Sustainability @ 1770 Reef

At 1770 Reef, we don’t just visit the reef — we work to protect it. Every aspect of our operations is designed with care, responsibility, and the future in mind. By blending adventure, education, and sustainable practices, we empower our guests to leave not only with unforgettable memories, but also with a deeper understanding of their role in preserving our planet’s most precious ecosystems.

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🌿 Our Vision

To be a benchmark in sustainable marine ecotourism, fostering a profound respect and understanding of the Southern Great Barrier Reef while ensuring its protection and preservation for future generations.

🌊 Our Mission

At 1770 Reef, we are committed to delivering immersive, educational, and environmentally responsible reef experiences. Our mission is to inspire conservation through firsthand connection with nature, reduce our operational impact through sustainable practices, and lead by example in fostering a culture of environmental stewardship in marine tourism.

🐠 Our Commitment

At 1770 Reef, sustainability is not a feature of our business — it is the foundation. Operating in one of the world’s most sensitive marine ecosystems, we hold ourselves to the highest environmental standards and are continuously working to minimize our ecological footprint while maximizing our positive impact on the reef, our community, and our guests.

♻️ Waste Reduction and Circular Practices

We actively encourage a zero-waste mindset among our crew and passengers:

Reusable Culture: Guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles and coffee cups, reducing reliance on single-use plastics.
Biodegradable Alternatives: All single-use serviceware onboard — including plates, cups, straws, and cutlery — is fully biodegradable and compostable.
Certified Recycling: All aluminium cans, plastic bottles, and other recyclable items used during tours are sorted, collected, and processed through certified recycling facilities.
Food Waste Diversion: All organic food waste from our tours is collected and donated to local farms, contributing to regenerative agriculture and closing the loop on food waste.

🌞 Eco-Conscious Product Choices

Reef-Safe Sunscreen: We provide high-quality reef-safe sunscreen sourced from Western Australia, free from oxybenzone and octinoxate — two common chemicals that contribute to coral bleaching.
Onboard Education: We educate guests about the harmful effects of traditional sunscreens and encourage the use of reef-safe alternatives to protect marine life.

Naturally Cooked

Naturally Cooked exists as an answer to the extremely lacklustre sunscreen practices of young Australian Men. We’re not another bureaucrat, influencer starting a skin care line, or a faceless foreign conglomerate. We’re two blokes who’ve grown up getting cooked in the harsh Queensland sun with our mates, continuously seeing them (and ourselves) red all over and blistering after a day spent in the sun.

AUSTRALIAN OWNED & MADE FOR MATES BY MATES – 10% POURED INTO MENTAL HEALTH

⚙️ Low-Impact Marine Operations

Recognizing the sensitivity of the reef environment, our vessel operations are designed for minimal environmental impact:

Fuel-Efficient Engines: Our glass bottom boat operates using 4-stroke engines, which produce fewer emissions, reduce fuel consumption, and generate less noise pollution compared to traditional 2-stroke engines.
Emissions Monitoring: We track our fuel use and emissions regularly, and are exploring opportunities to further transition to cleaner marine technologies.
Sullage and Wastewater Management: We implement rigorous sullage management practices, maintaining detailed logs and working with licensed waste disposal partners to ensure all wastewater is processed responsibly and never released into the marine environment.

🌱 Environmental Education and Advocacy

Education is at the core of what we do. Every tour is an opportunity to share the story of the reef and inspire long-term change:

Guided Conservation Tours: Our passionate and knowledgeable crew provide engaging commentary on the reef’s ecology, threats like climate change and coral bleaching, and actions individuals can take to help.
Citizen Science & Stewardship: Where possible, guests are invited to participate in reef monitoring activities or species identification, contributing to broader marine research efforts.
Cultural and Ecological Context: We integrate Indigenous perspectives and local ecological knowledge, enriching the visitor experience and fostering a deeper sense of connection to place.

🤝 Community Engagement and Collaboration

We believe that protecting the reef requires collective effort. That’s why we:

Support Local Suppliers: Prioritise local and ethical suppliers to reduce our supply chain emissions and support the local economy.
Partner with Conservation Organisations: Collaborate with reef protection and marine science groups to stay informed, share knowledge, and contribute to broader conservation goals.
Sustainability Training for Staff: All crew receive training in sustainable tourism principles, marine conservation, and best practices in eco-friendly hospitality.

📈 Continuous Improvement and Future Goals

Sustainability is a journey, not a destination. We are committed to ongoing improvement and innovation:

Data-Driven Progress: We track key performance indicators such as emissions, waste diversion, and guest sustainability engagement to inform decisions and set new targets.
Future Initiatives: We’re exploring options such as solar-assisted battery systems, hybrid propulsion, digital ticketing to reduce paper waste, and advanced recycling systems.
Certification and Transparency: We aim to meet or exceed national and international sustainable tourism certification standards, and are committed to transparent reporting of our progress.