Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia | Whale Shark & Manta Ray Photography Retreat

10th – 16th September 2027 | 7 Days, 6 Nights | Maximum 10 Guests

Five private ocean expeditions. Two extraordinary destinations. An unforgettable week connecting with the wildlife of Ningaloo Reef.

The Experience

Imagine swimming alongside the world's largest fish, watching manta rays barrel roll gracefully beneath you, and witnessing humpback whales swim beneath you, all in one extraordinary week.

Welcome to Ningaloo Reef.

Join me for an intimate, seven-day ocean and photography retreat along Western Australia's spectacular coastline, where we'll explore two of Ningaloo's most remarkable destinations: Exmouth and Coral Bay.

With just ten guests, five full days aboard our own private wildlife charters and dedicated aerial spotting support, this experience brings together unforgettable marine encounters, personalised photography education, adventure and meaningful connections with nature and like-minded people.

We'll spend two days swimming with whale sharks in Exmouth with Live Ningaloo, before travelling south to Coral Bay for three days exploring the incredible world of manta rays with Ningaloo Marine Interactions.

And we've chosen a particularly exciting time to visit.

September brings an extraordinary diversity of marine life to Ningaloo, from resident manta rays and migrating humpback whales to whale sharks. It's also a time that can offer beautiful spring weather, lighter winds and excellent underwater conditions.

We've deliberately scheduled our manta ray expeditions around the full-moon period, creating exciting opportunities to observe feeding and social behaviours, from spectacular barrel rolls to the possibility of manta ray mating trains.

With a dedicated spotter aircraft supporting all five charters, we'll be searching for much more than just our headline species. Turtles, dugongs, tiger sharks, ornate eagle rays, sea snakes, oceanic manta rays and even the occasional sunfish or pod of orcas are among the incredible animals that can be encountered in these waters.

Every day is different, and that's what makes exploring a wild marine ecosystem so extraordinary.

But this experience is about so much more than wildlife.

More Than Just a Photography Workshop

I believe the most meaningful experiences are those that connect us more deeply with nature, with others and with ourselves.

Whether you're an aspiring photographer looking to capture your dream images or simply someone who loves the ocean, this retreat is designed for anyone who shares a curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.

For photographers, I'll provide personalised guidance in underwater photography, wildlife storytelling, videography and editing, helping you develop your skills and create images that tell meaningful stories.

For ocean lovers, no expensive camera or photography experience is required. Sometimes the most powerful way to experience an encounter is to put the camera down and simply take it all in.

With our own private charters reserved exclusively for ten guests, we'll have a more intimate, flexible experience, supported by expert local guides who understand these waters and the wildlife within them.

We may arrive as strangers, brought together by a shared love for the ocean, but we'll leave as friends, connected by moments that photographs alone could never capture.

Seven Full Days on Ningaloo Reef

Two Days With Whale Sharks | Exmouth

Our adventure begins in Exmouth, where we'll spend two full days aboard a private charter with Live Ningaloo, searching for the largest fish in the sea.

Few experiences compare to watching a whale shark emerge from the blue, its enormous spotted body moving effortlessly through the water.

September marks the later part of Ningaloo's whale shark season, making encounters less predictable than during peak season, but less crowded. The goal is to have a whale shark to ourselves, not shared with our boats. Having our own private charter means that we have the freedom and flexibility to explore the whole reef. Our dedicated spotter aircraft will help us search the surrounding waters, where we'll also be keeping an eye out for migrating humpback whales and other marine life.

Three Days With Manta Rays | Coral Bay

From Exmouth, we'll travel south to Coral Bay for three full days aboard our private charter with Ningaloo Marine Interactions.

Coral Bay is home to a resident population of manta rays, making it one of my favourite places to experience and photograph these extraordinary animals.

We've timed our visit around the full-moon period, when changing tides can influence marine activity, creating exciting opportunities to witness barrel rolling, social interactions and potentially manta ray mating trains.

Alongside mantas, we'll explore a thriving marine ecosystem where turtles, reef sharks, dugongs, eagle rays and other remarkable species may make an appearance.

The Humpback Migration

September is also an extraordinary time for humpback whales, with over 40 thousand migrating along Western Australia's coastline each year.

Throughout our five days on the ocean, we'll be watching for breaches, tail slaps, mothers and calves, and other remarkable behaviours and monitoring them to be able to jump in for a swim. 

Our trips are primarily focused on whale sharks and manta rays, but the possibility of encountering humpbacks makes this time of year particularly exciting.

Photography, Education & Connection

Photography is about more than understanding camera settings. It's about recognising beautiful light, anticipating moments and learning to tell stories that make people feel something.

Throughout the retreat, I'll share the techniques and creative approaches I've developed through years of photographing wildlife above and below the surface.

Our education covers underwater photography, wildlife storytelling, videography, Lightroom editing, Premiere Pro and social media storytelling.

And the learning doesn't begin or end in Ningaloo.

• Before the retreat: Online education to build your skills, knowledge and confidence before arriving.

• During the retreat: Personalised, hands-on guidance throughout our wildlife expeditions.

• After the retreat: Dedicated editing and storytelling sessions to help bring your photographs and footage to life.

Whether you're using a GoPro, your first underwater camera or a professional photography setup, this experience is designed to help you develop your skills while creating memories that last far beyond the trip.

What's Included

Ocean & Wildlife

• 2 full-day private whale shark charters with Live Ningaloo

• 3 full-day private manta ray charters with Ningaloo Marine Interactions

• All five charters exclusively reserved for our group of 10 guests

• Dedicated spotter aircraft supporting all five expeditions

• Opportunities to encounter migrating humpbacks and other Ningaloo marine life

Accommodation, Meals & Transport

• 6 nights of accommodation across Exmouth and Coral Bay

• Private king room or shared room with your own single bed

• Breakfast throughout the retreat

• Lunch on all 5 ocean expedition days

• Special group farewell meal

• Transfers between Exmouth and Coral Bay

• Group transport around Exmouth

Photography & Education

• Pre-workshop online photography education

• Personalised, hands-on photography and videography tuition

• Post-workshop editing and storytelling sessions

• Access to a gallery documenting our journey together

What's Not Included

• Flights to and from Exmouth

• Airport transfers

• Evening meals other than our included farewell meal

• Medical insurance

• Additional activities and personal expenses

• Personal camera equipment

Workshop Dates & Pricing

10th – 16th September 2027

7 days | 6 nights | Maximum 10 guests

Shared Room | $5,995 AUD per person

Enjoy your own single bed in a shared room with other workshop guests.

Private King Room | $6,595 AUD per person

Enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own bedroom with a king-sized bed.

Both options include the same private wildlife charters, education, meals and activities.

Booking & Payment

• Deposit: $1,000 AUD to secure your place

• Final balance: Due June 2027

• Returning guests: Receive a $200 AUD discount

Why Explore With Me?

I'm a self-taught wildlife and ocean photographer who believes the most powerful experiences are those that connect us with the natural world.

Ningaloo holds a particularly special place in my heart. Having spent so much time exploring and photographing its extraordinary marine life, I've developed a deep appreciation for this remarkable coastline and the importance of protecting it.

My workshops are about more than helping people take beautiful photographs. They're about building confidence, sharing knowledge, making lifelong friendships and creating experiences that stay with you long after you've returned home.

Above all, my approach is wildlife-first. Ethical encounters and respect for the animals we explore alongside will always take priority over getting the perfect photograph.

If you share my love for the ocean, adventure and meaningful experiences, I'd love to welcome you to Ningaloo. I can't wait to share this extraordinary place with you.

Ross x

All wildlife encounters are subject to environmental conditions, animal behaviour and applicable regulations. Sightings cannot be guaranteed.