Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort
20th - 25th February 2026
5 nights / 6 days
Photography, Videography, Editing, & Marine Education
Inclusive of flights from Hervey Bay/Bundaberg, island accommodation, breakfast, lunch, dinner and ocean activities
Starting from AUD $3,295
AUD $1,000 deposit to secure space
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 - he understands the tides, currents, reefs and conditions better than most and shares a strong relationship with the island that helps with planning daily activities based around ocean conditions
Education and awareness from on-site marine biologists - learn interesting facts about the marine life we encounter and how we can best preserve and protect it
Contribute to marine science - you have the opportunity to photograph and tag manta rays, turtles, leopard sharks and ornate eagle rays. If you identify an unrecorded animal, you have the opportunity to name it.
Intimate Group Size of ten people - arrive as strangers, leave as family
Breakfast, lunch, 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 is what you can expect from my Lady Elliot Island Expedition
Inclusive of flights from Hervey Bay/Bundaberg, island accommodation,
breakfast, lunch, dinner and ocean activities
You will have the opportunity to work closely with Ross outside of a group setting so that you can grow your skills and confidence to the next level
You don't need to worry about a thing. Ross has created a well curated schedule that will make the most of the time that we have on the island to maximise your experience. This takes account of conditions, wildlife encounters and what each guest would like to experience and learn.
Lady Elliot Island is a pristine marine sanctuary, here Ross can personally guarantee that you will witness more marine life than ever before.
Ross limits the size of his workshops to 10 guests so that he can provide an intimate experience. Learn with like minded people and make new friends.
Ross will provide you with a curated gallery of the expedition which will contain photos of you in the water, with animals as well as other animal encounters we experience
This workshop is designed for everyone, from those new to the water to seasoned underwater photographers. If you’re an aspiring ocean photographer looking to build confidence with your camera, you’ll gain the skills and guidance to feel more prepared and comfortable in the water. If you’re already confident with your gear, this is a chance to refine your technique and take your images to the next level. And if you don’t yet own an underwater camera, you’ll have the opportunity to borrow an action camera from me and experience the thrill of capturing the underwater world for the first time.
Most importantly, you don’t need to be a photographer at all to enjoy this expedition. It’s about connecting with nature, sharing extraordinary moments, and experiencing the reef in a way few people ever do.
This expedition goes beyond photography. It’s about slowing down, immersing yourself in nature, and sharing remarkable encounters with a small group of ocean and wildlife lovers. Through sessions with marine biologists, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the species we meet and why protecting them matters. You’ll also learn how to capture these moments through powerful photos and videos, not just technically, but as stories that inspire others to care for the ocean. The images you create will be meaningful, but it’s the memories, the connections, and the sense of wonder that will stay with you long after we leave the island.
Just a sense of wonder and a keen attitude to learn and experience. Snorkelling equipment is included in the trip. In terms of photography, 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. It is recommended that you bring your own wetsuits otherwise they're available to hire.
There are a huge range of animals that we will encounter on Lady Elliot Island, this includes Turtle Hatchlings, Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, White & Black Tip Reef Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Dolphins, Green Turtles, Hawksbill Turtles, Loggerhead Turtles, Sea Snakes, Octopus, Leopard Sharks, Tawny Nurse Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Ornate Eagle Rays and much much more.
I have created an itinerary so you don't need to worry about a thing.
Fly into paradise and feel the energy shift as you land on Lady Elliot Island. After an island orientation, check-in and a light lunch, we’ll kick off with a welcome session introducing the island’s vibrant ecosystem, our photography goals, and essential gear prep. We will then head out on to the water by boat so everyone can get comfortable in the water and get a feel for the underwater world. As golden hour approaches, we’ll head onto the beaches and look for turtle hatchlings.
Start the day snorkeling over vibrant coral gardens at sunrise, learning how to compose striking wide-angle reefscapes and harness ambient light. In the afternoon, dive or snorkel with turtles and rays as we refine techniques for capturing scale, depth, and the vibrant life of the reef. Expect close encounters and big ocean energy. In the evening we will search for more hatchlings. Then it's time for some island bingo with dinner.
This morning is all about turtles. We’ll photograph green and loggerhead turtles gliding through coral and surfacing for air, the perfect subjects to master manual camera settings. Back on land, we’ll cover white balance, RAW shooting, and colour correction, followed by an optional evening snorkel for those wanting to capture hatchlings in the water.
We’ll head to the cleaning stations where manta rays often swoop in like ocean angels. Capture motion, contrast, and dynamic frames as these gentle giants glide effortlessly past. We'll explore slow shutter techniques and subject tracking, then regroup in the afternoon for editing insights and visual storytelling tips. There will then be big focus on creating videos on the island with the turtle hatchlings.
Today’s focus is on telling stories through sequences. Capturing emotion, behaviour, and patterns in the reef. We will start to put together all of our photos and videos and look to fill in the gaps of what we are hoping to capture. You’ll snorkel or dive through bommies, sandy lagoons, and fish-filled channels, honing your creative vision. The afternoon is yours: shoot more, relax, or review your favourite images in a casual feedback session. We'll enjoy our final sunset on the island with casual drinks.
Greet the final morning with a sunrise snorkel in the lagoon to enjoy some of the best colours on the great barrier reef. Or for you manta lovers, head to Lighthouse bommie for one last dance with mantas. We’ll gather for a final wrap-up session, reviewing your progress, celebrating your best shots, and sharing resources to continue your underwater journey. Depart inspired, with salty hair and a memory card full of magic.
Everything you need to enjoy the photography retreat is included, however, there are additional items that can be purchased:
Soft drinks & Alcohol
$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, lunch and dinner is included. 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.
The thing everyone has in common is their love for nature. Guests come from all over the world and bring with them a range of experience. The age range of guests ranges from 20 - 60 with the majority of guests being between 22-35. There are more females than males (8:2 ratio on average). The one thing everyone loves about my expeditions is that the group is kept small and it is very intimate. We share lots of experiences together, not only in the water, but we play games, eat together, watch sunsets together and more.
This experience caters to everyone. If you prefer to do sessions in the shallow reef and lagoon and sit out of the deeper dives from shore, then that is fine. There will be two boat trips where you will get the chance to go deeper whilst being closely watched and supported by staff.
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.
Travel insurance is essential and your policy will be requested before the trip commences.
The water temperature in February can be up to 30 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.
There are very rare sightings of stingers on the Southern Great Barrier Reef
No, a weight belt is a tool that can be used by more experienced snorkellers to get deeper. If you have not worn a weight belt and do not have your freedive certification then they cannot be worn.
Ross is an absolute legend! His knowledge of underwater photography and marine life is incredible, and he’s so generous with his expertise and time. He catered to every level in the group and brought amazing energy and positivity, making the trip really welcoming.
Thanks to Ross’s guidance and local knowledge we saw so much. A highlight was our treat of mantas surface-feeding through the coral on a day with unreal visibility. My Lady Elliot Island experience was unforgettable thanks to him. Highly recommend!
Auckland, NZ
Ross went over and above to ensure all attendees expectations were met. If you want to learn more about nature and wildlife as well as photography, Lady Elliot Island and Ross are a perfect match.
Brisbane, AUS
I recently joined Ross Long’s photography retreat to Lady Elliot Island, and it was truly a life-changing experience. As someone who has always been afraid of the ocean, I arrived feeling nervous and even a little petrified. From the very beginning, Ross was warm, welcoming, and reassuring, which made all the difference.
Throughout the week, I not only learned so much about photography and editing but also had the chance to experience the magic of the ocean in a way I never thought possible. Swimming alongside turtles, manta rays, and so many other incredible sea creatures was both humbling and exhilarating.
By the end of the retreat, my fear had shifted to gratitude — I even found myself needing to have one last swim to say goodbye to the turtles. This retreat wasn’t just about photography; it was about connection, courage, and seeing the world through a new lens.
Thank you, Ross, for creating such a supportive and unforgettable experience.
Sydney, AUS
Best experience of my life! 🦈 So incredibly lucky to learn from the most talented photographer Ross! He is so cool & kind. He goes above and beyond! Thank-you!
Melbourne, Aus
12/10 recommend this workshop! Ross is awesome at everything he does & Lady Elliot Island is the ultimate paradise. One of my all time favourite experiences, I can’t wait to go back one day🪼🩵
Gold Coast, AUS
Lady Elliot Underwater Photography workshop was one of the most amazing weeks of my life! Ross is fantastic and his passion for the underwater world was contagious. I really could feel my skills in photography improve over the week and Ross was there to help all the way. Thank you Ross!
Jervis Bay, AUS
Ross made the experience really beautiful. His knowledge is on another level. He really helped get my photography to where I want it to be. I got the best photo of a turtle and I can't get over it. Everyone was so much fun and I loved sharing all these experiences with people. Thanks Ross!
Monterrey, Mexico
An experience I will never forget. It really changed my life. Seeing my first ever turtle hatchlings on Heron was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen!
Sydney, AUS
Ross is an absolute legend! His knowledge of underwater photography and marine life is incredible, and he’s so generous with his expertise and time. He catered to every level in the group and brought amazing energy and positivity, making the trip really welcoming.
Thanks to Ross’s guidance and local knowledge we saw so much. A highlight was our treat of mantas surface-feeding through the coral on a day with unreal visibility. My Lady Elliot Island experience was unforgettable thanks to him. Highly recommend!
Auckland, NZ
Ross went over and above to ensure all attendees expectations were met. If you want to learn more about nature and wildlife as well as photography, Lady Elliot Island and Ross are a perfect match.
Brisbane, AUS
I recently joined Ross Long’s photography retreat to Lady Elliot Island, and it was truly a life-changing experience. As someone who has always been afraid of the ocean, I arrived feeling nervous and even a little petrified. From the very beginning, Ross was warm, welcoming, and reassuring, which made all the difference.
Throughout the week, I not only learned so much about photography and editing but also had the chance to experience the magic of the ocean in a way I never thought possible. Swimming alongside turtles, manta rays, and so many other incredible sea creatures was both humbling and exhilarating.
By the end of the retreat, my fear had shifted to gratitude — I even found myself needing to have one last swim to say goodbye to the turtles. This retreat wasn’t just about photography; it was about connection, courage, and seeing the world through a new lens.
Thank you, Ross, for creating such a supportive and unforgettable experience.
Sydney, AUS
Best experience of my life! 🦈 So incredibly lucky to learn from the most talented photographer Ross! He is so cool & kind. He goes above and beyond! Thank-you!
Melbourne, Aus
12/10 recommend this workshop! Ross is awesome at everything he does & Lady Elliot Island is the ultimate paradise. One of my all time favourite experiences, I can’t wait to go back one day🪼🩵
Gold Coast, AUS
Lady Elliot Underwater Photography workshop was one of the most amazing weeks of my life! Ross is fantastic and his passion for the underwater world was contagious. I really could feel my skills in photography improve over the week and Ross was there to help all the way. Thank you Ross!
Jervis Bay, AUS
Ross made the experience really beautiful. His knowledge is on another level. He really helped get my photography to where I want it to be. I got the best photo of a turtle and I can't get over it. Everyone was so much fun and I loved sharing all these experiences with people. Thanks Ross!
Monterrey, Mexico
An experience I will never forget. It really changed my life. Seeing my first ever turtle hatchlings on Heron was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen!
Sydney, AUS
