August 7 - 10, 2025
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Are you ready for an oceanic adventure like no other? Journey to Lady Elliot Island, a jewel of the Great Barrier Reef and a sanctuary for manta rays. Here, with Jacinta Shackleton, a renowned marine biologist and Master Reef Guide, you'll delve into a world teeming with marine wonders.
Lady Elliot Island is not just another picturesque destination; it's an ecological utopia. Renowned as one of the best places in the world to swim with manta rays, the island offers crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs that create a snorkeler's paradise. Each morning, as the sun paints the sky, you'll go on snorkel explorations under Jacinta's expert guidance.
Your stay at the eco-conscious Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is an experience in itself. Here, sustainability isn't just a concept; it's a way of life. Nestled amidst this untouched natural beauty, the resort provides a perfect balance of comfort and ecological responsibility. Jacinta's storytelling will weave the island’s tales as you capture these moments through her hands-on Photography Masterclasses. Learn how to immortalise the beauty of nature through your lens, turning memories into masterpieces.
Venture on private boat tours to hidden corners of the reef, reflect on the day’s adventures with group dinners, sharing stories and insights with like-minded explorers, and take home more than just memories. Jacinta’s personal photo gallery of your trip will ensure that every magical moment on Lady Elliot Island is yours to cherish forever.
Jacinta Shackleton is more than your typical guide; she's a marine biologist, a Master Reef Guide, and a true champion of the oceans. Adventure is in her veins, inspired by her relative, the famed explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Jacinta's days are spent unveiling the wonders beneath the waves and showing others how to protect this incredible world.
As our Lady Elliot Island expert, she doesn't just guide; she's a storyteller of the sea. Her deep bond with the Great Barrier Reef and her vast scientific knowledge make her a leading voice in marine conservation. Jacinta has a unique talent for turning complex research into engaging stories that spark curiosity and drive conservation efforts.
Joining Jacinta means more than just a trip; it's about immersive learning and discovery. Whether you're an aspiring marine biologist or a nature enthusiast, her approach is welcoming and insightful. She customises each trip to match the interests and understanding of her guests, creating experiences that are not only enjoyable but truly enlightening.
Meet-and-greet with your Storyteller Guide
Meet at Hervey Bay with Jacinta Shackleton and your fellow adventurers.
Board a scenic flight to Lady Elliot Island. As you soar above the turquoise waters, seize the opportunity to capture stunning aerial views of the island.
On arrival, join Jacinta and your Expedition Leader for a Q&A session and an overview of the trip. This is your chance to learn more about what's ahead.
Dive into your first guided snorkel tour. Explore the island’s vibrant reef, bustling with turtles, manta rays, sharks, and a kaleidoscope of colourful fish.
Enjoy a group dinner at the resort’s restaurant. The evening is made special with storytelling by Jacinta, who will share her insights and deep passion for the Great Barrier Reef.
Overnight at Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort.
Sunrise to Moonlight: Discover Lady Elliot's Underwater Worlds
Each day begins with a sunrise snorkel led by Jacinta. These sessions focus on spotting the majestic manta rays in the beautiful early morning light.
Recharge with a group breakfast at the resort’s restaurant.
Follow Jacinta for a guided walk to discover hidden gems and secret spots across the island. This is a great opportunity to learn about the island's unique ecosystem.
Enjoy free time to relax or explore the island’s natural beauty.
Group lunch, followed by more guided snorkelling sessions. Discover Lady Elliot Island's colourful and bustling reefs with Jacinta.
In the afternoon, participate in Jacinta’s exclusive Storyteller Masterclasses. These sessions are designed to refine your photography skills, capturing the essence of the island and its marine life.
As dusk settles, enjoy a group dinner. Here, Jacinta shares more of her expert knowledge about the marine life and secrets of the underwater world.
If conditions allow, gear up for a night snorkel. Experience the magic of the lagoon’s glowing corals and nocturnal creatures, illuminated under UV torchlight.
Overnight at Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort.
Capture, Edit, and Farewells
Rise and shine, it's your last day on magical Lady Elliot Island.
Join Jacinta for a sunrise snorkel to explore some of the world's most beautiful underwater spots.
Group breakfast, followed by a hands-on Photography Editing Masterclass led by Jacinta. Learn from the master herself how to take your photos from good to breathtaking.
Relish the final views of the island on your scenic flight back to Hervey Bay. Then, it's time to say your goodbyes.
“The best way to observe a fish is to become a fish, and Lady Elliot Island is the perfect place to do that.”
Optional Extras:
*For assistance in booking your flights or if you have any other inquiries, please get in touch and we can help.
Lady Elliot Island isn't just another spot on the map; it's a snorkeler's paradise and a diver's dream. Voted the second-best beach for snorkelling worldwide by Lonely Planet in 2020, this unique coral cay island delivers an unrivaled underwater experience. Its remote location makes it one of the Great Barrier Reef's more secluded spots, adding a touch of exclusivity to its natural splendour. The island's protected reefs serve as an underwater sanctuary, making it not just the ultimate diving location, but a snorkelling haven that offers intimate encounters with diverse marine life. In short, Lady Elliot Island is the quintessential destination for anyone looking to truly immerse themselves in the wonders of the ocean.
Yes, Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is an award-winning leader in sustainable tourism, committed to the conservation of both Lady Elliot Island and the greater Great Barrier Reef.
Yes, Lady Elliot has a large range of snorkel vests and pool noodles for flotation. Our in-water guides are only too happy to help with any assistance and instruction.
Pack the camera gear you're most comfortable with! Whether you prefer DSLRs or a simple smartphone setup with a waterproof case, our Storyteller Guides are skilled in various underwater photography techniques. For those interested in diving deep into photo editing, we suggest bringing a laptop with Adobe Lightroom installed. If you have any specific questions or need advice on gear, feel free to reach out to us.
For our ocean adventures, a moderate level of fitness is ideal to fully enjoy water-based activities like swimming, snorkelling, or diving, often lasting several hours. Being comfortable in the ocean is essential. If you have concerns about your fitness level or abilities in the water, please don't hesitate to contact us for advice.
Your adventure will be guided by a seasoned Airguides Trip Leader, who's an experienced travel guide and your primary contact for any needs or questions during the trip. What sets our trips apart? We'll be joined by a 'Storyteller Guide,' a true expert with deep knowledge and a genuine passion for the destination, adding authentic insights and stories to your journey.
Our trips are intimate and immersive experiences, accommodating 8-12 guests. Along with a knowledgeable Storyteller Guide and an Airguides Trip Leader, you'll join a diverse group of like-minded adventurers. Our guests come from various countries and backgrounds, including solo travellers, couples, and friends. This adventure is designed for travellers aged 18 and above.
Solo travellers can opt for a private room, which incurs a single-supplement fee. Please contact us for specific pricing details. Alternatively, we may offer a roommate pairing option on a limited, first-come, first-served basis. Reach out to us for availability and more information.
Certainly! If you need help finding the best flights or planning your travel routes, we're here to help. Just reach out to us, and our team will be more than happy to provide guidance and support.
We'd love to speak with you about this trip and answer any questions you have! Feel free to call, text or WhatsApp our friendly team at +61 402 552 918. You'll be connected with a real, knowledgeable person from Airguides, ready to assist. We take great pride in our personal service, ensuring we're with you every step of the way, from planning your adventure to your journey back home.
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“ We recently organised our trip to Heron Island with Bibi and Paul as a last minute getaway. Seamlessly dealt with and an added bonus of having a world-class photographer/ free-diver as our story teller. The trip has only whet our appetite for more positive and relaxing experiences with the Airguides team- Awesome “