Eco Certified Tourism
Eco Certified Tourism | Hervey Bay Whale Watch
Advanced Ecotourism Certified through Ecotourism Australia, Hervey Bay Whale Watch has over 30 years of experience delivering responsible whale watching and marine tours within the Great Sandy Marine Park — part of the world’s first Whale Heritage Site.
“Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.”
About Our Certification
Hervey Bay Whale Watch is proudly Advanced Ecotourism Certified, recognising our commitment to sustainable marine tourism, climate action, and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems.
Key principles of our certification:
- Protecting natural, cultural, and ecological values of the Great Sandy Marine Park and K’gari.
- Minimising vessel emissions, wake, and noise to reduce disturbance to marine life.
- Complying with environmental legislation, permits, and marine tourism codes of practice.
- Continuous monitoring and improvement of environmental performance.
Our Mission
To provide exceptional whale watching experiences while inspiring guests to appreciate, respect, and protect Hervey Bay’s unique marine environment and the whales that visit these waters each year.
Sustainability in Practice
Vessel and Operations:
- Quick Cat II purpose-built for fuel efficiency, low-noise operation, and minimal wake.
- Efficient voyage planning and maintenance to reduce emissions.
- Low-impact transport with modern, fuel-efficient vehicles and free local guest transfers.
Water and Waste:
- Efficient water systems on vessel and office, with monthly monitoring.
- Waste reduction through recycling, composting, and minimising single-use items.
- Guests are briefed on responsible behaviour, including reef-safe sunscreen use and waste management.
Energy and Climate:
- Fuel-efficient vessel systems and office equipment.
- Monthly monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Guest education on climate change impacts and carbon offsetting options.
- Collaboration with eco-certified operators and conservation programs.
Respect for Country
We acknowledge the Butchulla People, Traditional Custodians of this land and sea country. Their core laws guide all our operations:
- “What is good for the land must come first.”
- “Do not take or touch anything that does not belong to you.”
- “If you have plenty, you must share.”
Tours include cultural insights and environmental interpretation to highlight the Butchulla connection to K’gari and Hervey Bay.
Guest Responsibility
We encourage guests to:
- Offset travel emissions where possible.
- Use reusable items and reduce onboard waste.
- Support local, sustainable businesses.
- Learn about climate change effects on whales and marine ecosystems.
Staff Training and Expertise
All crew undergo thorough induction into our Environmental Management Plan, covering:
- Environmental and cultural characteristics of the sites we visit.
- Responsible vessel and wildlife interaction procedures.
- Emergency preparedness and environmental incident response.
- Sustainability principles, marine life education, and climate awareness.
Annual refresher training ensures ongoing compliance and continuous improvement.
Our Sustainability Commitment
Hervey Bay Whale Watch shares our social and environmental initiatives to ensure transparency and formalise our commitment to sustainability.
Highlights include:
- Efficient vessel design for minimal environmental impact.
- Waste minimisation, recycling, and composting.
- Water conservation and operational efficiency.
- Accessibility — wheelchair-friendly vessel and facilities.
- Cultural and community engagement with the Butchulla People and local conservation projects.
Learn More
Contact Us
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