Sustainability
The Great Barrier Reef is a World Heritage–listed Marine Park and one of the Natural Wonders of the World. Seastar Cruises is privileged to operate in this extraordinary environment, and we’re committed to protecting it for future generations.
Our tours are designed with minimum impact in mind. We carefully plan every day on the reef to reduce fuel consumption — our largest source of carbon emissions — and we continually review our operations to improve sustainability.
Our sustainability measures include:
- Low-emission engines, regularly serviced for peak efficiency
- LED lighting throughout the vessel
- Annual fuel tracking using a Carbon Emissions Calculator
- Comprehensive waste management and recycling of cardboard, cans, plastics, and bottles
Ecotourism Certification
Seastar Cruises is proud to hold Ecotourism Certification with Ecotourism Australia.
This certification recognises our ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism and our efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef — the world’s greatest living treasure.
It assures guests that our tours uphold genuine environmental care and deliver high-quality nature-based experiences.
Acknowledgment of Traditional Owners
We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waters where we operate and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.
Michaelmas Cay and surrounding reefs, including Hastings Reef, form part of the traditional sea country historically shared by the Yirrganydji and Gungandji peoples.
We recognise the continuing custodianship and Sea Country management of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Traditional Owners, whose connection to the Great Barrier Reef helps protect it for future generations.
Conservation Partnership
The Reef has experienced multiple coral bleaching events, with increasing ocean temperatures posing significant challenges to marine ecosystems.
Seastar Cruises supports conservation through a long-term partnership with the Resilient Reefs Foundation, operating a Coral Tree Nursery at Hastings Reef.
These coral trees grow and transplant thermally tolerant corals, helping regenerate resilient coral populations. The Hastings Reef nursery is among the most successful projects of its kind on the Great Barrier Reef.
To learn more or donate, visit Resilient Reefs Foundation.
How You Can Help Protect the Reef
We encourage all our guests to join us in caring for the Reef:
- Use energy and water efficiently when travelling
- Avoid littering and recycle wherever possible
- Bring a reusable water bottle to reduce single-use plastics
- Choose reef-safe sunscreen such as Sunbutter
→ Learn more at Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Reef Check Australia. - Avoid buying souvenirs made from coral, turtle shell, or other endangered species
On board, our crew will guide you in safe snorkelling practices to ensure no coral damage occurs. Please use reef-safe sunscreen and dispose of waste responsibly in the bins provided.
You can also contribute to reef monitoring by uploading your sightings to the Eye on the Reef App – download it before your trip at Eye on Reef GBRMPA.
Accessibility
We welcome all guests and strive to accommodate individual needs wherever possible. Our vessel offers easy movement throughout, and restrooms are conveniently located on the main deck. However, as the vessel has fixed infrastructure, we kindly ask guests with mobility considerations to note the following:
There is no fully accessible bathroom on board.
Boarding requires stepping onto the vessel (no ramp is available).
Entry to the saloon is through a doorway with a raised threshold.
Our reservations team is happy to assist with any special requirements.
Please contact our office prior to travel to discuss your needs.
