Sustainability at ABC

Choosing the right operator for a Great Barrier Reef experience can be challenging. At ABC Snorkel Charters, we prioritize both unforgettable experiences for visitors and a strong commitment to the reef’s protection. With us, you not only minimize environmental impact but also contribute positively to the reef’s well-being. A local, family-run affair, we are deeply passionate about sustainable tourism and providing high-quality nature-based tours that protect the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s most stunning living treasure.

The Great Barrier Reef is not just our playground – it’s a legacy. We believe that we have a responsibility to care for the environment and to ensure that future generations  can enjoy the Great Barrier Reef as much as we do. So, we roll up our sleeves and implement sustainable practices in all aspects of our business through our environmental management plan, our sustainable sourcing and environmental best practices policies.

These are our Sustainability Credos and what we do about it:

Apart from vigilant emission tracking and continually aiming at reducing our footprint, we have taken some major emission reducing steps in the past years. Restructuring our vessel and operational strategy from mixed dive and snorkel experiences to dedicated snorkel only tours has drastically reduced our fuel and resource consumption.

While our vessel is maintained to achieve optimal fuel efficiency, it is also designed to embrace the intake of that wonderful ocean breeze to discourage the need of air conditioning and noisy generator sounds.

We encourage staff and guests to walk or cycle to our vessel, champion local products to reduce transport emissions and use power saving LED light sources.

Whenever possible, we fix and reuse equipment.

We print double sided on recyclable paper, use biodegradable cleaners only and do not provide or use single-use plastics.

We do not use disposable items where possible and source items made from environmentally friendly  or recycled materials.

Even the coffee cups used for the guests on-board our vessel are sustainable. These cups are made from coffee husk, as a raw material, & organic resin. This makes it one of the most sustainable cups available on the market. Coffee husk is an organic waste material that is produced as part of the milling stage of coffee production – using these cups helps recycle hundreds of tonnes of waste material from the mass production of coffee. They are also produced using non-toxic (BPA free) materials with non-hazardous chemical compounds being much better for the environment in the case that they are disposed of.

The majority of our waste consists of glass, tins and cardboard, which we recycle at our local Containers for Change recycle station.

By limiting our groups to a maximum of 12 passengers, we minimize our impact  to the marine environment. A main focus of our operation is educating and our guests about the importance of protecting the oceans, and how we all can get involved in conservation activities. Our interpretation is created by experienced Marine Biologists and from academic resources only.

We collect data and actively monitor reef health through the Great Barrier Marine Park Authority’s Eye on the reef monitor and assessment program, and through our own initiatives.

As a High-Standard Operator we collaborate with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority to ensure best operator practices.

We educate on these  simple rules – no reef touching, no fish feeding, no souvenirs from the ocean, use only reef-safe sunscreen and natural insect repellent, and utmost respect for marine life.

We exclusively have board Little Urchin reef safe sunscreen for our guests. Free from any dangerous chemicals. This sunscreen does not contain any UV absorbers, parabens, titanium dioxide, synthetic fragrances or preservatives that could be potentially harmful to the marine environment. .

We use moorings instead of anchors.

We do not use single plastics on our vessel.

On behalf of GBRMPA, we collect the environmental reef charge (EMC) to assist the authority with managing activities to protect the reef.

At ABC Snorkel Charters, we’re passionate about showcasing the breathtaking, yet delicate, natural wonders of Far North Queensland to visitors from across the globe. Our commitment to sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.

Our aim is not only for our own sustainability but to inspire our visitors to the Great Barrier Reef and raise awareness for future generations. Climate change is real, and every little action counts.

We take pride in our strict policy against single-use plastics and recycle policies, ensuring that every aspect of our operations contributes to the preservation of the ecosystem. We serve locally sourced produce to minimise food miles, encourage our staff and visitors to walk or cycle and aim at minimising our fuel consumption whenever we can.

We are currently in the process of setting up an emission offsetting plan by dedicating some of our revenues to tree planting projects.

As a High-Standard Operator and testament of our commitment we are in proud affiliations with the Great Barrier Marine Park Authority and the Master Reef Guides program to ensure consistent best practices and highest quality reef insights on your snorkel trip. Master reef guides are world’s leading ambassadors of reef interpretation and conservation.

We have earned recognition through Ecotourism Australia’s premier ecotourism certification program. By choosing to travel with us, you support a business committed to sustainable practices and exceptional nature-based tourism. Our Eco certification highlights our dedication to safeguarding the environment, providing education to guests, engaging the local community, reducing carbon impact, protecting wildlife, conservation efforts, preserving Indigenous cultures, and ensuring a memorable guest experience.

Ecotourism Australia’s certification programs are approved by the  Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). We encourage you to learn more about sustainable tourism and certified businesses by visiting EcoTourism Australia.

We understand that some of our guests may have concerns regarding their ability to partake in our tours, may this be because of an injury, or mobility, visual, auditory or sensory issues.

We warmly welcome every guest. When you book directly with us, we have the chance to understand any unique needs you may have and tailor the tour accordingly, whenever feasible.

However, due to our vessel’s design, there are some limitations which we would like to be transparent about. For instance

• Our vessel doesn’t offer gradual steps to enter or exit the water. Instead, there are ladders with a few rungs to get on board after snorkeling.
• There is free and accessible parking and ramped access to the wharf, but not to the vessel. Luckily, there is a more or less level entry through our back door.
• Our toilet is not wheelchair accessible.
• We offer floatation devices and will have a guide swimming with you, however, there will be other guests requiring attention too. If you are a non-swimmer you will need to contact us before booking.
• We do not have special aids to convey interpretation content to visual or auditory impaired guests.
• Assistance dogs? They’re our honored guests!
• We always have the option to book a private guide online. Guests receive one-on-one assistance for all their needs through the entire excursion, in particular in the water.

As we navigate the swells and winds, our journey can be exhilarating, potentially challenging for guests with injuries, visual, sensory or auditory impairments or those with mobility concerns, prams, or wheelchairs.

Safety first: if any of the above aspects resonate, please do reach out before booking to discuss your specific needs and concerns. We are here to assist in the best way possible to make sure the trip (including the weather to be expected) is safe and suitable for your needs.

Tourism in Australia is deeply intertwined with the country’s ancient and diverse landscape, unique flora and fauna, and Indigenous peoples and cultures.

Indigenous Australians have a deep spiritual connection to the land and sea, which is reflected in their stories, songs, art, and traditional knowledge and practices. Here at ABC Snorkel Charters, we are committed to respecting and supporting Indigenous culture and employment. We encourage you  to learn about and experience Indigenous culture to help ensure that Indigenous culture and heritage are preserved for future generations.

In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, the meaning of Country is more than just ownership or connection to land, as Professor Mick Dodson explains:

“When we talk about traditional ‘Country’…we mean something beyond the dictionary definition of the word. …we might mean homeland, or tribal or clan area and we might mean more than just a place on the map. For us, Country is a word for all the values, places, resources, stories and cultural obligations associated with that area and its features. It describes the entirety of our ancestral domains. While they may all no longer necessarily be the title-holders to land, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are still connected to the Country of their ancestors and most consider themselves the custodians or caretakers of their land.”

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have a deep and enduring connection to the Great Barrier Reef. For over 60,000 years, they have lived on, cared for, and learned from this unique and precious ecosystem.

Long before the Reef formed, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples lived on what is now the seafloor. Their cultural knowledge of this time, including the practices and sites they used, is still passed down from generation to generation.

After the Reef formed, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples continued to care for their Sea Country through their culture and spirituality. They developed sustainable ways to use the Reef’s resources, ensuring that it remained healthy and bountiful for future generations. Learn more about Music, Dance, Language, Food and Stories here.

The Eastern Kuku Yalanji people are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have lived in the Daintree Rainforest and surrounding areas in Far North Queensland for over 50,000 years. They are the traditional owners of a vast area of land and sea, stretching from south of Mossman to Cooktown in the north, and Palmer River in the west.

The Eastern Kuku Yalanji people have a deep and enduring connection to their land and sea, which they refer to as bubu and jalan respectively. Their culture is based on Ngujakura (Dreaming), and is reflected in their living connection to bubu and jalan and their continued aspiration to conserve and protect Country.

The Eastern Kuku Yalanji people are a diverse group, with a number of different warra (clans). Each warra has its own unique culture and traditions, but they all share a deep respect for their land and sea.

The Eastern Kuku Yalanji people are skilled hunters and gatherers, and have a deep knowledge of the plants and animals of the rainforest and coastline. Learn more about their rich cultural heritage, including traditional dances, songs, and stories.

The Eastern Kuku Yalanji people have faced many challenges over the years, including displacement from their traditional lands and the loss of their language and culture. However, they have remained resilient and are now working to revitalise their culture and traditions.

There are a number of ways to learn more about the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people and their culture. Here are a few suggestions:

• Visit the Kuku Yalanji Cultural Centre in Mossman Gorge. This centre offers a variety of cultural experiences, including award winning guided tours of the rainforest, Dreamtime Walks around the Mossman Gorge, traditional dance and singing performances, and storytelling.
• Take an Aboriginal-led tour of the Daintree Rainforest, for example with Walkabout Cultural Adventures. These tours offer a unique opportunity to learn about the rainforest from a traditional Kuku Yalanji perspective.
• Read books and articles about the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people and culture. There is a growing body of literature available on this topic.
• Talk to the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people themselves. They are the best people to tell you about their culture and traditions.
• Learn about Kuku Yalanji-led organisations, such as the Jabalbina Yalanji Aboriginal Corporation.
• Speak out against racism and discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

By supporting the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people, you are helping them to preserve their culture and traditions for future generations.