Marine/ Water-based tours
Byron Bay / NSW
Completed ECO Certification
Completed the Strive 4 Sustainability Scorecard
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.
