Plunge into the thrill of CuttleFest2024! Immerse yourself in an extraordinary snorkelling adventure with the incredible Giant Australian Cuttlefish at Stony Point, near Whyalla in the Upper Spencer Gulf Marine Park. Join our certified snorkel guides, marine biologists, and National Parks and Wildlife Service staff for a captivating journey into the underwater realm. Witness the vibrant mating rituals of these fascinating creatures at the worlds only known breeding aggregation of up to 250,000 cuttlefish and uncover the secrets of their camouflage, unique blue blood & three hearts! Get ready for an unforgettable marine tour experience!

Stony Point's reef is a rich habitat not only for Giant Australian Cuttlefish but also a diverse range of marine life, including vibrant plant life, colourful sponges, fish, sea lions, rays, whales, and dolphins. Embark on a guided tour lasting up to 90 minutes, including gearing up in warm wetsuits, a safety briefing, snorkelling, and a debriefing session.

This experience is designed for both adults and children (5 years and above) who can swim at least 25 meters and tread water. Children under 15 must be accompanied and supervised in the water by a paying adult, who is also a participant in the tour.

Snorkelling occurs in water depths ranging from 1-5 meters, mostly staying close to the shore to ensure the best views of the colourful displays under sunlight. Our small groups, led by experienced guides and marine biologists, guarantee an immersive and educational adventure. We provide warm wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, and PADI accredited guides.

Feel free to bring your own wetsuit and snorkel gear, and if you have special requirements or disabilities, let us know when booking for personalised assistance.

Arrive at Stony Point at least 30 minutes before your tour starts to complete the registration form and get fitted with your wetsuit and snorkel gear. All participants must wear a wetsuit.

Location: Find Stony Point on the map here or search for 'Stony Point, Giant Cuttlefish dive site' on Google Maps.

On-site facilities include parking, toilets, showers, wi-fi, change rooms, fire pits, food/coffee vans and shaded picnic tables. 

Cancellation and refund policies apply, so please review them (detailed below) before booking. In the event of extreme weather conditions or shark sightings, we reserve the right to move to a Plan B location or cancel for safety reasons.

FAQs:

1. Are snorkel tours only for children? Or for adults too?

   - EMS snorkel tours are suitable for all ages, adults, and children from 5 years and up. Children under 15 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

2. What concessions are available?

   - Concessions are available for Seniors and Australian Health Care Card holders.

3. Are warm wetsuits and snorkel gear provided?

   - Yes, warm wetsuits with hood, gloves, boots, and snorkel gear are included in the ticket price.

4. Will I be cold?

   - We ensure you stay as warm as possible by providing appropriate thickness wetsuits, boots, hoods, and gloves.

5. Do I have to wear a wetsuit?

   - Yes, a wetsuit is mandatory for buoyancy, protection, and comfort during the snorkel tour.

6. Can I bring my own wetsuit and snorkel gear?

   - Absolutely! Feel free to bring your own gear.

7. What can I expect - how is the tour run?

   - Arrive 30 minutes before your tour start time.

   - Check in at the registration desk to fill in the registration form.

   - Guides will assist you in choosing wetsuits, boots, hood, gloves, fins, snorkel, and mask.

   - After fitting all appropriate gear, guides will brief you in small groups about your snorkel plan and safety.

   - Enter the water for the snorkel in your small group (up to 50m from shore and 5m deep).

   - After exiting the water, change out of wetsuits and other gear, wash and rinse, and hand back to our guides to hang up.

8. Do you run tours outside of your normal community tours?

   - No, we only run tours on dates as per our booking page here (https://www.emsau.org/ems-community-tours/). You can contact Whyalla Dive Services to rent gear outside these dates.

9. I have purchased tickets for family and/or friends but need one or two more tickets - you are sold out but can I arrange to buy extra tickets?

   - We may be able to accommodate a couple more participants based on current numbers and availability of EMS volunteer guides and paid staff on the day. Email bookings@emsau.org to ask. 

10. What happens if the weather turns and the event is cancelled?

    - Unfortunately, weather conditions may lead to cancellations for safety concerns. Please read the Cancellation and Refund Policy below.

For more details, visit our website or contact us. Thank you for supporting EMS, and we look forward to creating unforgettable marine life experiences with you!

Feeling unwell?

If you feel unwell, please postpone your tour until fully recovered. Thank you for helping keep our community healthy.

Cancellation and refund terms for EMS events. Please carefully review the following conditions:

1. No Shows and Cancellations Inside 72 Hours:

   - No refunds or transfers will be provided for no-shows and cancellations made within 72 hours prior to the scheduled event. No refunds or transfers, excluding refund for any additional merchandise items purchased.

2. Cancellations from Time of Booking up to 72 Hours Prior to Departure:

   - If you provide more than 72 hours notice of your cancellation, refunds are applicable with a 20% cancellation fee or the option to transfer to another EMS tour or event, subject to a 20% administration fee. Additional payment will be required to cover any price differences.

3. Third-Party Bookings:

   - Bookings made through third parties, travel agents, or online travel agents may be subject to varying cancellation and refund policies. EMS holds no liability for losses incurred through bookings via third-party agents.

4. Pricing:

   - All prices, products, and offers are denominated in AUD and include GST. EMS reserves the right to rectify any printing errors. Tour pricing varies based on distinct arrangements and the amount of funding received from partners and funding bodies.

5. Rare Event of EMS Cancellation:

   - In the unlikely event of EMS cancelling an event, customers will be promptly notified, with an aim to provide information at least 24 hours before the scheduled event/tour. EMS reserves the right to cancel an event due to extreme weather conditions or shark sightings at the event site within 24 hours of the event.

6. Refund Options for Cancelled Events:

   - Guests affected by event cancellations due to shark sightings or extreme weather conditions are entitled to a FULL refund. Alternatively, guests may choose to reschedule their event or receive a voucher equivalent to the value of their booking. Please note that future rescheduling may not always be possible, and availability is not guaranteed. Refunds will be processed using the same method as the original payment.

7. Third-Party Bookings and Refunds:

   - Guests who booked through a third party or travel agent will receive refunds through the third party, not directly to the guest. Any bank fees and charges incurred during the refund process are the responsibility of the guest.

8. Communication and Information:

   - Customers are responsible for providing a current email address and mobile phone number. EMS may contact customers with important information leading up to the event. EMS disclaims responsibility if a third-party travel arranger fails to relay this information.

9. Refund Policy Exclusions:

   - Our refund policy does not cover travel or accommodation booked independently by the passenger. We strongly recommend obtaining travel insurance to mitigate unforeseen cancellations.

Please acknowledge your understanding and acceptance of these terms by proceeding with the booking.