Sustainability
Sunlover Sustainability Efforts
At Sunlover Reef Cruises, sustainability is more than just a policy—it’s our promise to the planet. As stewards of the Great Barrier Reef, we are committed to operating in a way that protects this delicate marine ecosystem through responsible tourism and environmentally conscious practices.
Our Commitment to Sustainability and Marine Protection
We recognise the immense privilege of operating in one of the world’s most spectacular natural environments. That’s why we’re continually refining our sustainability strategy—balancing unforgettable visitor experiences with the preservation of the reef’s biodiversity.
Our operations are shaped by the principles of eco-tourism and marine conservation, ensuring that both our guests and the reef benefit from our presence.
Recognised for 20 Years of Certified Sustainability
Sunlover Reef Cruises is proud to be in the ECO Certification Hall of Fame, recognised for over 20 years of certified sustainable tourism practices. In 2025, we became one of only 11 tourism operators in Australia to reach this milestone—acknowledging two decades of ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and best-practice reef tourism.
Sustainable Practices Onboard and Beyond
We’ve embedded sustainable travel practices into every part of our business, and we continuously seek to reduce our environmental footprint through responsible operations.
Our approach includes:
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Minimising waste generation through careful resource management
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Promoting recycling across all vessels, offices, and tour sites
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Conserving water and energy on board and ashore
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Using eco-friendly products, such as biodegradable cleaning supplies and reef-safe sunscreen
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Prioritising reusable and biodegradable materials, including the sale of refillable water bottles and water refill stations on all vessels
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Printing brochures on paper sourced from responsibly managed forests, in line with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) standards
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Eco-friendly vessel and office cleaning, avoiding toxic chemicals wherever possible
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Covered rubbish bins to prevent flyaway litter, with all tour waste transported back to Cairns Marina for proper disposal
We also encourage our guests to travel consciously. Visitors can support sustainability efforts by:
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Bringing refillable water bottles
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Using designated recycling bins
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Choosing reef-friendly sunscreen
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Using public transport when possible to reduce emissions
Every detail, from the products we use to the way we manage waste, reflects our commitment to sustainability on the Great Barrier Reef.
Marine Wildlife Protection
We are committed to protecting the diverse marine wildlife that calls the Great Barrier Reef home. We strictly adhere to guidelines and regulations for responsible marine wildlife viewing and interaction, ensuring that our activities do not harm or disturb the marine ecosystem.
Conservation and Education Initiatives
Sunlover Reef Cruises believes that education and awareness are key to promoting sustainability. Information and education is provided to our guests and staff about the importance of the Great Barrier Reef, its fragile ecosystem, and how we can all play a role in protecting it. Sunlover also actively engages in outreach programs to collaborate with local communities, organisations, and stakeholders to raise awareness about environmental conservation.
- Marine Bio For A Day Program | Groups of school students experience the Great Barrier Reef and learn about surveying procedures that our marine experts use to monitor the reef. We hope to inspire our youth on the future of reef protection and preservation.
- Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and James Cook University (JCU) have 2 sites at Moore Reef which have coral lava planting experiments in place.
- All Sunlover guests contribute to the environmental management of the reef through a fee incorporated into each ticket.
- The EMC (Environmental Management Charge) which gets paid to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is applied directly to the management of the Marine Park. At the same time, visitation information provided when the environmental management charge is submitted greatly assists the Reef Authority and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) in developing management arrangements for the sustainable use of the Marine Park.
Community Partnerships
Sunlover Reef Cruises strive to work with partners and suppliers who share our commitment to sustainability. We give preference to suppliers who demonstrate environmentally responsible practices and work towards reducing their own environmental impact.
- Sunlover is a proud supporter of Cairns Turtle Rehab and their staff members by providing multiple turtle releases from our Moore Reef pontoon that included tracking and media coverage.
- Sunlover provides transportation and reef access to Reef Restoration to build their coral nurseries and partake in reef studies and training for marine biologists. Since the start of this relationship Reef Restoration has installed 10 coral trees in Feb 2022 and within 12 months were successfully transplanting new coral in depleted areas. They have now expanded to 20 coral trees and are experiencing fantastic results.
Tourism and Reef Protection
Sunlover Reef Cruises employs three Marine Biologists to exclusively perform reef health and impact surveys, contributing valuable insights to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA).
Our crew conducts other activities during their three-day week, including:
- Crown-of-thorns starfish control.
- Drupella snail removal.
- Development of Site Stewardship Plans.
- Photo transects.
- Public education and engagement through our Marine Biologist for a Day program
All of these initiatives are possible with the support and guidance of the @gbrmarineparks. We are looking forward to consistently improving our reef stewardship plan. Moore Reef is our backyard, and we are committed to looking after it for generations to come.
Protecting the Reef Together
Every guest who travels with us plays a part in protecting the Great Barrier Reef. From following best practices in water to supporting local conservation programs, your visit contributes to a sustainable future.
We believe that through responsible tourism, collaboration, and constant innovation, we can help preserve this living wonder for decades to come.
Learn More or Get Involved
Join our Marine Biologist for a Day program
Discover more about our Moore Reef pontoon
Plan your eco-conscious trip to the reef
🌿 Together, Let’s Travel Lightly and Leave Only Bubbles
Sunlover Reef Cruises is committed to continuously improving our sustainability practices. We regularly review our operations, set measurable targets, and strive to implement innovative solutions to reduce our environmental impact further and promote sustainable practices.
Making significant and impactful changes to reduce our environmental impact is a high-priority future focus for Sunlover.
Sunlover Reef Cruises is dedicated to being a responsible steward of the environment and promoting sustainable practices to protect the Great Barrier Reef. We believe that by operating in an environmentally responsible manner, we can contribute to the long-term conservation and preservation of this unique and precious natural wonder for present and future generations.