✅ What’s Included

Itinerary Activities

• 6-hour scenic cruise along Wilsons Promontory east coast
• Wildlife viewing (whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds)
• Educational commentary on marine life and history

Guides & Support

• Experienced crew
• Comfortable vessel

Eco & Practical

• Morning tea, homemade lunch, afternoon snacks
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Licensed bar (Eftpos available)

🚫 What’s Not Included

• Additional drinks beyond complimentary tea/coffee
• Hotel transfers or transport to Port Welshpool Jetty
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Personal expenses or souvenirs
• Bank fees on international cards (if applicable)

Seasonal Weather Expectations

Whale Watching Season (mid-July to November) — Cool to mild days (10–20°C), possible wind and choppy waters; peak sightings late August to end October.
Outside Season — Tour does not operate (seasonal only).

Open coastal waters with possible wind, motion and variable temperatures – pack responsibly for comfort and sun protection.

✅ Essentials

• Motion sickness tablets (strongly recommended)
• 1 L refillable water bottle
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
• Layers (jacket for wind/chill)
• Comfortable clothing and non-slip shoes
• Small day pack
• Camera or binoculars for wildlife
• Cash or card for bar purchases

Insect & Weather Protection

• Light windproof jacket

Toiletries & Extras

• Personal medications
• Hand sanitiser

Luggage Limits

• Small day pack only (no large bags needed for day cruise)

Local Insights

• Wilsons Promontory is the traditional Country of the Boonwurrung / Bunurong people of the Kulin Nation, who have cared for this land for tens of thousands of years.
• The Prom is one of Victoria’s most pristine coastal wilderness areas and the southernmost tip of mainland Australia.
• Humpback and southern right whales migrate annually from Antarctica, passing the Prom between July and November.
• The area supports diverse marine life including Australian and New Zealand fur seals on rocky islands.
• Seabirds such as shy albatrosses and white-bellied sea eagles are commonly sighted along the dramatic coastline.
• The cruise route showcases ancient coastal landscapes shaped by millions of years of geological forces.
• Wilsons Promontory National Park is a haven for wildlife and one of Australia’s most biodiverse coastal regions.

Carbon Footprint & Offset Report: Wilsons Prom Whale Cruise

Quick Snapshot

Estimated CO₂e footprint per participant: 95 kg CO₂e
(higher-end conservative estimate – covers all on-tour impacts plus average local travel to/from Port Welshpool Jetty)

Our 200% offset commitment per booking: 190 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

• 6-hour scenic whale watching cruise
• Departs Port Welshpool Jetty (80 Lewis Street, Port Welshpool VIC) at 10:30am
• Stable passenger vessel with undercover seating
• No accommodation included
• Meals: Morning tea, homemade lunch, afternoon snacks + complimentary tea and coffee
• Highlights: Spot migrating humpback and southern right whales (90% expected sightings), dolphins frolicking alongside the boat (90% expected), Australian & New Zealand fur seals in natural habitat, seabirds (White Bellied Sea Eagles, Shy Albatross, Australasian gannets); learn about area history and marine life

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: 6 hours
• Key locations: Port Welshpool Jetty start/end, open waters of Bass Strait along the east coast of Wilsons Promontory
• Travel style: Scenic whale watching cruise with wildlife viewing and commentary
• Assumptions: Average participant, standard behaviours, higher-impact choices where uncertain. Local travel to Port Welshpool Jetty is factored into the higher-end footprint for completeness. Operates mid-July to November (whale migration season).

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

Detailed Emissions Breakdown (per participant)

Transportation – 45 kg CO₂e

• Average local travel to/from Port Welshpool Jetty (higher-end mix): 25 kg
• All on-tour passenger vessel cruise (6 hours, shared): 20 kg – higher-end marine diesel factor

Accommodation – 0 kg CO₂e

• Cruise only – no overnight stay

Meals & Food – 30 kg CO₂e

• Morning tea, homemade lunch, afternoon snacks + tea/coffee: 30 kg – higher-impact estimate including production and waste

Activities & Excursions – 20 kg CO₂e

• Scenic cruise, whale/dolphin/seal viewing, seabird spotting and commentary

TOTAL ESTIMATED FOOTPRINT PER PERSON: 95 kg CO₂e

Our 200% Offset Commitment

• Amount we will offset:2 × 95 kg = 190 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 habitat education and responsible whale watching); 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

Are whale sightings guaranteed?
No — 90% expected during season, but wildlife is never guaranteed.

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes — children must be supervised; front deck restricted to over 1 metre tall.

What if I get seasick?
Vessel motion occurs in open waters — motion sickness tablets are strongly recommended.

Is lunch included?
Yes — homemade lunch, morning tea and afternoon snacks are provided.

How rough can the water get?
Varies by weather; the cruise travels into open Bass Strait waters.

What time does the cruise return?
Approximately 4:30 pm (6-hour duration from 10:30 am departure).

Is there a licensed bar?
Yes — beer, wine and mixed drinks available (Eftpos accepted).

Can I bring my own food/drinks?
No — meals and snacks are provided; bar purchases only.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No — vessel access and motion are not suitable for wheelchairs.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — bookings are essential and subject to minimum numbers and weather.