Course in Shark Biology – Alessandro De Maddalena 2026 (7 Days/ 6 Nights)
September 2026
Join world-renowned shark researcher and educator Dott. Alessandro De Maddalena, one of the foremost experts on Great White Sharks, for a truly exceptional live-aboard expedition in South Australia. September is one of the most reliable times of year for Great White encounters — especially large males — offering outstanding opportunities for observation, learning, and photography.
This expedition is designed for those who want maximum time at sea, intimate shark encounters, and a deeper scientific understanding of these incredible animals. Throughout the trip, Alessandro will share his extensive knowledge through a series of engaging shark biology presentations.
Qualified SCUBA divers have the rare chance to dive from the world’s only Ocean Floor Cage, while all guests can enjoy unforgettable encounters in our Surface Cage — no dive certification required. This expedition is ideal for shark enthusiasts, experienced divers, wildlife photographers, adventurers, and anyone passionate about Great Whites.
What Makes This Expedition So Special
Peak Shark Season
September consistently delivers extremely high reliability and strong Great White activity — proven over 15+ years.
World-Class Photography
Typically the best visibility of the year, long daylight hours, and frequent encounters make this a dream for photographers.
Extended Time with Sharks
Up to five full days of Great White diving across both the North and South Neptune Islands, including reef, weed bank, and sandy habitats.
Australian Sea Lions
A scheduled half-day offers playful interactions with these charismatic marine mammals at Hopkins Island.
Exclusive Wildlife Experiences
Tender tours to long-nosed fur seal colonies — and, weather permitting, a guided walk on the Neptune Islands, exclusive to Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions.
Relaxed & Immersive Evenings
Enjoy locally sourced meals and South Australian wines, beautiful sunsets, stargazing on deck, and Alessandro’s captivating shark lectures.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome Aboard
Meet outside the Marina Hotel in Port Lincoln at 6:00 PM for boarding at 6:30 PM. After a warm welcome, formal safety briefings, and time to settle into your cabin, we set off toward our overnight anchorage — positioned close to the next day’s first adventure.
Day 2 – Sea Lions & First Shark Encounters
Wake at daybreak to the stunning scenery of Thorny Passage as we approach Hopkins Island. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to snorkel or dive with the playful Australian Sea Lions in shallow, protected waters — an unforgettable marine wildlife experience.
Conditions and shark activity permitting, we may also include this sea lion dive on our return journey.
We then make our way to the Neptune Islands — home of the Great White Shark. Once anchored, diver briefings begin and the cages hit the water. Our priority is to ensure every guest sees sharks from the Surface Cage before SCUBA-certified divers descend into the Ocean Floor Cage for an extraordinary vantage point.
Days 3–6 – Shark Diving, Wildlife & Exploration
These full dive days are dedicated to maximizing time with Great Whites — whether viewing from the deck, Surface Cage, or Ocean Floor Cage.
Between dives, enjoy tender excursions to observe long-nosed fur seals and coastal seabirds, and when conditions allow, an exclusive guided walk on the Neptune Islands to explore their rugged terrain and rich wildlife.
Evenings onboard are relaxed and social — featuring delicious local meals, spectacular sunsets, stargazing, and fascinating shark research presentations by Alessandro. Guests are free to rest whenever they wish, allowing the rhythm of the ocean to set the pace.
On the final night at the islands, we celebrate with a fun “party shirt” quiz night and a complimentary cocktail or drink.
Day 7 – Final Dives & Return to Port Lincoln
Enjoy your last shark dives before we depart the Neptune Islands around 2:00 PM.
Once inside the sheltered gulf waters, Alessandro delivers a final summary lecture while we savour a South Australian wine service and light snacks — often with dolphins joining the journey home.
We arrive back in Port Lincoln by approximately 7:00 PM for disembarkation and onward plans.
Itinerary may vary depending on weather and marine conditions to ensure the best possible wildlife experience.
Prices
| Shark Biology Course (7 days/6 Nights) 2026 Prices | |
|---|---|
| Option | Cost |
| Surface Cage Diver – Twin Share (double/single bed) | $3,995 |
| Ocean Floor Diver – Twin Share (double/single bed) | $4,995 |
| Sole Occupancy – Lower Deck – (single bed/all diving) | $7,995 |
| Couple Share Master Ensuite (double bed/all diving) Per Person | $6,995 |
| Sole Occupancy Master Ensuite (double bed/all diving) | $9,995 |
