Tour dates coming soon — please stay tuned for upcoming availabilities
OUR ECO TOURS
DISCOVER.
Start your eco experience with an overview of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem, while learning about the threat of marine debris. Get an overview of the local efforts to protect and preserve this iconic landscape.
CONNECT.
See first-hand how this grassroots organisation is tackling marine debris through removal to recycling. Play a part in transforming rubbish into a new, reusable product.
protect.
Go behind-the-scenes of real marine conservation work at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, with the chance to meet sea turtles in care.
WHAT TO EXPECT
NO STRESS PICK-UP
Start your experience with pick-up from port or central pickup spot in Airlie Beach and hop aboard our passenger van.
Reef and Islands 101
Gain an understanding of the relationship between the iconic Whitsunday Islands and the wondrous Great Barrier Reef, including how marine debris is impacting this area.
Dive Into Recycling
Take part in transforming marine debris plastic into new, reusable products in real-time in the Ocean Trash Recycle Shack.
sea turtle rescue
Go behind-the-scenes of sea turtle care in the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre and meet the beautiful animals that we aim to protect.
FAQs
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Yes! Please contact us at book@ecowhitsundays.com to inquire about private, customised tours available.
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If there are sea turtles in care at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, the first priority is keeping the sea turtle in an optimal environment for its recovery and wellbeing. This means we will not be able to have visitors see turtles that are injured or distressed. If there is a sea turtle that is suitable for the tour, you’ll be able to see the turtle from a safe distance.
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Wear enclosed shoes and comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. Part of the tour will be outdoors, so you may want to wear sun safe clothing.
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No, this tour is of the education centre at Eco Barge Clean Seas in Airlie Beach. If you’d like to sign up for a boat trip, you can register as a volunteer on the Eco Barge Clean Seas website to be notified of upcoming opportunities.
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Absolutely! We only ask that you do not take photos of any sea turtles in care, and that you tag us and Eco Barge in any social posts:
@ecowhitsundays @ecobargecleanseas -
No, there is not an age limit. All are welcome!
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Unfortunately, the education centre facilities are not fully wheelchair accessible at this time. However, parts of the tour are wheelchair accessible. Please contact us at book@ecowhitsundays.com if you require accommodations.
We are working on making improvements to tour facilities and plan to be fully accessible in the future.
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Food is not included in the price of the eco tour. Water refill stations are available, so bring a reusable water bottle.
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School group and educational tours can be booked directly with Eco Barge Clean Seas. Please contact info@ecobargecleanseas.org.au to inquire.
WHAT OUR VISITORS SAY
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We had the absolute pleasure of visiting Eco Barge HQ recently, and what an incredible experience it was! From the moment we arrived, the team was welcoming, professional, and so accommodating to both our clients and staff. The tour was not only informative but truly inspiring. We loved learning about their Turtle Rescue Centre and seeing firsthand the incredible work they do in rescuing and rehabilitating marine life. Watching how they carefully sort ocean debris and transform it into beautiful art and jewellery was fascinating and really highlighted the positive impact of sustainability initiatives.
Josie M | September 2025
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What an amazing experience this tour was. Seeing what goes on behind the scenes with Libby and her team was very inspiring. From collecting to sorting of marine debris, to making jewellery from the recyclables, art works from all kinds of discarded items and the incredible work done with the rehabilitation of marine turtles that come in to care. Highly recommend this tour while visiting Airlie Beach.
Alison Y | September 2025
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Amazing! This was such a great addition to my holiday in Airlie. It was really inspirational, and was actually just really fun. Being a solo traveler, I always make a conscious effort to support locals, and get a genuine local experience. This nailed it on the head, if you’re visiting the Whitsundays, this is a MUST! 11/10 :)
Daniela L | August 2025