SBK Conservation Fund Supporting Local Initiatives
Since 2018, we’ve committed to protecting Sydney Harbour by contributing $15 from every eco-tour seat sold. These funds support local sustainability projects focused on preserving the beauty and health of our waterways.
Our Commitment to Conservation Since 2018
Since 2018, we’ve proudly donated $15 from every Clean-up Paddle and Eco Tour seat to support local conservation initiatives—raising a total of $58,980 to help protect and preserve Sydney Harbour. Every paddle you take helps create a cleaner, healthier future for our waterways.
Conservation Projects We’re Proud to Support
Living Seawall Boulders
In April 2023, 18 new Living Seawall Habitat Boulders were installed in Lavender Bay. A world first design in collaboration with Reef Design Lab, SIMS and North Sydney Council. These boulders are specially designed to create a hospitable environment for a range of different marine life to live in. Within the first 6 weeks, scientists from SIMS found 16 new species living in and on the new boulders. After 12 months, 44 species were found residing inside the rockpools. SBK contributed $20,000 for the design, manufacturing, and transportation of these boulders to Sydney. A further $10,000 is being donated to SIMS, by SBK, for ongoing marine research, along with a further $6,000 from our corporate sponsor, Adobe.
Mangrove Nursery
SBK works with local corporates and council to achieve a goal of planting 1 million mangrove and river plants by 2040. In 2021, Sydney By Kayak’s guiding team, personally planted the first 173 mangroves in neighbouring Berry’s Bay, with the help of some of our local corporate kayakers. SBK’s conservation fund has continuously contributed to the planting, volunteering and upkeep of the nursery in 2022 and 2023. In 2024, 985 paddlers kayaked with SBK, contributing $15 to the conservation projects, including huge mangrove planting days in Berrys Bay. This equates to $14,775 for local conservation.
Bruce
The “Great White” AKA Bruce, is a large, solar powered floating rubbish collection unit, similar to a Seabin. Bruce sits on a mooring at the edge of Berry’s Bay and collects rubbish from the water surface as well as solar power from the sun. The solar power is then used to power an electric outboard, allowing Bruce to zip around the bay, collecting rubbish from the waterway. This helps to protect our mangrove nursery from plastic pollution and keeps the north shore of Sydney Harbour a little bit cleaner. Bruce was a brand new piloted design in collaboration with Ecobel Sydney, and collected 83kg of rubbish in his first year on the harbour. SBK contributed $3,500 of the SBK conservation fund to this project
Waste & Energy Saver
SBK proudly operates as a paper-free, eco-conscious business. We use digital bookings, energy-efficient appliances, and wash equipment directly in the harbour to reduce water waste. Our popular Sunrise Kayak and Coffee tour features reusable cups, saving over 46,000 single-use cups from landfill. Even our labels are compostable and ink-free—small changes making a big difference for our planet.
SBK proudly operates as a paper-free, eco-conscious business. We use digital bookings, energy-efficient appliances, and wash equipment directly in the harbour to reduce water waste. Our popular Sunrise Kayak and Coffee tour features reusable cups, saving over 46,000 single-use cups from landfill. Even our labels are compostable and ink-free—small changes making a big difference for our planet.
Harbour Heroes
Our newest project completes the circle of life for the plastic we find in Sydney Harbour. Last year, Sydney By Kayak purchased a plastic shredder and extruder, so we can shred the plastic we find, melt it down and turn it into usable objects, such as pens, plant pots, carabiners and one for the kids, a tumbling block game. We already do our best to recycle what we find and educate our customers on the effects of plastic in our society and what it does to our marine life, but this should help to make learning fun and completes the narrative on our clean-up paddles. SBK also recently purchased a warehouse, so we can grow this incredible initiative! Watch this space!
Living Seawall Boulders
In April 2023, 18 new Living Seawall Habitat Boulders were installed in Lavender Bay. A world first design in collaboration with Reef Design Lab, SIMS and North Sydney Council. These boulders are specially designed to create a hospitable environment for a range of different marine life to live in. Within the first 6 weeks, scientists from SIMS found 16 new species living in and on the new boulders. After 12 months, 44 species were found residing inside the rockpools. SBK contributed $20,000 for the design, manufacturing, and transportation of these boulders to Sydney. A further $10,000 is being donated to SIMS, by SBK, for ongoing marine research, along with a further $6,000 from our corporate sponsor, Adobe.
Things You Might Want to Know
See Full FAQ List
What if I haven’t kayaked before?
Our kayak tours and Sydney Harbour Highlights Tour are a great way to experience kayaking for the first time. Kayak Guides will brief you on safety and demonstrate the best paddling techniques, ensuring you have a great time out on the harbour. Let us know if you are a ‘newbie’ on the paddle questionnaire, so we can give you all the pro tips before you hit the water.
What do I need to bring?
Just like a trip to the beach, you will need sunscreen, water, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable kayaking clothes that you don’t mind getting a little wet from paddle splash.
Thongs/flip flops are okay in the kayak, but water shoes are highly recommended to protect you from oyster shells on the beach.
Do you have double kayaks?
We use single kayaks, which are extremely stable, comfortable, and great for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Never fear — if you fall behind or get tired, our guides will happily give you a rest by towing you behind their kayaks. (This option is great for kids, although adults have been known to take us up on the offer too!)
