Summary
Established expedition cruise business operating to the Abrolhos Islands and Kimberley, centred on a 35m purpose-built vessel with licences, strong cash flow and near-capacity forward bookings.
Revenue
$5,183,000 pa
Expenses
$3,603,000 pa
Net Profit
$1,580,000 pa
Location Details
Abrolhos Islands and Kimberley Coast
Eco Abrolhos Cruises operates seasonal expedition cruises in Western Australia, offering five‑day Abrolhos Islands cruises from February–April and September–November, and 13‑night Kimberley coast expeditions running May–September.
Potential
Eco Abrolhos Cruises offers strong long‑term upside, having strategically focused on premium 5‑day Abrolhos cruises to establish the strongest presence in the region. Built on unrivalled local knowledge, operating history, key licences, infrastructure and partnerships, this position is effectively irreplicable. With growing government investment and cruise industry attention, the Abrolhos is widely viewed as WA’s next major tourism destination. Financially, extended Kimberley expeditions deliver the highest earnings and underpin performance.
Skills
Eco Abrolhos Cruises is supported by an experienced, established crew and management team with deep local knowledge of the Abrolhos Islands and Kimberley. The business operates proven itineraries under comprehensive safety systems, with documented risk assessments for all adventure activities. A long track record of safe, efficient operations, experienced leadership and well‑developed procedures ensures operational continuity and confidence for incoming owners.
Hours
Seasonal cruises include 5‑day Abrolhos trips Feb–Apr & Sep–Nov, and 13‑night Kimberley expeditions May–Sep.
Lease
Optional lease/purchase of Geraldton sales office, secure wharf and shed with large laydown area.
Employees
Eco Abrolhos Cruises employs 5 permanent staff, supported by 3 long‑term casual Skippers and a pool of experienced casual crew and guides. Strong staff retention, deep local knowledge and established operating systems underpin efficient operations.
Reason for Sale
The current owners have built and operated the business over 17 years, establishing it as a leading marine tourism operation. Following strong post‑COVID recovery, improved ticket sales and increased profitability, the owners have remained fully focused on growth while preparing the business for sale. With proven performance, independent third‑party valuations completed and systems well established, they are now choosing to move into the next stage of life and spend more time with family.
About the Business
Eco Abrolhos Cruises is a long established Western Australian marine tourism business. The business offers two proven products: premium 5-day Abrolhos Islands cruises and extended 13 night Kimberley expeditions. Operations are highly structured, safety driven and supported by experienced crew, established systems and strong forward bookings.
Ticket pricing is positioned to attract the astute traveller, while the onboard comfort, expedition style and high level of personalised service consistently attract and re-attract affluent travellers seeking a premium small group experience. A strong proportion of guests are repeat customers, reflecting the quality and depth of the experience. Recently, the business has refined its digital marketing and sales strategy, significantly increasing direct bookings and improving margins. Post COVID recovery has been strong, with consistent demand across both operating regions.
What sets Eco Abrolhos apart is its unrivalled position at the Abrolhos Islands. The business has deliberately focused on 5-day Abrolhos cruises, establishing the strongest commercial presence in this remote region. This position has been built through deep local knowledge, long operating history, essential licences, established infrastructure, exclusive moorings across all island groups and long standing local partnerships. This combination creates a level of access and experience that is effectively irreplicable and extremely difficult for new entrants to reproduce.
The Abrolhos Islands are increasingly regarded as WA's next major tourism destination, with growing government investment and rising interest from the cruise industry. Eco Abrolhos’ entrenched presence in the region represents a strategic advantage that underpins long term value and defensibility.
From an investment perspective, the extended Kimberley cruises currently deliver the highest earnings and underpin overall financial performance, providing immediate cash flow alongside the strategic Abrolhos offering. The business has been independently valued with strong maintainable earnings and a clear operating history, making it well positioned for acquisition.
This opportunity is best suited to an established marine tourism or cruise operator, or an investor with access to maritime operational expertise, who recognises the value of barriers to entry, experienced crew, proven itineraries and a dominant regional position. It is not a passive investment, but for the right buyer it represents a rare, scalable and defensible tourism asset with genuine long term growth potential.
History
Eco Abrolhos Cruises was established over 17 years ago and has progressively built a leading position at the Abrolhos Islands through the development of premium expedition cruise offerings. The owners successfully navigated changing charter fishing regulations, leveraging eco‑tourism and onboard culinary experiences centred on local history, fishing and WA crayfish, supported by a strong licence history. The business also operates profitable large‑group day trips from Geraldton during the off‑season.
Connect with us