The Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions team is passionate about great white sharks. They are currently the only operator with a liveaboard on the Neptune Islands, offering tours where passengers can dive with great white sharks and sea lions. Walking tours of the North Neptune island as well shark research talks are also available.
Rodney Fox tours embark from Port Lincoln, also known as the Seafood Capital of Australia. Located approximately 40 nautical miles south is the Neptune Islands where the real adventure begins.
Dive Overview
The Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions boast exclusive rights to the Neptune Islands where dolphins and seasonal whales can be encountered in the crystal clear water. South Australia is considered Great White Shark Central, the breeding, hunting, and playground of great white sharks. It is the perfect area for shark cage diving.
[Read More: Australia Dive Travel Guide]
Dive Information
About the Neptune Islands
The Rodney Fox Team has been hosting Great White Shark tours since 1965, being the first in the world to do so. They are the most experienced Shark Tour Operators in the world and truly offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences with their exclusive rights to the Neptune Islands and their Ocean Floor Dive Cage which is the only one in the world. The team also boasts its qualified dive professionals onboard its liveaboard vessel the MV Rodney Fox.
Mv Rodney Fox Reef Trips
The MV Rodney Fox is a 7.6-meter-wide dive vessel perfect for facilitating shark encounters. It comes fully equipped with a spacious dive deck, open saloon, galley, and even an upper gallery for shark viewing. There is also a brand new tender boat for island tours, sea lion snorkels, and more dives!
Up to 18 guests can be comfortably accommodated onboard in the 9 guest cabins. The 6 Double/Twin Cabins are located on the top deck and consist of a double bed bottom bunk and a single top bunk. The 2 Twin Single Cabins are located on the lower. These are equipped with two full-size single beds, as well as easily accessible ladders to enter the bunk. Lastly, the Master Suite is located on the top deck and provides guests with a plush double bed and private bathroom.
Great White Adventure (2 Nights) Itinerary
- Our award-winning 2-Night Great White Adventure is back running again! This tour now includes OCEAN FLOOR CAGE DIVING for our qualified SCUBA divers. This trip is ideal for anyone who, a little pressed for time, has ever wanted to jump into the cage and experience the thrill of seeing Great White Sharks up close. Even watching them from the boat is amazing. Youll also learn about the Great Whites habitat and see, first hand, how they interact with their environment. It is an Adventure for all ages, although we recommend children are at least 8 years old, and able to cope in an adult environment.
- Day 1
- Our Rodney Fox Crew will meet you at the Marina Hotel, Port Lincoln at 11:15am. Our team will then escort yourself and your luggage to the MV Rodney. Welcome aboard at 11:30am. You will be shown to your cabins where you can unload before formal introductions and safety talks begin. We then begin our journey to the Neptune Islands. The scenery is spectacular we pass through the stunning Thorny Passage and stop by the Hopkins Islands for an hour so you can snorkel with Australian Sea Lions. Alternatively, depending on the expedition we may go straight to the shark diving. Divers are briefed, and the cages hit the water, ready for action! Relax, unwind, talk about the day while feasting on the buffet, check out the amazing night-sky, retire to your cabin
- Day 2
- Diving continues all day in the Surface Cage and also with the Ocean Floor Cage for SCUBA divers. We also like to hop in the tender boat, check out the Long-Nosed Fur Seals and go walking around the Neptune Islands. Here, there are many bird species and to watch and the more elusive Australian Sea Lions can also sometimes be spotted. The evening brings more opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Neptune Islands, listening to the sounds of the seals with a chilled glass of white. There is plenty time to chill out and rest. We have heaps of games on board, as well as books and videos and sometimes host a night of shark quizzes and fun its really up to you how you spend the evening. Hit the hay when you feel like it..
- Day 3
- Diving resumes again today in both the surface cage and ocean floor cage. By now your shark identification skills will be finely tuned. There is no time limit in the cages, as long as everyone in our smaller sized groups has their fair share. You can also do some Shark and Wildlife watching from the observation deck, relax with a book, work on your tan anything that floats your boat. We will leave the Neptune Islands by 3:00pm. We are then planned to arrive in Port Lincoln by 8:00pm. On the journey home, we will enjoy some lovely local South Australian wine usually with common dolphins joining us for company.
Great White Shark Expedition (3 Nights) Itinerary
- This is one of our most popular itineraries and mainly runs throughout spring and summer. From September 2022 this itinerary will be a little longer with the boarding time changing to a slightly earlier 6.30PM.
- The Great White Expedition gives 3 days diving and 3 nights onboard the Rodney Fox. This is the perfect trip for anyone who has ever wanted to jump into the cage and experience the thrill of seeing Great White Sharks up close. Even watching them from the boat is amazing. It is an Expedition for all ages, although we recommend children are at least 8 years old, and able to cope in an adult environment.
- Day 1
- Well meet you at the Marina Hotel, Port Lincoln at 7:45pm and escort you to the MV Rodney Fox. Welcome aboard at 8:00pm. Youll be shown to your cabins where you can unload before the formal introductions and safety talk. Bedtime is up to you, but its anchors aweigh at 4:00am. (Not that you have to get up then).
- Day 2
- Its worth getting up at day-break for the rest of the journey down to the Neptune Islands. The scenery is spectacular we pass through the stunning Thorny Passage and stop by the Hopkins Islands for an hour so you can snorkel with Australian Sea Lions. Anchor at the Neptune Islands (our destination), where youll no doubt spot a few dorsal fins. Divers are briefed, and the cages hit the water, ready for action!
- Relax, unwind, talk about the day while feasting on the buffet, check out the amazing night-sky, retire to your cabin (no engine starting at 4:00 am).
- Day 3
- Diving resumes in the Surface Cage and the Ocean Floor Cage. We also like to hop in the tender boat, check out the New Zealand Fur Seals and go walking around the Neptune Islands. By now, youll be getting to your sharks and the Rodney Fox Shark Presentation in the evening will share even more information about these wonderful animals.
- Day 4
- More time to spend Surface and Ocean Floor diving there is no time limit in the cages, as long as everyone has their fair share. You can also do some Shark and Wildlife watching from the observation deck, relax with a book anything that floats your boat. Leave the Neptune Islands by 3:00 pm and enjoy some lovely local South Australian wine on the bow usually with common dolphins joining us for company.
Great White Expedition (4 Days/3 Nights) Itinerary
- This special 4-day tour is perfect for people who are looking for an intimate Great White Shark experience (and want to maximize their time at sea) and learn a lot about great white sharks. On this tour, we launch the worlds only Ocean Floor Cage (for qualified
- SCUBA Divers). However, all guests are able to get up-close and personal with Great Whites in our Surface Cage. It is an Expedition for people who are very interested in sharks and their behaviour, experienced divers, adventurers, shark photographers and anyone who, like us, has a passion for these incredible creatures.
- Day 1
- Well meet you at the Marina Hotel, Port Lincoln at 11.15am and escort you to our vessel. Welcome aboard at 11.30am. Youll be shown to your cabins where you can unload before the formal introductions and safety talk. After leaving the Marina, well pass through the stunning Thorny Passage, then stop off at Hopkins Island for a snorkel with the adorable puppy dogs of the seas the Australian sea lions! Then its cruise time to the famous Neptune Islands Marine Park, anchor down and test out our dive kit for the shark diving. There is time to relax, unwind, talk about the day while feasting on the buffet, engage in the Great White Shark Research Talk (really interesting, with some fantastic photography), check out the amazing night-sky, retire to your cabin. Please note that no shark attractant is used on this day.
- Day 2
- Divers are briefed, and the Surface Cage hits the water, ready for action. Our priority is for everyone to see the sharks in the surface cage before we descend deeper with our SCUBA diving guests in the ocean floor cage. We also like to hop in the tender boat, check out the New Zealand Fur Seals and go walking around the Neptune Islands. Here, there are many bird species to watch and the elusive Australian Sea Lions can also sometimes be spotted. More shark talks in the evening and then time for bed ready for the next days big adventure.
- Day 3
- More time with the great whites viewing topside, in the surface cage or down on the ocean floor and by now your shark identification skills will be finely tuned. The evening brings more opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Neptune Islands, listening to the sounds of the seals with a chilled glass of white. There is plenty time to chill out and rest. Hit the hay when you feel like it.
- Day 4
- More time to spend Surface and Ocean Floor diving there is no time limit in the cages, as long as everyone has their fair share. You can also do some Shark and Wildlife watching from the observation deck, relax with a book anything that floats your boat. Leave the Neptune Islands by 3:00pm and enjoy some lovely local South Australian wine on the bow usually with common dolphins joining us for company. We arrive back in Port Lincoln by 8.00PM for guests to disembark.
Great White Shark Expedition (5 Nights) Itinerary
- This is one of our most popular tours for people who just cant get enough of the amazing great white sharks that we see here in South Australia. This itinerary is dotted throughout the year and a firm favourite for SCUBA divers but also Surface Cage Divers too.
- A special six-day live-aboard expedition includes 5 days of peak great white shark diving, an Australian sea lion dive or two, plus other extras in this comprehensive expedition package.
- What we love about this time of year:
- Extreme Shark Reliability
- This Itinerary has enjoyed near 100% reliability of productive sharks in more than 10 years.
- Photographic Opportunities
- Optimal photographic conditions of typically good visibility and strong daylight.
- All the briefings and travel to our first dive location are covered on the first evening.
- Five full days are dedicated to Great White Shark Diving at both the North and South Neptune Islands groups, at the various locations of the reef, weed bank, and sand.
- Also included is a beautiful tour around the pretty Neptune Island long-nosed fur seal colonies in our tender boat.
- One or 2 dives with the most photogenic Australian sea lions will also be included en route or on the way back to the Neptune Islands.
- Conditions permitting, a walking tour is also a possible option on the Neptune Islands, a treat exclusive to Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions.
- At night, we enjoy great local food and wine, a shark research talk, beautiful sunsets plus lots of time to relax onboard under the stars.
- Day 1
- Well meet you at the Marina Hotel, Port Lincoln at 6.15 PM and officially welcome all aboard at 6.30 pm and youll be shown to your cabins where you can unload before the formal introductions and safety talk. Dinner will be served as we then depart for the nights anchorage at a location near our next days activities.
- Day 2
- Wake up at either Hopkins Island where we expect to have frolicking sea lions eager to meet us. For an hour or so in the morning, there is an option to snorkel/dive with these adorable creatures in shallow sheltered waters. Or, we wake up at the Neptune Islands and get ready to start spotting some dorsal fins. Divers are briefed, and the cages hit the water, ready for action! Our priority is generally for everyone to see the sharks in the surface cage before we descend deeper with our SCUBA-certified diving guests in the ocean floor cage. At night you can download our pictures then relax, unwind, talk about the day while feasting on the buffet, engage in the Great White Shark Research Talk (really interesting, with some fantastic photography), check out the amazing night-sky, and can then retire to your cabin ready for the next days adventures.
- Days 3, 4 and 5
- More diving in the surface and ocean floor cage!
- We also like to hop in the tender boat, check out the Fur Seals and go walking around the Neptune Islands. Here, there are many birds and a few reptile species to watch and the elusive Australian Sea Lions can also sometimes be spotted.
- Our liveaboard itinerary gives so many more opportunities to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Neptune Islands, listening to the sounds of the seals with a chilled glass of white. There is plenty of time to chill out and rest. Hit the hay when you feel like it and get up when you feel like it.
- Day 6 ( Last Day)
- By now your shark identification skills will be finely tuned, more diving before we have to pack up!
- Leave the Neptune Islands by 3:00 pm and enjoy some lovely local South Australian wine on the bow usually with common dolphins joining us for company.
- We arrive back in Port Lincoln before 8.00 PM for guests to disembark.
Lions, Dragons, Giants And Sharks 2023 Itinerary
- A tour showcasing the wonders of South Australia! This is very popular with SCUBA divers and a firm favorite with our international guests.
- This 9-night itinerary allows 8 dive days on location with a variety of dive sites showcasing the underwater wonders of South Australia including Hopkins Islands for the playful Australian sea lions, Kangaroo Island for weedy sea dragons and stunning reef, often with dolphins, and local jetty dives to observe the rare and beautifully ornate leafy sea dragon.
- A beautiful tour around the pretty Neptune Islands in our tender boat saying Gday to all the Long-Nosed Fur Seals. You will also have the chance to experience exclusive walking tours on the islands.
- Day 1
- Our Rodney Fox Crew will pick up all expedition members from the Marina Hotel, Port Lincoln at 7:45PM to board the vessel at 8PM. We will complete our safety introduction talk as well as have all passengers get nice and comfortable in their cabins. We have passengers come on board the night before as anchors away is at 4am whilst passengers are asleep.
- Day 2
- Journey to a choice of locations, to dive with leafy sea dragons and/or Australian sea lions. Then overnight travel to Upper Spencer Gulf.
- Day 3
- Arrive on location at a unique gathering place of the worlds greatest cuttlefish spawning phenomenon. Thousands of giant Australian cuttlefish aggregate in the shallows of the upper Spencer Gulfs clear shallow waters, a photographers fantasy, and one of natures most flamboyant mating spectacles. Guests will travel by the Rodney MV to this destination and then take a coach to and from the dive location. *This activity will heavily depend on the weather for each individual expedition.
- Days 4 to 8
- A focus on great white Sharks at both North and South Neptune Islands. This is peak season for seeing giant mature female sharks. Topside viewing, surface cage diving and descending down in our world exclusive ocean floor cage (on SCUBA) will provide an unsurpassed insight into the lives of these still mysterious animals.
- There will also always be an option to revisit the Lions and Dragons and enjoy a beautiful tour around the pretty Neptune Islands in our tender boat or on the islands themselves with an exclusive walking tour on the Neptune Islands. The playful fur seal pups who are newly learning to swim offshore at this time of year (after being born in the previous summer) make captivating photographic subjects.
- Day 9
- Great white sharks in the morning, with an afternoon cruise, back up the picturesque Thorny Passage to Port Lincoln.
- Sea lions are again another option on the way back home into port! Disembark by 8:00 pm in Port Lincoln.
- Great catered menu with local food and wine, photographic, and shark research presentations available, beautiful sunsets plus lots of time to unwind and relax onboard under the stars.
