Already trying to save energy and other resource? Involved in protecting the destination you serve? If so, you're already on your way to becoming Eco-certified!

Companies that are focused on energy efficiency, marine conservation, and other good practices — like making voluntary contributions to local causes, requiring their drivers to turn off vehicles when not in use, and the like — are positioned to become Eco-certified.

Let us ensure you have the necessary evidence to prove you have the required policies and procedures in place, and promote your hard work to customers.

Get Eco-certified in 3 easy stages

1. Access Sustainability — One-time fee of $175
Complete the easy to use online self-assessment and see how you size up against industry best practices. Discover the tools we offer to prepare for eco-certification with our Shore Excursions Framework. And learn how to build, improve and implement your own sustainability program.

Enrollment in stage one of the program gives you access to the following Shore Excursion Standard resources, designed to easily lead you through the eco-certification process:

Online Self Assessment Tool — How do your current operations measure up to industry standards? Use this tool to start an internal conversation and identify core areas for improvement.

Tour Operators Guide to Sustainable Tourism — Outline your organization's implementation strategy and start drafting reports to measure your improvements. Follow our lead. This guidebook will provide practical solutions to ensure success.

Policy & Documentation Workbook — Begin writing your own policies and procedures to implement best practices for sustainable management within your own organization.

2. Apply for Desk Assessment — Fees are $300/year
After completing your self-assessment and application packet, you are ready to apply for eco-certification. Simply submit the Policy & Documentation application packet and an assessor will review and evaluate your status. Once approved, you will receive our 1 Star Eco-certified logo that is valid for 12 months. Additional stars may be awarded after the on-site assessment is completed.

Enrollment in stage two includes all application fees (submission, review, evaluation, and processing) and 12-month logo license. To maintain certification and logo license, businesses are expected to re-apply annually.

3. Apply for On-Site Assessment — Fees starting at $1,600*
Once your Policy & Documentation application packet is approved, schedule an on-site assessment. Our Accredited Lead Assessor will score your adherence to specific Shore Excursion Standard criteria and compare it to the information submitted in your self-assessment and application packet. Depending on your final score and the assessor's findings you will be upgraded to a 2-5 Star Eco-certification rating. This logo rating is valid for 36 months, provided that you re-submit required documentation (stage two) for annual monitoring every year.

Enrollment in stage three requires an on-site assessment from an independent third party. Fees start at US$1,600 which includes a two-day assessment for one destination/company. The fee does NOT include the travel rate of US$500/day and related travel expenses.

*Please note that we have Accredited Lead Assessors available around the world to best optimize any travel charges. On-site assessments typically require two days to complete, but occasionally may vary based on the size and scope of your organization, level of eco-certification you desire, and how prepared your team is with required documentation and evidence. Additional days for on-site assessments are billed at $800/day.

Preferred Rates Available
Grouping on-site assessments within a single destination may qualify you for discounted rates. Ask us how! One-day on-site assessments may be available for shore excursion operators who offer a single tour. Contact us for more information.

Get Started

To get started today, fill out our Application or send a check for the registration fee to our U.S. office: 835 SW William Drive, White Salmon WA 98672.

For more information explore our eco-certification process:

STEP-Shore Excursions Standard Process and Fees

Get Eco-certified in 3 easy stages

Get Started