Dive into Nature’s greatest magic show during the July school holidays and swim with Giant Cuttlefish in Whyalla.
It’s a bucket list item, it’s been featured in global news stories including David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II and you can only do it in South Australia.
Get ready for an underwater spectacle like nowhere else on Earth! South Australia’s CuttleFest offers families the extraordinary opportunity to snorkel alongside tens of thousands of Giant Australian Cuttlefish in the crystal-clear waters of Upper Spencer Gulf near Whyalla. These incredible cephalopods put on nature’s ultimate magic show, instantly transforming their colour, texture, and shape in mesmerising displays as they gather for their annual breeding season in July through to mid-August.
Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries (EMS) makes this bucket-list adventure accessible for everyone with fully-guided small group tours that include warm winter wetsuits, professional gear, and expert instruction from PADI-certified guides and marine biologists.
Despite algal bloom concerns affecting other regions, the Upper Spencer Gulf remains in perfect condition for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Simply book your spot and show up—EMS handles everything else, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and unforgettable marine adventure for the whole family.
Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries (EMS) is South Australia’s premier not-for-profit community snorkelling organisation.
Qualified guides enhance the overall experience with information about the experience itself, safety, the surrounds and sustainable interaction with theses colourful cephalopods which are related to both the octopus and squid.
Snorkel gear included in the ticket price includes super thick winter grade wetsuits with boots, hoods and gloves for maximum warmth.
What is CuttleFest?
CuttleFest, a partnership between City of Whyalla, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries (EMS), celebrates the unique annual winter congregation for mating season of hundreds of giant cuttlefish near Whyalla within the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park.
Tour Information:
Each tour lasts for up to 90 minutes (including suiting up in toasty warm wetsuits with hood, gloves and boots), safety & cuttlefish behaviour briefing, snorkel and debriefing).
The tour is suitable for both adults and children (5 years and above) who can swim at least 25m and tread water. Children 15 years and under must be accompanied and supervised in water by an adult (no more than 2 children per adult for 8 and above, but one child per adult for ages 5-7). Each supervising adult is also a paying tour participant.
A person living with a disability must be supervised and supported by at least one adult carer. They accept a companion card. EMS can provide an immersive wheelchair, reef-board with viewing portal, modified wetsuits and extra floatation devices on request (request while booking).
Parking, toilets, change rooms and shaded picnic tables are available on site.
READ OUR CUTTLEFEST SNORKEL REVIEW
TICKETS
Ticket price includes all snorkel gear required plus thick winter grade wetsuits with boots, hoods and gloves for maximum warmth.
- Adult | $119
- Student | $79
- 2 Adults + 2 Children $349
- Concession | $79
Make sure to arrive 30 minutes early to complete the registration form and be fitted with your wetsuit and snorkel gear.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the EMS website
What: CuttleFest 2025 – Snorkelling Tours
When: 5-20 July 2025
Where: Stony Point | Half an hour South of Whyalla (see map)
Who: 5 years and above (who can swim 25m and tread water) Under 15 must be accompanied by a participating adult
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: all images supplied – Carl Charter
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