Protecting the natural beauty of Magnetic Island is a passionate commitment we live by day to day.....
At Aquascene, we demonstrate our commitment to tourism excellence in our everyday practices. We deliver a high-quality nature-based tourism experience with strong interpretation values, commitment to nature conservation and reinvestment into our local community.
We strive to educate our guests, in an enjoyable and engaging delivery, of our message of conservation to preserve this very special place we call home.
By working together, our industry can help protect our amazing planet and preserve its natural wonders. Aquascene like to encourage all of our guests to spread conservation messages on their return home and be active in taking steps to live greener lifestyles.
"We had so much fun and learnt how to look after the big beautiful world" Abbie Hinks 2016
Aquascene Magnetic Island is certified through Ecotourism Australia’s world leading ecotourism certification program. This means that when you travel with us, you are supporting a business that is backed by a strong, well managed commitment to sustainable practices and provides high-quality nature based tourism experiences. Our certification demonstrates our commitment to: o Looking after our natural environment o Offering quality interpretation and educating guests o Supporting and engaging our local community o Reducing our carbon footprint o Protecting our unique wildlife and endangered species o Making real contributions to conservation o Helping to preserve Australian Indigenous cultures o Providing an unforgettable, high-quality guest experience
The Ecotourism Australia Certification programs are recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).
Our tours provide a learning platform for us to educate our guests:
A myriad of marine and bird life are encountered on our tours including sea turtles, dugongs, fish life and sea birds. We educate all of our guests to respect and protect these animals in their natural environment including the fringing reef that we snorkel on.
This includes:
Marine and wildlife
History and culture
Environmental and marine education about Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Green zones and locations and all rules on different zoning on the Great Barrier Reef
Actions we can take to protect it for future generations.
At Aquascene, we have a strong commitment to minimising our environmental footprint in every action we do on a daily basis. On tour with Aquascene:
Minimising waste and recycling wherever possible on board
Environmentally friendly products are used on board
No Straws
Avoid use of single use plastics wherever possible
Education and information to our guests
Our "environmentally friendly" vessel:
Using energy efficient devices wherever possible
Installation of solar panels on board Aquascene
Aquascene is powered by solar power for anchor winch and electrical system on board
Our vessel has ultra low engine emissions
Minimal engine use time resulting in lower impact to the environment
Ongoing observations of our sustainable operations, procedures and carbon footprint
Our commitment to community and the environment: Aquascene are proud to have 2 Master Reef Guides - ambassadors and educators for caring for our environment.
We participate in G.B.R.M.P.A’s "Eye on the Reef" program and use G.B.R.M.P.A’s "Sightings Network App" to record any interesting or important marine sightings during our tours around Magnetic Island
We are also on the Townsville Port Discussion consultation committee to help monitor water quality and reef health in the waters surrounding Magnetic Island
Steph Hinks - Member of Tourism Reef Advisory Committee
Aquascene are proud to be "Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef"
Aquascene Owner - Steph Hinks - Master Reef Guide
Aquascene Owner - Adam Hinks - Master Reef Guide
Contributing to the management of the Great Barrier Reef: Magnetic Island is situated within the Great Barrier Marine Park and protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA)whose management is guided by a range of plans, policies, regulations and legislation, which sets out GBRMPA’s functions and responsibilities. All operators utilising the marine park pay an Environmental Management Charge (EMC) to the GBRMPA. The funds received from the EMC are vitally important in the day-to-day management of the Marine Park and in improving its long-term resilience. Aquascene contributes to the EMC reef charge on each tour we operate. (fees waivered during 2022)
"The Last Straw" Campaign Leading the way on Magnetic Island, in 2017, Aquascene joined the "Last Straw" commitment. We were the first tour boat on Magnetic Island to lead the way. We encourage other businesses to go straw-free. If everyone simply said “no straw please” when they ordered a drink, the number of straws ending up in our oceans would reduce by millions.
Caring for Magnetic Island Magnetic Island Turtle Hospital
Tangaroa Blue Foundation is an Australian registered charity focused on the health of our marine environment, and coordinates the Australian Marine Debris clean-up programs. Aquascene is proud to support Tangaroa Blue in their local projects and clean-ups and we regularly participate in beach clean-ups.
As a family, we are always looking out for any opportunities to help keep our Island home beautiful and healthy, for all creatures great and small......in and out of the water.