South Australia · Attraction
Whyalla Giant Cuttlefish Snorkelling
Witness winter's colour show
schedule 1 min read / Updated Jun 2026
Each winter, tens of thousands of Australian giant cuttlefish gather in the shallow rocky reef at Stony Point near Whyalla for their annual breeding aggregation, one of the largest known gatherings of a cephalopod species anywhere on Earth. Guided snorkel tours led by marine biologists get participants in the water alongside these technicolour, shape-shifting animals in water as shallow as one metre.
The main season runs from May through July, with June and July offering peak numbers. Guided tours include full winter-grade wetsuit hire with hood, boots and gloves, a pre-water briefing, and a guided in-water session of around 90 minutes. Group sizes are capped so each participant gets personal attention from a guide.
Cuttlefish can change colour and texture in milliseconds and the males put on intense displays to compete for females. At peak season the reef can hold hundreds of animals within a small area, making for extraordinary photographic opportunities even with a basic underwater camera.
Stony Point is about 20 km northeast of Whyalla township via Point Lowly Road. Entry to the snorkel area itself is free and self-guided outside of tour times, though hiring gear is recommended given the cold winter water.
Scenic views
Lookouts near Whyalla Giant Cuttlefish Snorkelling.
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