Our Story
With over 20 years on the water globally and a deep respect for our home here in Manly, we created Manly Eco Tours to foster a deeper connection with the natural world. After years exploring the Northern Beaches, we’ve found that the best way to find perspective is to immerse yourself in the environment and learn the stories of our local ecosystems.
MEET THE TEAM
MATIAS
Founder of Manly Water Sports
I’ve spent 20 years working on the water globally, but I truly found my place in Manly and Sydney Harbour. I started Manly Eco Tours because I wanted to share the ocean as I see it, not as a tourist in a crowd, but as a local finding a moment of quiet.
We keep small groups because the best adventures happen when you can actually hear the water and enjoy the conversation. Whether we’re watching the sunrise or the last light of the day, I want you to leave feeling grounded and energized.
I'm lucky to call Manly home, and I'd love to show you the secret side of it.
Alex
Head Instructor - Ocean Guide
Alex is the lead on the water at Manly Eco Tours. With a lifetime of experience as an ocean guide, he’s as much a part of the sea as the kayaks we paddle.
For Alex, a day on the harbour is about sharing the health and headspace that comes from being out on the water. Whether he’s guiding a sunrise session or a quiet afternoon reset, his focus is on making sure everyone feels safe, connected, and energized by the experience.
He knows the "secret" corners of the North Harbour and is always ready to share a story about our local wildlife or help you find your rhythm with the paddle.
Our Commitment to the Coast
We don’t just work on the water; we belong to it. Part of our mission is ensuring that the North Harbour remains as pristine as we found it. Here is how we’re paddling for the planet:
Zero Single-Use Plastic: We’ve eliminated the need for disposable cups. Every guest on our morning tours is served coffee in our own wooden cups.
Protecting the Little Penguins: We strictly follow a "watch from a distance" policy to protect Manly’s endangered Little Penguin colony. We stay off sensitive nesting beaches at dusk to ensure they can return home undisturbed.
Boutique Group Sizes: We limit our tours to just 5 guests. Smaller groups mean less noise, less environmental stress, and a much smaller footprint on the local ecosystem.
Eco-Sourced Equipment: We prioritize gear that lasts. From our durable Riot Quest 10 kayaks to our locally sourced supplies, we choose quality over "fast-fashion" adventure gear to reduce landfill waste.
Leave-No-Trace Education: Every tour includes a briefing on the local marine life and how to be a better steward of the sea. We want you to leave with more than just photos, we want you to leave with a new perspective on conservation.
Our Eco-Governance & Professional Standards
Commitment to Compliance: We operate in full alignment with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) framework. We have structured our business to meet all environmental and safety requirements for Sydney Harbour National Park, ensuring our presence supports the long-term management of these protected areas.
Internal Environmental Auditing: We don't wait for external checks to stay sharp. We use a rigorous internal "Pre-Tour Checklist" and digital maintenance logs to ensure our equipment and activities never compromise the health of the harbor or the safety of our guests.
Staff "Check-Ride" Qualification: Every guide at Manly Eco Tours undergoes a strict internal induction. They must demonstrate a high level of competency in "Leave No Trace" principles and local ecological knowledge before they are authorized to lead a tour, ensuring our environmental mission is delivered consistently every time.
Safety as Stewardship: We view safety and conservation as the same goal. By maintaining strict 1:6 supervision ratios and utilizing real-time monitoring tools like SharkSmart and Fires Near Me, we manage our tours to avoid disturbing the environment during sensitive times or conditions.