Cumberland Charter Yachts are dedicated to Eco-tourism, and have been a certified Eco-tourism operator since 2015, promoting sustainable travel that benefits local communities, culture and heritage to minimise impacts on the environment. We believe it is our responsibility to educate all our charter guests on environmental sustainability.

On your charter, you'll enjoy the many different activities and experiences the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday islands offer and it's important to enjoy them in a responsible and environmentally 'reef friendly' way. Cumberland Charter Yachts have written our own "Responsible Reef Practice's" guide with a copy provided on each charter yacht. Here we'll share with you the many ways that you can help us keep the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsundays pristine for years to come and enjoy your charter holiday in a sustainable way.

Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #1 - Anchoring and Mooring
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #3 - Waste (including sewage) and Litter
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #4 - Around Turtles
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #5 - Around Whales and Dolphins
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #6 - Visiting Islands and Beaches
Read about Responsible Reef Practices Tip #7 - Bird Watching

Diving and Snorkelling

Diving and snorkelling are some of the best ways to take in the spectacular underwater views that the Great Barrier Reef has to offer and to come face-to-face with its captivating marine life. Although divers and snorkellers have had minimal impact upon the Great Barrier Reef so far, there are times when some divers and snorkellers can get a little too close and may stress the marine life or crush and break corals.
Most damage occurs as a result of those who are unable to maintain good control in the water (for example, through fighting a current, or trying to get a closer look, or taking photographs). By having good snorkel and dive practices, you'll be able to preserve this special world for others to experience.

In General

Enhance the quality of your dive experience by learning about the environment you'll visit

Practice buoyancy control over sand patches before approaching a reef - test buoyancy whenever you're using
     new equipment such as new wetsuits, buoyancy control devices (BCDs) and cameras

Make sure you are properly weighted before diving near a reef

Check that all your dive gear is secure before you get into the water so that it doesn't dangle and catch on
    the reef

Move slowly and deliberately in the water, relax and take your time - avoid rapid changes in direction

Avoid making sudden or loud noises underwater

Avoid leaning on, holding onto or touching any part of the reef - this is particularly important when you are
     taking underwater photographs

Avoid kicking up and disturbing the sand if you're over a sandy area

Avoid touching any animals or plants

Avoid feeding fish

Stay more than one metre away from giant clams

Keep clear of free-swimming animals (such as turtles, whales and sea snakes). In particular, do not chase,
     ride, grab or block the path of these animals

Avoid relocating any marine life, particularly when taking photos and filming.

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Cumberland Charter Yachts is an award-winning company providing exceptional holiday experiences, leaving customers with a lifetime of memories that exceed all expectations.