We understand that our marina has a direct impact on the natural environment and the community in which we operate.
Coral Sea Marina is incredibly proud to support a number of community and environmental projects which ensure we operate our business in a sustainable manner. We also aim to consciously connect guests with the Whitsundays lifestyle, welcoming visitors to experience the Whitsundays as their home away from home.
We are committed to creating a community focused recreation hub in which guests can feel part of the Whitsundayโs community and can enjoy the many groups, activities and events on offer throughout the region.
How can guests get involved?
There are many ways in which marina guests can join in with local community and environmental projects. We recommend speaking with the Guest Services team on arrival to find out events or volunteering opportunities are available during your stay in the Whitsundays.
The Coral Sea Academy
The Coral Sea Academy
Consciously connecting people to boating, the environment, and themselves...
The Coral Sea Academy is an initiative that provides a series of events designed to educate and inspire locals, marina guests and visitors to the region about the environment, the Great Barrier Reef, better boating and sustainability.
The Coral Sea Academy was created with a desire to provide an experiential travel encounter that educates, engages and immerses guests with meaningful themes relevant to the Whitsunday region. With a variety of events, in collaboration with leading industry professionals and partner businesses, include Sustainable Boating, Protecting the Great Barrier Reef, Cruising the Whitsundays, Blue Mind and Boating, and Women in Boating, to name just a few. A dedicated Better Boating series, through the Coral Sea Academy, was also introduced to provide free and informal maritime training opportunities, including Tender and Radio operation, Safety at Sea, and Basic Navigation.
These community events held at the marina hope to encourage more people in the preservation of our marine environment so that all can continue to stay, play and explore the heart of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.
For more information on upcoming Coral Sea Academy events, click here.
Big Aussie BBQ
Big Aussie BBQ
In September each year, Coral Sea Marina Resort fundraises for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia by throwing a BIG AUSSIE BBQ.Prostate cancer threatens the lives of 1 in 6 Australian men and Coral Sea Marina Resort aim to raise money for research, nursing and support for those affected.The BIG AUSSIE BBQ takes place on The Gardens in the south marina where all are welcome to grab a burger, listen to the music, and enjoy the sunset.All proceeds are donated to the PCFA.Voluntary Marine Rescue
Voluntary Marine Rescue
As major sponsor of the Whitsunday Voluntary Marine Rescue (VMR), Coral Sea Marina was instrumental in the purchase of the VMRโs rescue vessel Coral Sea Marina VMR1.
With our sponsorship, the committed team of volunteers have a state-of-the-art rescue and premium berthing allocation at their disposal. The volunteers are now able to respond quicker and more safely to incidents at sea.
Coral Sea Marina has committed to a three-year sponsorship agreement. As the on-water tourism and recreation hub of the Whitsundays, our commitment to this worthwhile organization is focused on ensuring the safety of local and visitors on our Whitsunday waters.
Clean Marina Level III / Fish Friendly
Clean Marina Level III / Fish Friendly
Coral Sea Marina Resort holds a Clean Marina Level III (ISO 14001 accreditation level) certification which is awarded to marina industry leaders with the highest level of environmental management. Coral Sea Marina Resort has also attained Fish Friendly status, which recognises our commitment to actively working to improve fish habitats within the marine environment.
These accreditations are awarded through the Marina Industries Association and is based on a set of criteria which are regularly reviewed to ensure continuous improvement through benchmark environmental practice.
Maintaining Clean Marina accreditation and Fish Friendly status strengthens our commitment to conserving our natural marine environment.
https://www.marinas.net.au/industryprograms/international-clean-marina-program
Single-Use Plastic Free
Single-Use Plastic Free
Coral Sea Marina is continuing on the path towards โcleanerโ living with the most recent development being the signing of a pledge in 2019 with the Marina Industries Association to fully eliminate single-use plastics from within the marina.
We are working towards removing single-use plastics free by 2025. So far we have:
- We have installed three hydration stations throughout the marina resort precinct and have for sale stainless enviro water bottles at the marina office.
- Plastic water bottles have been eradicated from our resort owned food outlets and events venues and have been replaced with canned water.
- All marina guests receive a reusable shopping bag upon arrival and the marina resort is plastic bag free.
SICYC โ Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia
SICYC โ Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia
Coral Sea Marina has been a proud sponsor of the Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club (SICYC) through their annual Whitsundays Rendezvous, raising much needed funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA).
Donating considerable time, money and resources to this worthwhile cause and creating a welcoming atmosphere for the cruising fraternity each winter, is part of our commitment to community. The Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club has over 6000 members and has raised more than $600,000 dollars for the PCFA.
Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival
Coral Sea Marina Resort Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival
Coral Sea Marina Resort are major sponsors of the Airlie Beach Triathlon Festival.
With an enticer, a sprint and the flagship Standard distance, there is a race option for everyone including the first timer, age grouper, seasoned professional and teams.
This highly popular event is scheduled once again for July 2024.
Border Watch
Border Watch
Coral Sea Marina supports the Border Watch program and is committed to helping protect Australia's border. If you see anything which you feel needs reporting please contact the marina office.
Whitsunday Clipper Race
Whitsunday Clipper Race
In January 2018 and January 2020, Coral Sea Marina, in conjunction with Tourism Whitsundays, Whitsunday Regional Council and Tourism Events Queensland hosted the Whitsunday Clipper Race Carnival.
It was a two week community event designed to coincide with the Clipper Round The World Yacht Race making their host port stay in Airlie Beach (Coral Sea Marina). With public open days, corporate race days and incredible ticketed events showcasing the region, sailors, locals and visitors alike got to experience the Whitsunday spirit.
With a White on Whitehaven Beach Lunch, a Progressive Cruise Lunch, Rodeo By The Reef and a huge Welcome Party on the foreshore in Airlie Beach, the wondrous Whitsundays came alive for these incredible festival of events.
Attracting over 8000 visitors to the region and injecting over $1.4m into the local economy (each Carnival), Coral Sea Marina Resort is proud to be major sponsor of this event and to have spearheaded the initial concept with local government.
In 2024, the Clipper Race will return to the Whitsundays as their last stop on the All Australian Leg of the Race and will be based once again from Coral Sea Marina.
Education & Youth
Education & Youth
The team at Coral Sea Marina are committed to the youth of the region and their education.
Our management team have provided information sessions and hosted school excursions from Cannonvale State School and Proserpine High School, as well as participated in the Environmental Sustainability Forum held at St Catherine's Catholic College and the local secondary school's Careers Day. Teaching the students about the marine tourism industry, running a sustainable business and environmental management practices engage them to be mindful of our marine environment and the community in which we operate.
Coral Sea Marina also provides school workshops through the Coral Sea Academy, Careers Expos at the local high schools and hosts work experience students.
Junior Sporting Club Sponsorship
Junior Sporting Club Sponsorship
We are committed to promoting fitness and wellness in the youth of the community and to encourage our younger generations to become actively involved in sports.
Coral Sea Marina officially sponsors numerous local youth sports teams, including Whitsunday Netball Association, Cannonvale Cannons Swimming, Proserpine Pitbulls Cricket, the Airlie Beach Football Club and Whitsunday Junior Rugby Union. We provide sponsorship in a variety of ways to these different teams and are avidly enthusiastic about the development of the clubs and the youths enjoyment of each.
Sailability
Sailability
Coral Sea Marina are proud sponsors of Sailability Whitsunday. We are proud to be home to the sailing heart of Australia, where this sport and pastime is fully embedded to the Whitsundays way of life.
Sailability Whitsunday provides people with disabilities and disadvantages with the fantastic opportunity to get out on the water and enjoy this wonderful activity with support, regardless of age or ability.
Great Barrier Reef Festival
Great Barrier Reef Festival
As a proud sponsor of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, Coral Sea Marina Resort is activity involved in the promotion and development of this regional community event.
The annual festival is all about the celebration of life in the Whitsundays, at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. This is the regionโs favourite festival and is a fun-filled combination of family time, all-night parties and celebrations, with live music, markets, carnival rides, food stalls and fireworks, to name a few. In addition to this, you can add art and environmental workshops to your itinerary, plus parades and galas and so much more! This is four action-packed days designed for anyone and everyone and invites you all to come and enjoy winter in the Whitsundays.
Image credit: VAMPP photography
Airlie Beach Race Week
Airlie Beach Race Week
Coral Sea Marina is a proud sponsor of the Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing. This exciting and vibrant week of sailing-action is takes place each year just after the Great Barrier Reef Festival in August.
Our Welcome Vessel acts as a start boat and Coral Sea Marina welcome any vessels that book a berth here for the race.
This incredible week of off-shore racing, plus nights of socializing and entertainment, draws many to come and experience our incredible region and soak up all the Whitsundays has to offer โ with both on-shore and off-shore activities, there is so much to enjoy and share in. Coral Sea Marina is passionate about the sailing industry within the Whitsundays as well as community events that not only locals can enjoy and be proud of, but that can draw others to the Whitsunday region and put Airlie Beach on the map as a must-see destination on the Queensland coast.