Wildlife Coast Cruises Sustainability & Conservation

Conservation by appreciation to improve marine-life awareness

Our sustainability journey at Wildlife Coast Cruises is a constant evolution. We promote values such as education and awareness in regard to marine life and ecological impacts as well as encouraging conservation and sustainability in all our operations.

We are always keeping busy in the environmental and sustainability space with a number of initiatives on the go, including: education materials, marine mammal research, community engagement, reducing environmental impacts, waste management, investment in new technology, business efficiency and improved mindset and procedure around operations.

To help foster new ideas and to ensure we are meeting our environmental goals we employ an internal environmental officer and an educational officer.

Wildlife Impact & Protection

We’re passionate about marine life and our goal is to ensure marine mammals and their habitat are protected as well as ensuring a minimal impact possible in our operations.

To visit these amazing animals, we must abide by several permits. We also spend time training our captain and crew on interacting with marine life and reporting of any threats to natural habitats or endangered marine animals. Any marine debris found is collected as that can lead to seals or other marine life becoming entangled.

Another aspect of what we do it is the collection of research data used by various groups (Such as Two Bays Whale Project, DEECA and Deakin University) providing whale identification, behaviour, and migration patterns, which in turn this helps protect these species through use in impact studies.

Environmental Impact

Our environmental impact is incredibly important to us, and we have been improving a number of our systems to lessen our environmental footprint.

Waste management and recycling - all our beverages are plastic-free and allow us to sort and recycle the majority of waste from every cruise, as well as also developing a green waste system to allow for any food scraps. We have significantly decreased our dependence on paper by adopting digital tickets.

Annual Spring Clean Up - A day we organise to clean up our coastal areas and encourage people to learn about and participate in local environmental initiatives.

Renewable technology - We have identified that using renewable technology is the best way to reduce our impact. We've already invested in solar power and inverter systems for our boats and are researching and planning electric hybrid engines, which would be a first for our industry.

Community & Sustainability

We sponsor and support local community and charity groups, helping us connect and improve the areas where we work.

Our team is always looking to get involved in local initiatives such as partnering with Totally Renewable Phillip Island and Regen Phillip Island Project. These give us the opportunity to unite with like-minded tourism businesses to promote regenerative tourism.

We have overhauled a range of products we use/sell seek out local suppliers and companies with a positive environmental impact. These products include: The Hidden Sea wine, Prom Coast Ice Cream, Calm and Stormy water, recycled materials plushies from Wilmot Harvey, cleaning products and even paints used in boat maintenance.

Conservation & Education

During our cruises and within the community, we share information about local wildlife, habitats, and history, and promote environmental messages.

To help inform other businesses and public we host presentations about marine mammals, their habitats and research to promote understanding and action.

We are one of the major partners involved in organising the annual Island Whale Festival, which focuses on education and sustainability related to whales and their environments.