Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort
12th - 17th July 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 $3,495
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 - 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, 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 Photography Retreat
I will sit with you to help assist and answer any questions you may have
You don't need to worry about a thing. I have created a schedule that will make the most of the time that we have on the island to maximise your experience
Lady Elliot Island is a pristine marine sanctuary, here I can personally guarantee that you will witness more marine life than ever before
We limit the size of my workshop to ten people so that we can provide an intimate experience. Learn with like minded people and make new friends.
Flights from Bundaberg and Hervey Bay are included, all accommodation and buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner
Taking Ross Long’s underwater photography workshop was truly one of the best experiences I have ever completed. Ross has a rare combination of skill, genuine passion, and the ability to teach in a way that feels both approachable and exciting. From the moment the workshop began, he created an atmosphere that was professional, supportive, and incredibly fun.
Ross doesn’t just teach you how to take beautiful underwater images — he helps you understand why certain techniques work and how to think about light and movement below the surface. His guidance in the water was calm, clear, and confidence-boosting.
I came away with not only a portfolio of images I’m genuinely proud of, but also a deeper appreciation for the craft and a whole new set of skills I can’t wait to keep building on. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting your underwater journey, Ross’s workshop is an unforgettable experience that will elevate your work and leave you feeling inspired.
I couldn’t recommend this workshop more highly. If you’re considering it — do it. You’ll come away a better photographer and with memories that stay with you long after you’ve dried off.
Sunshine Coast, 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
Taking Ross Long’s underwater photography workshop was truly one of the best experiences I have ever completed. Ross has a rare combination of skill, genuine passion, and the ability to teach in a way that feels both approachable and exciting. From the moment the workshop began, he created an atmosphere that was professional, supportive, and incredibly fun.
Ross doesn’t just teach you how to take beautiful underwater images — he helps you understand why certain techniques work and how to think about light and movement below the surface. His guidance in the water was calm, clear, and confidence-boosting.
I came away with not only a portfolio of images I’m genuinely proud of, but also a deeper appreciation for the craft and a whole new set of skills I can’t wait to keep building on. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting your underwater journey, Ross’s workshop is an unforgettable experience that will elevate your work and leave you feeling inspired.
I couldn’t recommend this workshop more highly. If you’re considering it — do it. You’ll come away a better photographer and with memories that stay with you long after you’ve dried off.
Sunshine Coast, 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
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 experience will allow you to get up close to turtles, manta rays, sharks and a variety of other species with ease. Lady Elliot Island as a dive site caters for people at all levels.
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.
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.
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 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. As golden hour approaches, we’ll head into the ocean for our first shoot and then enjoy a peaceful sunset over the coral cay to ease into the creative flow.
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.
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 more reef life.
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 underwater video in the afternoon.
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:
$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 $427.50.
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.
Travel insurance is essential and your policy will be requested before the trip commences.
The water temperature in March 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.
The water temperature in November can be up to 25 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.
Yes, it is important that you bring your own weight belt with weights if you are confident in using them. If you have not worn a weight belt and do not have your freedive certification then they cannot be worn.
