Marine Education in Jervis Bay

Australia’s Coastal Wilderness Adventures (ACWA) are excited to announce that we are now offering high quality marine education programs to schools alongside our friends at Sea Kayak Jervis Bay (SKJB) in 2026! After a spate of recent school inquiries, we have developed adventure filled and academically enriching half to full day packages for years 7-12. There are also options available for students of primary school age (please contact us for more information).

Join us on an adventure filled day snorkelling and sea kayaking as you learn about the Great Southern Reef in the pristine waters of Jervis Bay. Learn about the unique marine life in the Jervis Bay Marine Park, gain insights into eco-tourism, environmental management, marine ecology and much more.  

Our marine education programs can be tailored to meet specific requirements of the curriculums related to a number of academic programs, for example, Geography, Science, PD/H/PE, Marine Studies, Sports and Recreation and other programs at all stages. As a bonus, we also direct teachers to a range of useful resources before and after the excursion. 

Why ACWA and SKJB?

Both Scott (ACWA) and Dane (Sea Kayak Jervis Bay) have extensive knowledge of all aspects of Jervis Bay and the activities they respectively offer. They are both highly experienced and trained guides with professional local teams. Given their exemplary reputations, high regard for safety and dedication to the delivery of high-quality experiences your students will be in safe hands.

Upon inquiring about our marine education programs, you will receive a copy of our risk assessments, insurance documents, copy of our qualifications, an itinerary of the day (weather contingency plans included), a quote (done on a per student basis, teachers are free) and on-going logistical support.

Prior to planned excursions we are available to provide ongoing support to ensure all aspects of your trip run smoothly. Using our connections with local accommodation providers, catering companies and transport services we can help you with all aspects of trip planning. Our aim is to do as much of the ground work for teachers as possible as we understand the high work load and varied demands teachers face.

Why Jervis Bay?

Jervis Bay located a convenient distance from both Canberra and Sydney is an expansive oceanic bay fringed with stunning white sand beaches and pristine native bushland. The bay is peppered with rocky outcrops/headlands and walking trails that provide convenient access to an abundance of shallow temperate water reefs that are teeming with life. Many of these reefs are protected from fishing as they form parts of the Jervis Bay Marine Park. As a result, these areas are a delight for underwater observers as they are bursting with life.

The existence of the Jervis Bay Marine Park itself offers the opportunity to explore unique issues related to natural resource management. Jervis Bay is a marine biodiversity hotspot due to the effect of cooler Southern Ocean waters mixing with the warmer waters fed by the East Australian Current. As such, we are lucky enough to have an array of temperate and sub-tropical species regularly inhabiting the bay. Jervis Bay is also a popular resting point for migrating Humpback Whales as they journey along the ‘humpback highway’ and home to several pods of resident Bottlenose Dolphins regularly seen patrolling local beaches.

To add to the allure of Jervis Bay, is the consistent presence of crystal-clear water, shelter from most prevailing weather, and very forgiving water temperatures. There are many suitable shore-based snorkelling sites to choose from and easy access to suitable kayak launches. Many of these sites provide a sense of safety and calm as you can hug the protected shoreline and still witness a dynamic display of marine life. Considering all of the above, it is fair to say Jervis Bay is the perfect place to begin your snorkelling journey and become familiar with the Great Southern Reef.

Education with purpose

ACWA is proud supporter of and collaborator with the Great Southern Reef Foundation. An organisation dedicated to promoting greater awareness of the vital temperate reef systems of southern Australia known in their entirety as the Great Southern Reef. Through the development and delivery of impactful education, community engagement and collaborative science the GSRF is playing a vital important role in promoting recognition, stewardship and sustainable action related the Great Southern Reef.

In our show of support, ACWA donates a portion of takings from all school programs to the GSRF so they can continue doing their amazing work. Many useful articles including educational resources designed for teachers and students can be accessed on their website, via their social media channels and through the GSRF monthly newsletter free of charge.

Find out more about the Great Southern Reef Foundation here:   

https://greatsouthernreef.com/

Join the fun

If you would like to work with two highly professional teams to deliver an academically enriching, adventure filled experience in one of the best natural settings in Australia please contact us by phone 0439 421 986 or email info@acwadventures.com. From here we will do everything possible to make this highly memorable experience happen with minimal fuss.

We offer a range of options to suit the varied needs of students and teachers. Please see the list of our offerings below.

High school snorkelling and sea kayaking in Jervis Bay (Half-day)

High school snorkelling and sea kayaking in Jervis Bay (Full-day)

Primary school snorkelling and sea kayaking (Half-day)

Primary school shore excursion (Half-day)

High school incursion

Primary school incursion