Kangaroo Island • 8 Day • Maximum 5 Guests
Kangaroo Island Wildlife & Dolphins Photography Workshop
8 Day Kangaroo Island Wildlife & Dolphins Photography Workshop
An unforgettable wildlife photography adventure on one of Australia's most remarkable island sanctuaries.
Discover the extraordinary landscapes and wildlife of Kangaroo Island alongside internationally award-winning wildlife photographer Scott Portelli.
Join Scott on an immersive photography workshop to Kangaroo Island, one of Australia's premier wildlife destinations, renowned for its rugged coastline, abundant marine life and iconic native animals.
Spend your days photographing wild bottlenose dolphins, Australian sea lions, pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs and diverse birdlife while exploring both above and below the water with expert guidance.
Designed for photographers, videographers, wildlife enthusiasts and adventure travellers, this intimate small-group workshop combines unforgettable wildlife encounters with personalised photographic tuition.
Develop your skills in wildlife, underwater and nature photography through hands-on field sessions, image reviews and practical coaching, while exploring one of Australia's most biodiverse island environments.
Trip Details
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2027
February -
Kangaroo Island, South Australia
(Kingscote Airport or Penneshaw Ferry Terminal) -
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival on Kangaroo Island
Arrive at Kingscote Airport or Penneshaw Ferry Terminal
Transfer to accommodation
Welcome briefing and photography workshop introduction
Sunset landscape photography session
Welcome dinner
Day 2 – Dolphin Photography Experience
Morning boat tour and swim with wild bottlenose dolphins
Underwater photography tuition
Afternoon image review and editing session
Sunset free time or optional photography
Day 3 – Marine Wildlife Workshop
Second dolphin and marine wildlife expedition
Photograph dolphins, sea lions and coastal scenery
Presentation from a local dolphin research expert
Evening image critique and editing workshop
Day 4 – Kangaroo Island Wildlife Safari
Full-day guided wildlife tour
Photograph koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, goannas and native birdlife
Visit iconic coastal landscapes and scenic lookouts
Sunset photography
Day 5 – Underwater & Coastal Photography
Dive or snorkel expedition
Photograph kelp forests, reefs and marine life
Practical underwater photography coaching
Evening editing session
Day 6 – Marine Adventure
Boat-based wildlife photography
Opportunities to photograph dolphins, Australian sea lions and coastal landscapes
One-on-one photography tuition
Sunset landscape session
Day 7 – Flexible Photography Day
Leisure morning or optional photography session
Return to favourite locations based on weather and wildlife activity
Final image review
Farewell dinner
Day 8 – Departure
Breakfast
Transfer to Kingscote Airport or Penneshaw Ferry Terminal
Departure from Kangaroo Island
Important Information
This itinerary is a guide only. Activities may change depending on weather, sea conditions, wildlife behaviour and operational requirements to ensure the best possible photographic opportunities throughout the workshop.
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8 day
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Maximum 5 Guests
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Twin Share: AUD $9,850 per person
Single Supplement: Available on request (subject to availability)
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AUD $1,000 per person (non-refundable)
Trip Highlights
Swim with wild bottlenose dolphins in the pristine waters surrounding Kangaroo Island.
Photograph Australian sea lions, fur seals and a diverse range of marine life in their natural habitat.
Capture iconic Australian wildlife including koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, goannas and native birdlife.
Explore dramatic coastal cliffs, secluded beaches and rugged island landscapes.
Snorkel or dive through vibrant kelp forests, reefs and underwater caves.
Receive personalised photography and videography tuition from internationally award-winning wildlife photographer Scott Portelli.
Improve your wildlife, underwater and nature photography through practical field sessions and image reviews.
Learn from local marine experts and gain insight into Kangaroo Island's dolphin research and conservation initiatives.
Enjoy a premium small-group experience with a maximum of five participants.
Experience one of Australia's premier wildlife destinations with exclusive access to unforgettable photographic opportunities.
What’s Included
7 nights shared accommodation on Kangaroo Island
Return transfers from Kingscote Airport or Penneshaw Ferry Terminal
All transport throughout the workshop
Two dolphin swim and photography experiences
Two guided marine nature and dive/snorkel tours
One full-day guided wildlife photography tour
Lunch on boat excursion days
Personalised photography and videography tuition with Scott Portelli
In-field coaching and one-on-one guidance
Evening image review and editing sessions
Educational presentation from a local dolphin expert
Opportunity to contribute to local dolphin research initiatives
What’s Not Included
Flights or ferry travel to and from Kangaroo Island
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Breakfasts, dinners and beverages unless otherwise stated
Snorkel, mask, fins, wetsuit and scuba equipment (participants must bring or hire prior to arrival)
Underwater camera and housing
Camera equipment and accessories
Personal expenses
Optional activities outside the workshop itinerary
Gratuities
Any costs associated with itinerary changes due to weather or circumstances beyond our control
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cancellation Period
Cancellation of a booking or part thereof will incur the following fees based on the notice period prior to any tour. Once travel has commenced, no refunds will be made for any unused services and clients will be responsible for their travel arrangements and insurance.A deposit for any tour is made upon booking to secure your place on the tour, this is non-refundable. By paying the invoice for deposit you accept these terms and conditions.
If a cancellation is made less than 1 month (30 Days) prior to the tour date, we will not reimburse the cost of the tour.
If a cancellation is made within 1-2 months (60 Days) prior to the tour date, we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 10% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.
If a cancellation is made within 3 months (90 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 15% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.
If a cancellation is made within 3 – 6 months (180 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 20% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.
Cancellations made by the organiser to a tour will be reimbursed in full (Not including the deposit which is Non-refundable).
Note: If the booking has been rescheduled and the cancellation is requested, this will be considered a new booking and subject to our standard terms and conditions.If for any reason weather or operational cancellation of a single day occurs during the tour, there is no refund provided if the circumstances are out of the control of the organiser.
Itinerary Disclaimer
The itineraries on our websites are correct at time of publishing and may differ slightly depending on changes to local operations, foreign policy and laws, availability of resources, flight schedules, and supplier cost. In the case of any changes, the organiser will endeavour to provide an alternative option to continue your itinerary.
Insurance Policy
Travel insurance is NOT included in the cost of your tour. We strongly recommend that passengers arrange their own travel insurance. Insurance is required before arriving at your destination to ensure you are covered for unforeseen situations that may arise to cause loss of luggage, cancellation of flights and tours or medical emergencies.
Scott Portelli and affiliates are not responsible for loss or damage of any equipment whilst participating in these activities. Appropriate travel insurance should be arranged prior to visiting your destination.
Release Forms/Waivers
While the organiser makes every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to events beyond our control. Wildlife tourism carries inherent risk as you are interacting with wild animals and a signed release form is required from all participants before tour departure. This is signed on the first day of departure or prior to arriving at your destination on each separate tour. Guests are encourage to download this liability waiver and return back to us prior to your tour.
Foreign Currency
As of October 2023, all general tour costs are quoted in $USD as suppliers and operations in the region move to a more stable currency for services rendered. Current exemptions are Norway (quoted in Euros), Falkland Islands (quoted in GBP Pounds), and Australia (Australian Dollars).
For local currency, please notice that Tongan Pa’anga is still the currency used while visiting the Tongan islands and will be the only accepted form of currency for tourist in Tonga. For other destinations, please check which local currency will be required. NOTE: Tour prices are subject to change year on year and will be reflected in the tour itinerary prior to each season.
Visas for Tonga
Please review the visa requirements for your country here
Visas for Norway
Norway’s visa requirements vary according to the traveller’s country of origin, the purpose of traveling and the period of stay. Please review the visa requirements for your country here
Visas for Australia
Please review the visa requirements for your country here
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This workshop is designed for photographers of all skill levels, from enthusiastic beginners through to experienced professionals. Scott provides personalised guidance to help you get the most from your camera and your time on the island.
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No. Whether you're learning the fundamentals or refining advanced techniques, the workshop is tailored to your experience and photographic goals.
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No. Many of the marine experiences are suitable for snorkellers. If you plan to scuba dive, you must hold an appropriate dive certification.
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Kangaroo Island is home to wild bottlenose dolphins, Australian sea lions, fur seals, koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, goannas, native birdlife and a wide variety of marine species. Wildlife sightings vary depending on conditions and the time of year.
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Yes. Seven nights' twin-share accommodation is included. A single supplement is available for guests who prefer their own room.
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A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Guests should be comfortable swimming and participating in boat-based activities. Some wildlife photography locations also involve walking on uneven terrain.
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The itinerary is flexible and may change depending on weather, sea conditions and wildlife activity to provide the best and safest photographic opportunities.
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A DSLR or mirrorless camera is recommended, along with wide-angle and telephoto lenses, spare batteries, memory cards and a laptop for image editing. An underwater housing is required if you wish to photograph underwater.
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No. Participants must bring their own mask, snorkel, fins, wetsuit and any required scuba equipment, as equipment hire is not available on Kangaroo Island.
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Yes. Seven nights' shared accommodation is included as part of the workshop package.
Designed by Scott Portelli
Every expedition reflects more than three decades of experience exploring and photographing some of the world's most remote environments.
Internationally recognised wildlife photographer, filmmaker and expedition specialist Scott Portelli has spent more than a decade working throughout Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic, developing an intimate understanding of the region's wildlife, landscapes and seasonal conditions.
His experience has shaped every aspect of this journey, from the itinerary and timing to the wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities, creating an experience that goes beyond simply visiting these extraordinary places.
Whether Scott is leading the expedition himself or working alongside a trusted expedition team, guests can expect the same commitment to immersive wildlife experiences, responsible travel and exceptional photographic opportunities that define the Scott Portelli brand.