Cape Byron Kayaks offers guests the opportunity to connect more deeply with the ocean and the natural world while ensuring minimal impact on the environment and community.

Cape Byron Kayaks, the original dolphin kayak tour company in Byron Bay with nearly 30 years of experience, has been operating under the philosophy of ‘take only memories, leave not even footprints.’

The company is dedicated to sustainability while offering an immersive experience for guests to paddle through the stunning Marine Park, encounter dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whales, and enjoy the picturesque views of Byron Bay and the Cape Byron Lighthouse.

Alice Livingston, Director of Cape Byron Kayaks said, “We believe that exploring the world should not come at the expense of its health. That is why we have integrated eco-friendly practices into every aspect of our kayaking tours, ensuring our operations have minimal impact on the environment and community.”

The company recently achieved a significant milestone in its sustainability journey by completing the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard program alongside earning ECO Certification. The Scorecard program provides a great first step to sustainability with a structured approach to evaluating and improving the sustainability practices of a business and laying a strong foundation for ECO Certification.

Alice said, “As a small business, starting ECO Certification felt quite overwhelming. Even though I was very focused on completing the certification process, it was hard to lock in as work became busy. The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard broke down the process to more bite-sized sections and we became more confident after completing the Scorecard which helped us to take the next step to ECO Certification.”

Cape Byron Kayaks has also implemented several key sustainability initiatives. One of which is its transition to solar power. Their beach office operates entirely on solar energy, from charging radios to powering computers and EFTPOS machines. This transition emphasises Cape Byron’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

“Through the ECO Certification process, we became aware of Rip Curl’s Wetsuit Recycling Program, which we are currently under. Our connection with the community has been enhanced with more cross-promotion on social media which has strengthened existing relationships and developed new ones,” mentioned Alice.

Community engagement is also a cornerstone of Cape Byron Kayaks’ operations. While out on the water observing the amazing wildlife that inhabits the waters around Byron Bay, the company continues to give back to the community through donations to local schools and businesses, sponsorship of local sports teams, and promoting Cape Byron Kayaks and The Northern Rivers at industry events both in Australia and overseas.

Cape Byron Kayaks’ journey from the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard Program to ECO Certification highlights their commitment to incorporating sustainability into every aspect of its operations.

Alice continues, “Our ECO Certification shows that we are committed to sustainability and are dedicated to providing minimal impact tours with a commitment to ethical practices, environmental stewardship, cultural and social responsibility, and local community support.”

Cape Byron Kayaks’ transition from the Scorecard program to ECO Certification demonstrates how businesses can not only embark on their sustainability journey but also evolve into leaders in the field. Their success stands as a powerful example for others looking to integrate sustainability into their core operations and make a lasting impact.

Learn more about Cape Byron Kayaks’ sustainability efforts and paddling adventures here.

Cape Byron Kayaks completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard on 1 August 2024 and ECO Certification on 23 August 2024. The scorecard is not a certification and is valid for 12 months upon completion.

• Introduce a balanced structure of member-elected Directors (maximum 5) and Board-appointed Directors (maximum 4)
• Update Director terms from 2 years to 3 years, with a maximum of two terms (6 years total)
• Meet current regulatory requirements for a Company Limited by Guarantee
• Be modernised and contemporary to meet Ecotourism Australia’s strategic imperatives and our objectives
• Provide a streamlined and concise governance framework.

Extra Divers Australia is not only diving into the breathtaking waters of Christmas Island, but also diving deep to set the sustainability standard for the island.

Since opening in 2016, this locally managed business has made it its mission to provide unforgettable marine experiences while deeply caring for the environment. In 2024, Extra Divers became the second business on Christmas Island to successfully complete Ecotourism Australia’s Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard.

“Being one of the first few businesses on Christmas Island to undertake this process makes us very proud,” says David Watchorn, Director and Manager of Extra Divers Australia

Completing the scorecard reflects their commitment to sustainable practices, focusing on key sustainable principles such as sustainable management, and environmental, socio-economic, and cultural impacts. The Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard is a pre-certification program for businesses to assess their sustainability efforts and sets a solid foundation for global standard certification.

“Being assessed by independent auditors ensures that our policies and procedures are reviewed properly. It is one thing to say you are doing something, but by having outside organisations assess us, we can ensure that we are heading in the right direction. Undertaking the scorecard, enables us to establish where we are as a business on Christmas Island.”

One of Extra Divers’ commitments to sustainable tourism is to educate visitors about the unique ecosystems surrounding Christmas Island. With over 200 coral species and a rich diversity of marine life, including endemic fish and majestic sharks, the team at Extra Divers takes great care to ensure that visitors understand the importance of protecting these beautiful habitats.

“Christmas Island’s tourism is small, with only 3,000 visitors a year. The nature and marine park areas surrounding the island are of utmost importance to us and we want to ensure our operations are sustainable within them as much as possible. We hope that future visitors to the island choose eco-conscious businesses to ensure their visit is eco-friendly and sustainable.”

The team at Extra Divers actively promotes the preservation of these delicate dive sites, featuring stunning reefs, dramatic drop-offs, and vibrant coral gardens, ensuring that every excursion is an opportunity to witness the beauty of the ocean. Inclusivity is incredibly important to Extra Divers.

The team is trained to assist divers with special needs, ensuring that guests feel welcome and supported as much as possible. Their enthusiastic commitment demonstrates that sustainable tourism is not only possible but also enjoyable for everyone.

“Now we have a scorecard that has been independently assessed, we will look to improve our credentials. We have a benchmark to improve on, and hope other businesses on Christmas Island, including our competitors undertake this journey to ensure Christmas Island’s sustainability. Extra Divers Australia looks forward to supporting the Tourism Industry on the island and ensuring it has a sustainable future,” says David.

For travellers seeking an adventure that respects and celebrates nature, Extra Divers provides opportunities to dive into the heart of the ocean while showcasing sustainable practices that protect our marine environment.

Extra Divers completed the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard as part of the Ocean Territories Marine Parks Grant program, funded by Parks Australia and in collaboration with Ecotourism Australia, the University of Queensland and the Christmas Island Tourism Association.

Visit our IOT webpage here to find out more about the grant and how you can get involved.

Extra Divers Australia completed their Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard on 19 July 2024 and is a snapshot of their current sustainability practices. The scorecard is not a certification and is valid for 12 months upon completion.

• Introduce a balanced structure of member-elected Directors (maximum 5) and Board-appointed Directors (maximum 4)
• Update Director terms from 2 years to 3 years, with a maximum of two terms (6 years total)
• Meet current regulatory requirements for a Company Limited by Guarantee
• Be modernised and contemporary to meet Ecotourism Australia’s strategic imperatives and our objectives
• Provide a streamlined and concise governance framework.