Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort
7th - 12th SEPTEMBER 2025
5 nights / 6 days
Photography, Videography, Editing, & Marine Education
Inclusive of flights from Hervey Bay/Bundaberg, island accommodation,
breakfast, dinner and ocean activities
Starting from AUD $2,895
AUD $1,000 deposit to secure space
PEAK MANTA RAY SEASON
Join us in September 2025 as we experience the mighty manta ray glide above us. We will experience manta rays surface feeding and cleaning at the coral cleaning stations.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey with renowned wildlife photographer Ross Long in the natural wonder of the world, the Great Barrier Reef. My exclusive photography retreat offers you the opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of manta rays, turtles, sharks, dolphins, coral reef and tropical fish species in the crystal clear waters of this island paradise. With average visibility of 20m and sleeping only meters from the reef, there is no place better to advance your camera skills. This unique experience will teach you how to interact, photograph and film wildlife underwater as well as educate you about the marine species we encounter and how to edit the photos and videos you've captured.
Expert photography guidance from professional wildlife photographer Ross Long - Obtain all of my creative knowledge that I've gained over the course of my career
Reef and wildlife guide - Ross has photographed Lady Elliot Island more than any other destination - I understand the tides, currents, reefs and conditions
Education and awareness from on-site marine biologists - learn all about our marine interactions
Access to prime photography locations at sunrise and sunset
Intimate Group Size of ten people - arrive as strangers, leave as family
Breakfast, dinner, accommodation and flights (from Bundaberg/Hervey Bay) included
Join professional underwater photographer Ross Long for an intimate retreat to Lady Elliot Island, a world class destination for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of the underwater world. With average visibility of 20m and average water temperatures of 28 degrees, this island retreat is the perfect location to enhance your photography and videography skills.
Due to its location as the southernmost island of the Great Barrier Reef, this coral cay is home to an abundance of marine such as turtles, sharks and tropical fish species but most notably, Lady Elliot Island is the home of the manta ray.
The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island offer ideal conditions for snorkellers at all levels. The excellent visibility and various depths means that there is variety for all levels.
Lady Elliot Island is celebrated for its dedication to environmental sustainability, making it an ideal destination for conscious travelers eager to learn about marine conservation while exploring the stunning underwater world.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or a beginner looking to learn a new skill, Lady Elliot Island offers an unforgettable experience where you will learn, make new friends and encounter moments that will change your life.
This workshop caters for all levels from those with absolutely no experience in the water to those that are avid underwater photographers. Maybe you're an aspiring wildlife photographer and wanting to improve your photography, this photography retreat will provide you with the knowledge to become better equipped and more comfortable at using your camera. Or perhaps you're already comfortable with your camera and just want to improve your skills. Or perhaps you don't even have an underwater camera and want to borrow an acition camera from me to see how it feels to become an underwater photographer.
This immersive experience does not focus only on camera settings. It will provide you with practical mindset and snorkelling techniques to help you anticipate and maintain patience that are essential in capturing breathtaking wildlife photography. You will also learn all about the marine life we encounter. There will be editing sessions too so you can get better at editing your photos and videos.
Any underwater camera or action camera is suitable for this photography retreat. If you do not have an underwater camera, I have a GoPro, Insta 360 and Joby SeaPal for phones that can be borrowed. Included in the trip is snorkel hire. It is recommended however that you bring your own wetsuits.
This is what you can expect from my Lady Elliot Island Photography Retreat
Turtles, Manta Rays, Sharks and more
You never know what you might encounter on Lady Elliot Island
There are a huge range of animals that we will encounter on Lady Elliot Island, this includes, Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, White & Black Tip Reef Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Dolphins, Turtles, Sea Snakes, Octopus, Leopard Sharks, Tawny Nurse Sharks and much much more.
Ross has photographed for Lady Elliot Island Resort and been on multiple assignments to Lady Elliot Island for various tourist boards. His countless visits has therefore afforded him with local knowledge of the reef. He therefore knows when and where to have the best interactions with different types of wildlife. He understands the tides, currents, light and visibility more than most. This knowledge will help benefit you in getting the best interactions, in the best conditions which will help you to capture moments that you only dreamt of.
About
Ross Long
Multi-award winning ocean, travel and lifestyle photographer, videographer and writer based in Byron Bay, Australia. I craft stories that evoke wanderlust and inspire audiences to pack up their bags and set out on their own adventure. My imagery seeks to connect audiences with nature and the natural environment.
Everything you need to enjoy the photography retreat is included, however, there are additional items that can be purchased:
$30 Buffet Lunch
$85 per dive (Certified divers only)
$44 scuba equipment hire per day
$29 additional Glass Bottom Boat tour
$37 Snorkel Discovery Tour – Group Rate
$220 DSD (Discover Scuba) – additional follow up dives $150 per dive
$20 wetsuit hire (long) per day
$14 wetsuit hire (short) per day
$15 weight belt per day (cert divers only)
This is not necessary as part of the photography retreat however if you are interested in the above then you can make these purchases on the island.
Breakfast and dinner is included, the Café menu is available on the island for lunch at your own expense. Filtered water, tea and a coffee station is available all day. soft drinks and alcohol is an additional expense.
Each accommodation type is available either as shared or exclusive. The cost of having a room exclusively will be higher.
Eco Cabins (sleeps upto 3)
Situated within 20 to 30 meters walk from the Lagoon, LEI recently upgraded Eco Cabins have solid walls, louvres for maximum air flow and a large front glass sliding door. The Eco Cabins sleep up to 3 adults. Lighting and power points are available in every cabin as well as a ceiling fan. The deck is furnished with two chairs for added relaxation. Guests enjoy a shared or private room with access to shared bathroom facilities, including showers and toilets, conveniently located nearby.
Garden Units (sleeps upto 3)
Situated within 20 to 30 meters walk from the Lagoon, the Garden Units are arranged in blocks of three, offering either a queen bed or a combination of a queen and bunk-style beds. Each unit features polished timber floors, ensuite bathrooms and a balcony set amongst the resort gardens to make the most of the resort views. The units are fan cooled and have a mini fridge and tea and coffee making facilities.
Reef Units (sleeps upto 3)
Located approximately 10 meters from the beautiful coral cay Lagoon, the Reef Units are the closest resort rooms to the Beachfront Dining Room. Arranged in blocks of three, offering either a queen bed or a combination of a queen and bunk-style beds. Each unit features polished timber floors, ensuite bathrooms and a balcony to make the most of the island surrounds. The units are fan cooled and have a mini fridge and tea and coffee making facilities.
For more information, visit the LEI website:
https://ladyelliot.com.au/accommodation/https://ladyelliot.com.au/accommodation/https://ladyelliot.com.au/accommodation/
Included in the cost of the trip are flights from either Hervey Bay or Bundaberg. This takes roughly 45 minutes. However you can upgrade to fly from Gold Coast (2 hours duration) or Red Cliff Brisbane (1:45 duration for an additional $400.
For parking please check the airport websites for parking fees.
Snorkel gear is included as part of the experience, however if you have your own I recommend bringing it. Wetsuits are also available to hire at an additional cost. Again, I recommend bringing your own.
Wetsuit, wetsuit top and wetsuit socks
Mask & Fins
Weight belt (also available to hire)
Camera gear (anything from professional gear to action cameras)
Laptop
A comprehensive list of equipment will be sent to you when you book. Please note that you are limited to 25kg weight when flying to the island.
This experience is catered for everyone from absolute beginner snorkellers to advanced snorkellers and beginner photographers to advance photographers. The purpose of the group sessions is to learn and experience together. There will be 1:1 sessions as part of the group session and individual 1:1 sessions throughout the trip.
Absolutely not, everyone will still have a fantastic experience in the water with an array of marine life. For those interested, I will have a GoPro, Insta 360 and a Joby SeaPal for phones available for guests to use.
I will have a GoPro, Insta 360 and a Joby SeaPal for phones available for guests to use.
The water temperature in February can be up to 28 degrees and average visibility is 20 meters. Although it is warm, we will be doing long sessions in the water and getting in at sunrise and getting out after sunset, therefore it is important to ensure that you have a good wetsuit to keep you warm over this duration.
Weight belts are available for hire for certified scuba divers or certified freedivers only (Proof of certification required) . Non-certified are required to bring their own.
