Whyalla and Port Lincoln • 7 Day • Maximum 4 Guests
Cuttlefish & Seadragon Photo Workshop
7 Day Whyalla & Port Lincoln Cuttlefish & Seadragon Photography Workshop
An unforgettable underwater photography adventure to witness one of the world's most extraordinary marine wildlife spectacles.
Experience one of the world's most extraordinary underwater wildlife encounters as thousands of Australian Giant Cuttlefish gather along the South Australian coastline for their annual breeding aggregation. Found nowhere else on Earth, this remarkable natural spectacle offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness complex behaviours, dramatic colour displays and intimate interactions beneath the surface.
This exclusive small-group expedition combines two of South Australia's most iconic marine species, spending time photographing both the Giant Cuttlefish near Whyalla and the elusive Leafy Seadragons around Edithburgh.
Designed for certified SCUBA divers with temperate water experience, the expedition provides exceptional opportunities for underwater photography, whether you're refining your skills or building your portfolio. Throughout the journey, Scott Portelli will provide hands-on guidance in the water and personalised photography tuition, with dedicated image review and editing sessions to help you improve your technique and capture powerful underwater imagery.
With a maximum of just four participants, this expedition delivers a highly personalised experience in one of Australia's most unique marine environments.
Trip Details
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2027
June -
Adelaide, South Australia
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Day 1:
Arrive in Adelaide and attend expedition briefingDay 2:
Dive Edithburgh with Leafy SeadragonsDay 3:
Shore dive Edithburgh with Leafy SeadragonsDay 4:
Morning shore dive with Giant Cuttlefish in WhyallaDay 5:
Shore dive with Giant Cuttlefish in WhyallaDay 6:
Optional morning Giant Cuttlefish shore dive in WhyallaDay 7:
Depart for Adelaide
Note: Allow 18–24 hours after diving before flying.
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8 Day
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Maximum 4 Guests
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Twin Share: AUD $6,750 per person
Single Supplement: Available on request (subject to availability)
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AUD $1,000 per person (non-refundable)
Trip Highlights
Witness the world's only annual Australian Giant Cuttlefish aggregation
Photograph the iconic Leafy Seadragon in its natural habita
Small group experience with a maximum of just 4 participants
Personalised underwater photography tuition from Scott Portelli
Daily diving with dedicated image review and editing sessions
Shore diving at two of South Australia's premier underwater locations
Learn marine wildlife behaviour to improve your photography opportunities
Suitable for certified SCUBA divers with temperate water experience
Capture two of Australia's most unique endemic marine species on one expedition
Explore one of the country's most extraordinary underwater wildlife experiences
What’s Included
6 nights' accommodation
All ground transport between Adelaide, Whyalla and Edithburgh
Return transfers to and from all dive sites
2 days diving with the Australian Giant Cuttlefish
2 days diving with the Leafy Seadragons
Tanks and weights
Dive equipment hire (BCD, wetsuit, fins, mask and snorkel if required)
Underwater photography workshop with Scott Portelli
Daily photography tuition, image review and editing sessions
Small group experience (maximum 4 participants)
What’s Not Included
Flights to and from Adelaide
Meals and beverages
Travel insurance (essential)
Personal dive gear (if preferred)
Optional additional dives or activities
Personal expenses
Dive certification (participants must be certified SCUBA divers with temperate water experience)
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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Yes. This expedition is suitable for certified SCUBA divers with experience diving in temperate water conditions.
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No specific photography experience is necessary. Whether you're new to underwater photography or an experienced shooter, Scott will provide personalised guidance throughout the expedition.
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You can bring any underwater camera system, from a compact camera to a mirrorless or DSLR setup. Scott will tailor his tuition to your equipment and experience level.
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Yes. Tanks, weights, BCD, wetsuit, fins, mask and snorkel are included if required. You're also welcome to bring your own equipment if you prefer.
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The itinerary includes four full days of diving across Whyalla and Edithburgh, plus an optional morning dive on the final diving day, subject to conditions.
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No. This expedition is designed specifically for certified SCUBA divers.
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South Australian waters in June are typically between 14–17°C. A suitable wetsuit or drysuit is recommended for comfort.
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Yes. Throughout the expedition, Scott will host image review and editing sessions to help you improve your photography and post-processing workflow.
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The focus of the expedition is the Australian Giant Cuttlefish aggregation and the iconic Leafy Seadragon. Depending on conditions, other marine life may also be encountered.
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Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and should include cover for scuba diving activities.
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Flights should be booked into and out of Adelaide. Please ensure you allow 18–24 hours after your final dive before flying, in accordance with safe diving practices.
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.