Skip to main content

Calypso Reef Eco Promise

Calypso Reef Cruises is Advanced Eco Certified

Advanced Ecotourism identifies 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.

Guests are also encouraged to support tourism operators who have achieved the Ecotourism Certification logo. Ecotourism Australia Certification allows travellers to Australia to identify and support operators who meet the benchmark and so ensure tourism products have minimal impact to the environment.

Climate Change Action

As the Cairns and Port Douglas area is one of the most highly visited regions of the Great Barrier Reef, as a business operating in this area, we make sure to follow Ecotourism guidelines and the GBRMPA Zoning plan to provide  ecologically sustainable recreational activities. 

The Great Barrier Reef received world heritage status in 1981, the first coral reef ecosystem in the world to have this distinction. Experience Co acknowledges the continuing Sea Country management and custodianship of the Great Barrier Reef by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners whose rich cultures, heritage values, enduring connections and shared efforts protect the Reef for future generations 

Experience Co’s GBR Biology team tailor Reef Education programs which specialize in connecting local students to the reef systems via curriculum-based projects and research opportunities. Community understanding and stewardship can harness increased political and community action and support for the reef’s long-term protection.

With over 2,500 individual reefs, 900+ islands and over 1,500 species of fish, the GBR is one of the richest and most complex natural ecosystems on earth, and one of the most significant for biodiversity conservation. The waters also provide major feeding grounds for threatened dugong and six of the world’s seven species of marine turtle. The Marine Park is an important breeding and feeding ground for several species of whales, all of which are protected species

GBRMPA – www.gbrmpa.gov.au
Ecotourism Australia – www.ecotourism.org.au
Carbon Footprint Calculator – www.conservation.org

Sustainability Initiatives

Climate Change poses one of the greatest threats to coral reefs as warming seas can trigger coral bleaching. At Calypso Reef Cruises we have implemented strategies to tackle climate change by reducing our carbon emissions.

Experience Co is committed to establishing an emissions baseline to assess our impact and make meaningful changes to improve. Guests visiting the region are encouraged to make sustainable choices by bringing bottled water, using recycling bins, using reef friendly sunscreen, and implementing public transport wherever possible. Experience Co is committed to minimizing adverse impacts on the environment, promoting environmental stewardship and reducing carbon emissions.

Some examples of this action include:

  • We minimise waste and recycle whenever possible
  • We minimise and track our emissions carbon footprint by using the Marine Park Authority emissions calculator
  • Our vessels are custom-designed and serviced regularly to maintain optimal fuel efficiency
  • We facilitate Reef Check Australia’s Research at Opal Reef Encouraging our guests to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Outsourcing catering to local restaurants who source their products locally, and offer eco friendly packaging. 
  • Using recycled paper in every office, and avoiding printing when possible, with all brochures printed on recycled paper. 
  • All vessels and offices are cleaned with certified eco-friendly products to avoid toxic chemicals
  • All vessels have water refill stations and refillable water bottles sold on board. 
  • Recycling facilities are in use on all our operations. 
  • Selling reef-friendly sunscreen on Calypso

When travelling we encourage our guests to ensure their environmental practices in everyday life are maintained away from home and to use local energy and water efficiently.

We recommend that you check soaps or detergents are biodegradable, never litter and recycle where you can.

Visitors to Australia can choose to offset their travel emissions through organisations such as Climate Friendly that provide emissions calculators for a range of activities.

GBRMPA – www.gbrmpa.gov.au
Ecotourism Australia – www.ecotourism.org.au
Carbon Footprint Calculator – www.conservation.org