Sustainable, Accessible & Customer-Focused Marine Experiences.

At Ningaloo Glass Bottom Boat, we are deeply committed to preserving Ningaloo Reef for future generations. With over 20 years in Exmouth, we have built our business around sustainability, conservation, and community engagement.

Operating within the Tantabiddi Sanctuary Zone, an area we helped secure as a sanctuary in 2005, we are proud to be part of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast—one of the most biologically diverse marine ecosystems on the planet.

Our mission is simple: Inspire. Educate. Protect.
We believe conservation starts with awareness, and every tour we run carries an important message about preserving the fragile reef system. Our team delivers engaging, informative commentary, ensuring every guest leaves with a deeper understanding of the ocean and how to protect it.

Our Approach to Sustainable Tourism

The UN World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as:
“Tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social, and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment, and host communities.”

We actively uphold these principles by:

✅ Minimizing Our Environmental Footprint
• Using energy-efficient Mercury 4-stroke engines (exceeding Australian emission standards)
• Mooring instead of anchoring to protect coral reefs
• Reducing waste through reusable containers and bulk purchasing
• Buying local, with 80% of our spending supporting the Exmouth community

✅ Supporting Conservation & Research
• Partnering with scientists to monitor Ningaloo’s marine ecosystem
• Contributing to carbon offset programs
• Funding local environmental and community initiatives

✅ Educating & Empowering Our Guests
• Providing fun, interactive conservation education on every tour
• Offering work experience and educational programs for young people
• Sponsoring and supporting local schools and community groups

✅ Leading by Example
• Maintaining an Environmental Management System (AS/NZS ISO 14001)
• Working closely with local tourism bodies to promote responsible travel

How You Can Travel More Sustainably

Make a positive impact when visiting Ningaloo:

1️⃣ Choose Direct Flights – Fewer stopovers mean fewer emissions.
2️⃣ Offset Your Carbon Footprint – Many airlines offer carbon offset programs.
3️⃣ Support Eco-Friendly Accommodation – Look for hotels with water and energy conservation initiatives.
4️⃣ Be Energy Conscious at Home – Switch off unnecessary electronics before you travel.
5️⃣ Buy Local – Support local farmers, artisans, and businesses.
6️⃣ Use Public Transport – Reduce emissions while immersing yourself in the local culture.
7️⃣ Reduce Plastic Waste – Carry a reusable water bottle, bag, and utensils.
8️⃣ Choose Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Protect marine life by using chemical-free sunscreen.
9️⃣ Save Water – Opt out of daily linen changes and take shorter showers.
🔟 Educate & Inspire – Lead by example and encourage others to travel responsibly.

“Ecotourism is environmentally responsible travel and visitation to relatively undisturbed natural areas, in order to enjoy, study and appreciate nature (and any accompanying cultural features – both past and present), that promotes conservation, has low visitor impact, and provides for beneficially active socio-economic involvement of local populations.” ~Definition as adopted in 1996 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Resources & Further Learning 

🌏 Calculate Your Ecological Footprint – How many planets would we need if everyone lived like you?
🐠 Virtual Dive Experience – Explore coral reefs from home.
🌊 Resilient Reefs Ningaloo – A global initiative helping coral reefs adapt to climate change.