✅ What’s Included
• 2-hour scenic coastal cruise to Seal Rocks
• Close viewing of Australian fur seals in their natural habitat
• Complimentary tea, coffee and cake on the return journey
• Educational commentary on marine life and local history
• Undercover viewing area and licensed bar (Eftpos available)

🚫 What’s Not Included
• Transport to Cowes Jetty
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
• Alcoholic beverages (available for purchase)
• Personal items

Seasonal Weather Expectations

All Year Round — Phillip Island has a mild temperate climate; cooler on the water (always bring a jacket).
Spring & Autumn — Pleasant temperatures (15–22°C); active seal pups in autumn.
Summer — Warm days (20–28°C); longer daylight.
Winter — Cool days (10–18°C); crisp air with possible choppy conditions.
Cruises are weather dependent — vessel motion may occur in open waters; sea sickness tablets recommended.

Documents & Essentials
• Booking confirmation and photo ID
• Any personal medication

Clothing (layered for coastal conditions)
• Jacket or windproof layer (conditions cooler on water)
• Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes

Toiletries & First Aid
• Sunscreen, lip balm and insect repellent
• Sea sickness tablets (recommended)

Electronics
• Camera or phone for photos

Accessories & Nice-to-Haves
• Sunglasses and hat
• Refillable water bottle

Phillip Island is famous for its wildlife and lies just 90 minutes from Melbourne.

Seal Rocks is home to Australia’s largest colony of Australian fur seals.

Australian fur seals are playful and inquisitive, often swimming right up to the boat.

Pups can be seen learning to swim, dive and play with seaweed during the cruise.

The coastline along the western side of Phillip Island has a rich local history.

Crested terns and sooty oystercatchers are commonly sighted along the route.

Cowes Jetty is the departure point with easy parking nearby.

The cruise operates in open waters of Bass Strait, so gentle motion is possible.

Local operators focus on respectful wildlife viewing and education.

Phillip Island supports a wide variety of marine life year-round.

Carbon Footprint & Offset Report: Phillip Island Seal Cruise

Quick Snapshot

Estimated CO₂e footprint per participant: 65 kg CO₂e
(higher-end conservative estimate – covers all on-tour impacts plus average local travel to/from Cowes Jetty)

Our 200% offset commitment per booking: 130 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 scenic coastal cruise (departs 2:00pm daily all year; extra departures in peak periods)
• Boat capacity not specified (small-group friendly)
• Departs and returns to Cowes Jetty, Phillip Island (11-13 The Esplanade, Cowes VIC)
• Stable passenger vessel with undercover viewing
• No accommodation included
• Meals: Complimentary afternoon/morning tea + cake served on return
• Highlights: Australia’s largest fur seal colony (average 5,000+ seals sighted up close); seals approach the boat; playing with seaweed, diving, prey-chasing; moulting process; seabirds (crested terns, sooty oystercatcher); learn about marine mammals and habitat; beautiful Phillip Island western shoreline

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: Cowes Jetty start/end, Seal Rocks (2 km off rugged southwest coast of Phillip Island)
• Travel style: Relaxed seal-watching scenic cruise with close wildlife encounters
• Assumptions: Average participant, standard behaviours, higher-impact choices where uncertain. Local travel to Cowes Jetty is factored into the higher-end footprint for completeness.

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 cruise operations and complimentary onboard refreshments.
• Per person, full tour experience.
• Excludes only purely personal extras (e.g. bar purchases).

Detailed Emissions Breakdown (per participant)

Transportation – 40 kg CO₂e

• Average local travel to/from Cowes Jetty (higher-end mix of car, taxi or short transfers): 25 kg
• All on-tour passenger vessel cruise to Seal Rocks (2 hours, shared): 15 kg – higher-end marine diesel factor

Accommodation – 0 kg CO₂e

• Cruise only – no overnight stay

Meals & Food – 15 kg CO₂e

• Complimentary tea/coffee + cake on return: 15 kg – higher-impact estimate including production and waste

Activities & Excursions – 10 kg CO₂e

• Scenic cruise, close seal encounters, seabird viewing and onboard interpretation

TOTAL ESTIMATED FOOTPRINT PER PERSON: 65 kg CO₂e

Our 200% Offset Commitment

• Amount we will offset:2 × 65 kg = 130 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 (focus on marine mammal habitat education, no motor craft interference with seals); 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

How do I get to the starting point?
The cruise departs from Cowes Jetty on Phillip Island. Arrive 30 minutes early for parking and boarding.

What time does the cruise depart?
Daily at 2:00 pm, with possible extra departures during peak periods.

Are children allowed?
Yes – infants and children are welcome with adult supervision. Front deck is restricted to those over 1 metre tall.

Is there food or drinks on board?
Complimentary tea, coffee and cake are served on the return. A licensed bar is available (Eftpos).

What if the weather is bad?
Cruises run subject to weather and minimum numbers. You will be notified in advance if cancelled.

Do I need sea sickness tablets?
They are recommended as the cruise enters open waters of Bass Strait.

Is there undercover seating?
Yes – protected viewing areas are available.

Can I bring a drone or underwater camera?
No – not permitted on public cruises for safety and regulations.

What happens if I’m late?
Cruises depart on time. Late arrivals forfeit tickets (non-transferable, non-refundable).

Is travel insurance recommended?
Yes – we strongly recommend it for any changes or cancellations.