This Great White Shark Expedition and Course in Shark Biology in Australia is operated by Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions and will be hosted by Dott. Alessandro De Maddalena M.Sc., one of the world’s foremost shark experts.

This special 6-Night tour is hosted by Italy’s world-renowned shark researcher and educator Dott. Alessandro De Maddalena at the time of year when the giant female sharks are more likely to visit. This expedition is perfect for people who are looking for an intimate Great White Shark experience (and want to maximise their time at sea) and learn a lot about great whites. 

On this Expedition, we launch the world’s only Ocean Floor Cage (for qualified SCUBA Divers). However, all guests are able to get up-close and personal with Great Whites in our Surface Cage. It is an expedition for people who are very interested sharks and their behaviour, experienced divers, adventurers, shark photographers and anyone who, like us, has a passion for spending lots of time with these incredible creatures.

Alessandro also shares his immense knowledge of shark biology with a series of fabulous presentations throughout, and a fun time is had by all. A special seven-day live-aboard expedition includes 5-6 days of peak great white shark diving, including a half day or two diving/swimming with Australian Sea Lions. Plus other extras in this comprehensive expedition package. 

What we love about this time of year:

- Extreme Shark Reliability

This time and this itinerary is one of the few times of the year that still boasts 100% reliability of working with productive sharks in over 15 years.

- Photographic Opportunities

Optimal photographic conditions with typically the years best visibility and strong daylight.

All the briefings and travel to our first dive location are covered on the first evening.

Up to 5 days are dedicated to Great White Shark Diving at both the North and South Neptune Islands groups, at the various locations of reef, weed bank, and sand. 

A half day is planned to target other South Australian underwater icons including Australian Sea Lions at Hopkins Island, 

Also included is a beautiful tour around the pretty Neptune Island long-nosed fur seal colonies in our tender boat. 

Conditions permitting, a walking tour is also a possible option on the Neptune Islands, a treat exclusive to Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions.

At night, we look forward to the special presentations of fascinating shark lectures from your special host Alessandro De Maddalena. We enjoy great local food and wine, beautiful sunsets plus lots of time to relax onboard under the stars.

Day 1

We’ll meet you outside of the Marina Hotel, Port Lincoln at 6.00 PM and officially welcome all aboard at 6.30 pm.  Formal inductions and safety talk will begin, followed by being shown to your cabins to unload your belongings. We then depart for the night’s anchorage at a location near our next days' activities.

Day 2

It’s worth getting up at day-break to see the spectacular scenery of the Thorny Passage and nearby Hopkins Island where we expect to have frolicking sea lions eager to meet us. For an hour or so in the morning there is an option to snorkel/dive with these adorable creatures in shallow sheltered waters. NB. depending on conditions and shark activity at the Neptunes, There is also an opportunity to repeat this activity and again dive with sea lions on the return trip home. 

Then, time and weather permitting after an Australian sea lion dive we then make haste to anchor down at the Neptune Islands where we’ll be looking to immediately spot a few dorsal fins.

Divers are briefed, and the cages hit the water, ready for action! Our priority is generally for everyone to see the sharks in the surface cage before we descend deeper with our SCUBA certified diving guests in the ocean floor cage. 

Days 3, 4, 5 and 6

At night you can download our pictures then relax, unwind, talk about the day while feasting on the buffet, engage in the Great White Shark Research Talk (really interesting, with some fantastic photography), check out the amazing night-sky, and can then retire to your cabin ready for the next days adventures. 

We also like to hop in the tender boat, check out the Long Nosed Fur Seals and go walking around the Neptune Islands. Here, there are many birds and a few reptile species to watch and the elusive Australian Sea Lions can also sometimes be spotted.

Our liveaboard itinerary gives so many more opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Neptune Islands, listening to the sounds of the seals with a chilled glass of white. There is plenty time to chill out and rest. 

On our last night at the Neptune islands we normally celebrate with a fun party shirt and quiz night evening, along with a complimentary drink or cocktail. 

Day 7

After a final Days Diving we leave the Neptune Islands by 2:00 pm, finish a final summary lecture by Alessandro once back in sheltered gulf waters. We are served cheese and light snacks and enjoy some lovely local South Australian ‘wine on the bow’ usually with common dolphins joining us for company. 

Disembark by 7.00PM to Onshore accommodation and/or restaurants for those that so desire. 

*Itinerary is indicative only (subject to weather and any other circumstances that may affect the scheduling of events).