Dive Spear and Sport 1770 Achieves Advanced
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One of the Gladstone Region’s leading reef tourism operators has reached a significant sustainability milestone, with Dive Spear and Sport 1770 achieving Advanced Ecotourism Certification through Ecotourism Australia.
The achievement recognises the Agnes Water and Town of 1770-based operator’s ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful, conservation-focused experiences on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Having first achieved Ecotourism Certification in April 2024, the team has spent the past two years refining its products, strengthening operational processes, expanding educational programs and creating more opportunities for visitors to actively engage in reef conservation.
Advanced Ecotourism Certification is awarded to Australia’s leading nature-based tourism operators that demonstrate best-practice environmental management, conservation contributions, cultural respect, community engagement and immersive educational experiences.
For Dive Spear and Sport 1770, the certification reflects a philosophy that tourism should leave people inspired and places protected.
Through small-group diving, snorkelling, freediving and reef education experiences, guests are encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of the Southern Great Barrier Reef and the important role they can play in protecting it for future generations.
Director Carmen Bolton said the business has always aimed to create experiences that go beyond simply visiting the reef.
“Our goal has never simply been to take people to the reef. We want to empower people to discover, understand, value and ultimately become advocates for these incredible environments,” Ms Bolton said.
“Achieving Advanced Ecotourism Certification is not the finish line for us. It is recognition that we are genuinely walking the talk and a commitment to continually raising the bar for ourselves, our guests and our industry.”
The achievement aligns with the business’s broader vision of helping shape the future of reef tourism through a balance of adventure, education, conservation and authentic human connection.
As a regional tourism operator, Dive Spear and Sport 1770 hopes its journey demonstrates that ecotourism is more than a certification. It is an ongoing commitment to operating responsibly, supporting local communities and ensuring future generations can continue to experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef.
Located in Agnes Water and the Town of 1770, Dive Spear and Sport 1770 offers a range of reef experiences, including scuba diving, snorkelling, freediving courses and marine education programs on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
