Byron Bay Return Transfer: $35 per person

✅ What’s Included
• Marine biologist guided snorkel tour
• Mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• All boat transport and fees

🚫 What’s Not Included
• Drinking water
• Sunglasses, hat, towel and swimmers
• Underwater camera
• Personal items

Byron Bay enjoys mild coastal weather year-round with the best snorkeling conditions from December to April.
Summer (Dec–Apr) • Typical daytime: 24–28 °C • Conditions: calm seas and excellent visibility • Practical note: ideal for whale watching too
Winter (May–Nov) • Typical daytime: 18–23 °C • Conditions: still good snorkeling with possible cooler water • Practical note: wetsuit keeps you comfortable

Documents & Essentials
• Photo ID and booking confirmation
• Any personal medication

Clothing (layered for coastal conditions)
• Swimmers and towel
• Light layers, hat and sunglasses

Toiletries & First Aid
• Sunscreen (reef-safe preferred)
• Personal toiletries

Electronics
• Underwater camera (optional)

Accessories & Nice-to-Haves
• Drinking water
• Small daypack

Julian Rocks (Nguthungulli) is a sacred site to the Arakwal-Bundjalung people and sits within Cape Byron Marine Park.

The site marks the meeting of warm tropical and cooler temperate currents, creating a micro Great Barrier Reef effect.

Marine life includes turtles, rays, wobbegongs, eagle rays and seasonal whales and dolphins.

The boat trip is short and comfortable, often with dolphin encounters on the way.

The area has been protected for decades, making it one of Australia’s best snorkel sites.

Local operators work closely with marine biologists to ensure respectful, sustainable visits.

Carbon Footprint & Offset Report: Julian Rocks Snorkeling Tour Byron Bay

Quick Snapshot

Estimated CO₂e footprint per participant: 110 kg CO₂e
(higher-end conservative estimate – covers all on-tour impacts plus average local travel to/from Brunswick Heads Marina)

Our 200% offset commitment per booking: 220 kg CO₂e
Funded through genuine landscape restoration in climate-vulnerable developing regions (reforestation, mangroves, soil regeneration, etc.). This creates real net-positive impact beyond neutrality.

Tour summary

• 2-hour guided snorkeling tour (daily departures, high tide timing)
• Small groups (max 19 participants)
• Starts and ends at Brunswick Heads Marina, NSW (15–20 min drive north of Byron Bay)
• Purpose-built eco vessel “Out Of The Blue”
• No accommodation or meals included
• All snorkel gear, wetsuits (cooler months), mask, snorkel, fins and reef-safe sunscreen provided
• Highlights: Snorkeling in protected Julian Rocks Nature Reserve (Nguthungulli), convergence of tropical and temperate waters, abundant marine life (dolphins, turtles, sharks, rays, fish), marine biologist guide with underwater hydrophone for whale song (seasonal), beach kayaking lesson and surf return

Overview

This report estimates the carbon footprint for one individual participant on this tour using higher-end data from trusted sources. We intentionally choose upper-range figures to fully cover every impact – including hard-to-measure parts like supply chains and indirect effects.

We then double it (200%) and fund genuine landscape restoration projects in developing and climate-affected regions worldwide. This goes beyond standard offsetting to deliver real, lasting benefits for ecosystems and communities.

All figures in kg CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent – the standard measure that includes all greenhouse gases).

Tour Details

• Duration: 2 hours
• Key locations: Brunswick Heads Marina start/end, Julian Rocks Nature Reserve (Cape Byron Marine Park)
• Travel style: Guided eco snorkeling cruise with marine biologist and beach lesson
• Assumptions: Average participant, standard behaviours, higher-impact choices where uncertain. Local travel to Brunswick Heads Marina is factored into the higher-end footprint for completeness. Minimum age 7 years; must be able to swim 200 m unassisted.

Calculation Approach

• Sources: UK DEFRA 2025 conversion factors, Australian National Greenhouse Accounts 2024, UNWTO tourism data, IPCC guidelines, and peer-reviewed studies.
• Higher-end scale: Upper-range emission factors everywhere, plus well-to-tank fuel effects, +20% uncertainty buffer, and conservative assumptions for short marine eco vessel operations.
• Per person, full tour experience.
• Excludes only purely personal extras (e.g. souvenirs or additional drinks).

Detailed Emissions Breakdown (per participant)

Transportation – 75 kg CO₂e

• Average local travel to/from Brunswick Heads Marina (higher-end mix of car, taxi or short transfers from Byron Bay area): 45 kg
• All on-tour purpose-built eco vessel (short marine loops, shared small group): 30 kg – higher-end marine diesel factor

Accommodation – 0 kg CO₂e

• Day tour only – no overnight stay

Meals & Food – 10 kg CO₂e

• No meals included; higher-end estimate for own snacks/drinks brought aboard (tourism-level portions and waste): 10 kg

Activities & Excursions – 25 kg CO₂e

• Guided snorkeling, marine biologist commentary, beach lesson, wildlife viewing and environmental interpretation

TOTAL ESTIMATED FOOTPRINT PER PERSON: 110 kg CO₂e

Our 200% Offset Commitment

• Amount we will offset: 2 × 110 kg = 220 kg CO₂e per individual booking
• How: Direct funding of landscape restoration projects – reforestation, mangrove protection, regenerative agriculture, wetland and soil carbon restoration
• Where: Developing countries and regions most affected by climate change (e.g. Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America) for maximum global benefit and community co-benefits
• Why 200% and higher-end estimates: To guarantee coverage despite any measurement discrepancies and to create genuine extra positive impact

Important Notes

• Numbers are deliberately conservative (higher) so we over-deliver on restoration – real footprint may be lower
• The tour already has strong sustainability practices (eco vessel, protected marine reserve, marine biologist guide, reef-safe sunscreen, Leave No Trace principles); our independent higher-end analysis adds extra certainty
• Carbon accounting has natural uncertainties – doubling it is the responsible way
• This directly supports long-term carbon-sequestering landscapes and local communities

Do I need snorkeling experience?
No – the waters are shallow and protected, and the guide is there to help everyone.

What age is the tour suitable for?
7 years and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult and able to swim 200 m.

Is all gear provided?
Yes – mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit and reef-safe sunscreen are included.

Where does the tour depart from?
Brunswick Heads Marina, about 15–20 minutes north of Byron Bay.

Can I see whales or dolphins?
Dolphins are regularly seen, and whales are possible during the season (June–November).

What if the weather is bad?
Tours only run in safe conditions. You’ll be notified in advance if there’s a cancellation.

Is there food on the boat?
No food or drinks are provided – please bring your own water.

How long is the boat ride?
The trip to Julian Rocks takes about 15 minutes each way.