Lady Elliot Island Eco Expedition
Monday 9th June - Saturday 14th June 2025
Join renowned underwater photographers and expedition hosts Terence Tong and Kendall Rose in exploring the most beautiful marine sanctuary on the East Coast of Australia (during humpback whale and manta season!)
We’re talking 6 days of exploring the Southern Great Barrier Reef, with the opportunity to dive with:
- Humpback whales
- Manta rays
- Tiger sharks
- Reef Sharks
- Loads of turtles
- Octopus
- Dolphins
- Countless fish species
- The most beautiful, colourful coral structures
This experience is expected to sell out so ensure you book your spot as soon as possible. There is a $500 non refundable deposit required to secure your spot.
Expedition Highlights
Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort offers a once in a lifetime snorkelling/diving experience, renowned for its vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs. Here are some highlights:
Manta Ray Encounters
Lady Elliot Island is famous for its population of manta rays. Snorkelers often get the chance to swim alongside these graceful creatures, especially between May and August.
Humpback Whale Encounters
At Lady Elliot Island, snorkelers and divers are known to encounter humpback whales in the ocean during the migratory months (May to October). This means that we may have the opportunity to see humpback whales underwater!
Turtle Sightings
The island is a haven for green and loggerhead turtles. Divers can often see turtles feeding on the seagrass beds or resting on the reef.
Coral Gardens
The island's coral reefs are home to a plethora of colourful corals, including hard and soft varieties. The coral gardens are teeming with life and are perfect for underwater photography.
Educational Talks
Marine biologists and guides provide informative talks about humpback whales, their behaviours, and conservation efforts, enriching your understanding of these giants of the sea.
Guided Snorkel Tour
This expedition offers 1x guided introductory snorkel tour led by knowledgeable guides who can point out interesting marine life and will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Professional Photography Package
Our expedition hosts Terence and Kendall will accompany you in the ocean to capture high-quality images and videos of your experience. This will be provided to you within 2 weeks after the expedition.
All Meals Included
The full buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner feature a variety of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, catering to diverse dietary preferences. The food includes a mix of international and Australian cuisine, with an emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Guests can enjoy their meals in the relaxed dining area with stunning views of the ocean (especially at sunset). Special dietary requirements can be accommodated upon request.
Eco-Cabins
The eco-cabins are designed to provide comfort while minimising environmental impact. These charming, rustic accommodations are perfect for nature lovers seeking an authentic island experience. Powered by renewable energy, they emphasise sustainability. Located close to the beach, you can enjoy the natural surroundings and the sound of the ocean.
Expedition Cost - $2700AUD
Included
- 5 nights' accommodation at Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort
- 5 days of snorkelling/diving
- Return scenic flight over parts of The Great Barrier Reef
- Workshops and presentations
- Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Underwater photography/videography package to capture your experience
Itinerary
(Example and subject to change)
Day 1:
- Arrive at Hervey Bay airport prior to flight departure
-
Scenic flight over parts of the Great Barrier Reef to Lady Elliot Island
- Group briefing and introductions
- Introductory snorkelling/diving session from the Lady Elliot Island boat
- Group sunset drinks and dinner
Days 2-5:
-
Group buffet breakfast
- Snorkelling/diving session from the beach #1
- Group lunch
- Snorkelling/diving session from the beach #2
- Group sunset drinks and dinner
- Underwater photography workshop by Kendall Rose
- Underwater filming (GoPro) workshop by Terence Tong
- Possible sunrise and/or sunset snorkelling/diving session
Day 6:
- Group debriefing
- Depart Lady Elliot island with a scenic flight over parts of the Great Barrier Reef back to Hervey Bay airport.
- Goodbyes 🥲
IMPORTANT
- We HIGHLY recommend booking your flights to and from Hervey Bay Airport (or nearby to drive to the airport) due to these flights expecting to book out well in advance.
- Luggage - In addition to the 15kg checked luggage allowance, small personal items totalling up to a maximum of 2kg can be carried on board. These items may include a handbag/purse, tablet or laptop in a thin case, camera, coat/wrap etc.
- This is an experience tailored to experienced snorkelers to advanced freedivers. Due to the nature of the water activities, you will need prior snorkelling experience and need to be a confident swimmer to participate in the ocean-based activities. You must be able to swim at least 200m in open ocean water as well as tread water for long periods of time.
- The cost of the trip includes your return scenic flight to Lady Elliot Island, 5 nights' accommodation, full-board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), 1 boat snorkelling/diving session, 8 beach snorkelling/diving sessions, a general underwater photography/videography package of your experience.
- Gear - Snorkelling gear can be hired at Lady Elliot Island, however, if you feel comfortable using your own gear it is recommended that you bring it all with you!
- In the (extremely rare) event that the expedition needs to be cancelled due to unforeseen wether events, you will have the option to either reschedule to a later expedition date or receive a refund of the expedition cost.
- It is recommended that you purchase travel insurance to cover your flights and other expenses/valuables.
- We reserve the right to cancel or amend the price structure due to circumstances beyond our control. For example, extreme weather events, flight changes, Lady Elliot Island Resort price changes.
- It is also important to remember that we are dealing with Mother Nature and unpredictable animal behaviour. Therefore opportunities will vary from day to day. Nothing in nature is guaranteed, however every effort will be made to ensure you have an amazing day in the ocean!
This will be an experience of a lifetime. We cannot wait to see you there!
Payment Plans
- There is a $500AUD non-refundable deposit required to be paid to secure your spot. It is only once this payment is submitted that your spot is secure.
- You have the option of either paying the remaining $2200AUD upfront
- OR you can pay 2 instalments of $1100 with the final balance paid on the 20th of February 2025.
- The first instalment will be due on the 20th of November 2024 ($1100AUD).
-
The final balance is due on the 20th of February 2025 (3 months prior to the expedition)
- The entire balance will be non-refundable within 6 months of the expedition date.
- After the 20th of February 2025, you will no longer be entitled to a full refund unless you can find another person to take your booking and pay in full.
- If full payment is not made by the 20th of February 2025, your booking and deposit will be forfeited, and your spot will become available to book by another person.