainable practices throughout its mainland operations. Initiatives include:
- A preference for goods and services that have lower energy, waste, and emissions associated with their operations, goods, and services.
- We purchase local products to reduce transport emissions and support local businesses.
- Working with local small businesses for catering to support local companies.
- Lighting within the terminal and offices are all energy efficient and are turned off when not in use.
- Equipment is maintained to obtain optimal operation e.g. our A/C systems across all land-based operations.
- Digital ticketing implementation to reduce paper usage.
- Non-disposable items (cutlery, plates, and containers) are utilised in the office kitchen.
- All paper is recycled.
- Increase e-marketing and online feedback submissions.
- Measure, manage and report our sustainability performance through Earth Check, which covers energy consumption, Greenhouse emissions, water consumption, and landfill waste and focuses on ways to improve scores
SeaLink Whitsunday is always looking into other options to improve its environmental footprint and exploring other sustainable options to support the community.
ENVIRONMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS ACROSS AUSTRALIA
SeaLink Marine & Tourism’s environmental achievements from around Australia also includes:
- SeaLink North Queensland achieving Ecotourism Certification for its popular tours, Nature Tourism Certified for its ferry services to Magnetic and Palm Islands, and Respecting Our Culture Certified for recognition of their work with local Traditional Owners
- SeaLink K’gari (Fraser Island)’s Ecotourism Australia certification for its environmental, cultural and community programs at Kingfisher Bay Resort
- SeaLink South Australia’s commitment to Kangaroo Island partnering with Flinders University’s Citizen Science Passport 2 Recovery program following the devastating 2019-20 bushfires and its grassroots CommunityLink Program
- SeaLink Sydney Harbour reducing ocean plastic in a partnership between SeaBin and Captain Cook Cruises
To choose eco-friendly and responsible operators keep an eye out for the ECO certified logo.
SeaLink Whitsundays acknowledges the Ngaro communty as the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work and recognise their continued custodianship and connection to the land, waters, and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present. Learn more.