SeaLink Whitsunday’s Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours enhancing accessible tourism
SeaLink Marine & Tourism’s Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours operations are making significant strides in enhancing accessibility for all guests, especially those with accessibility needs. This initiative underscores SeaLink’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring every traveller can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, without barriers.
Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours recently hosted five carers and fourteen clients from the Endeavour Foundation on board Wildcat for a sightseeing trip around Airlie Beach. They also explored the amazing Whitsunday waterways aboard Whitsunday Jetski Tours.
Support Carer, Ricki Conn, shared, “We appreciate all the considerations Red Cat Adventures and Whitsunday Jetski Tours staff put in place for our diverse group of clients. Personally, I felt the staff went above and beyond any expectations I had.”
“Everybody felt included and were given many opportunities to try new things. We had an incredible time with our clients on the fast boat trip, but the real highlight was when they got to jump on the back of a jet ski with one of the guides,” Ms Conn continued.
Guest Jenny added, “I enjoyed it; you can walk around safely without worry. The staff were very friendly and helpful, with kind personalities. They shared information about the life jackets and had really good communication in person and over the loudspeaker; and the food was good too. I got on a Jetski and had a lot of fun. Even though we were going fast, I knew I was safe. I would love to go again.”
Key enhancements to our services:
- Wheelchair-Friendly Vessel: The Wildcat vessel is specifically designed to accommodate guests with mobility challenges. It features secure tie-down points and spacious areas to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for all guests.
- Accessible Information: We provide clear and detailed information about our accessibility features so guests with disabilities can make informed decisions about their adventure. Our website complies with the latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), ensuring it is navigable and understandable for people with various disabilities.
- Dedicated Accessibility Page: Our new accessibility page serves as a comprehensive resource for all accessibility-related information. This page outlines the specific accommodations we offer and provides guidance on how to make the most of these services.
- Marked Accessible Tours: To facilitate better planning for our guests with specific needs, all tours specially tailored to be accessible are now clearly marked. This feature allows guests to easily find and select tours that meet their requirements.
- Staff Training: Our team members trained to assist guests with varying needs, ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for all.
Julie Telford from Red Cat Adventures said, “We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Our commitment to accessibility is reflected in the enhancements we’ve made to our vessel and the information we provide our guests.
“We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where all guests can enjoy a holiday to beautiful Whitsundays, including snorkelling and jet ski adventures.” said Julie Telford, Red Cat Adventures.
Red Cat Adventures operates snorkelling tours from Airlie Beach and Mackay, taking guests to explore the vibrant marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. The Wildcat vessel is now equipped with wheelchair-friendly features, including tie-down points, to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.
Whitsunday Jetski Tours operates two half-day tours daily from the Coral Sea Marina, South Village. The Airlie Adventure (1.5-hour jetski tour) and the Two Island Safari (2-hour jetski tour) offer a perfect mix of adrenaline and eco-adventure. Guests can drive their own Jetski out to view the Whitsunday Islands from the protection of the coastline, exploring Airlie’s beautiful bays, islands, and enjoying some turtle spotting.
SeaLink Whitsundays, Red Cat Adventures and Whitsundays Jetski Tours all also proudly boast Ecotourism Australia’s Advanced ECO Certification, highlighting a dedication to sustainable practices and authentic nature-based tourism experiences. This eco certification reflects an ongoing commitment to responsible tourism and the preservation of the pristine beauty of the Whitsundays for generations to come.
For more information, to book a tour, or to discuss specific accessibility needs with our customer service team, please visit:
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SeaLink Marine & Tourism is part of Kelsian Group (Kelsian). Australia’s largest integrated multi-modal transport provider and tourism operator, with established bus operations in Australia, Singapore, USA, UK, and the Channel Islands. Kelsian provides essential journeys for our customers by delivering safe and intelligent transport solutions designed to improve the sustainability and liveability of the communities we serve.
Kelsian has over 30 years’ experience delivering tourism and passenger transport services. The Group is a leader in sustainable public transport as the operator of Australia’s largest zero emission bus fleet and Australia’s largest electrified bus depot.
As at 31 December 2023, Kelsian directly employs over 12,200 people and operates over 5,500 buses, 115 vessels and 24 light rail vehicles that delivered more than 332 million customer journeys over the last year (www.kelsian.com).
Media contact: Cheryl Monkhouse, National Media & Communications Manager, cheryl.monkhouse@sealink.com.au
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