Congratulations to Down Under Cruise and Dive and The Adventure Company on their Advanced Certification!
Down Under Cruise and Dive (DUCD) and The Adventure Company (TAC) have achieved Advanced Certification, for practicing outstanding nature conservation and interpretation.
DUCD and TAC are both located in Australia's tropical North Queensland in the township of Cairns, the gateway to the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree National Parks. With exclusive moorings on the Outer Reef and thrilling trips along the tropical coastline, DUCD and TAC tours successfully provide nature-based tourism activities whilst actively participating in natural and cultural preservation.
MV Evolution Reef Cruise
DUCD’s MV Evolution Reef Cruise, takes visitors on an exclusive interpretive journey of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Area (GBRMPA) is the largest living structure on the planet with a rich and diverse ecosystem home to millions of marine species. DUCD’s instructors are marine naturalist certified, and provide visitors with fascinating knowledge of this complex ecosystem.
The operator plays an active role in preserving the marine environment through GBRMPA’s Eye on the Reef, reporting sightings of the potentially harmful crown-of-thorns starfish. This monitoring program gives visitors an opportunity to learn about, and contribute to, one of the reef’s long-term protection programs.
DUCD is also involved in local responsible tourism development, participating in the Association of Marine Park Operators (AMPTO), a not-for-profit company with a focus on advancing tourism best practice in the GBRMPA.
Cape Tribulation Tours
TAC’s Cape tribulation tours offer scenic drives and guided rainforest walks through the stunning Queenslander tropics. Visitors experience and learn about the unique north Queensland hotspots, Port Douglas, the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation.
TAC values the local Indigenous cultural heritage and actively seeks Daintree traditional owner groups’ counsel in developing interpretive information. The operators also stands out in its support for local authentic interpretative experiences, incorporating a visit to the Kuku Yalanji Visitors Centre where traditional owners share their own knowledge of the area.
Additionally, TAC promote sustainable practice efforts within the local region, actively supporting the Cairns Eco Fiesta by offering free tours and incentives during the event.
Overall, DUCD and TAC tours are excellent examples of how to practice tourism with a minimal impact to natural and cultural heritage and the operators show an exceptional commitment to sustainable tourism.
Find more about Down Under Cruise and Dive and The Adventure Company!
Photo Credit: Down Under Cruise and Dive and the Adventure Company Facebook pages.