Port Lincoln
Want to cage dive with Great White Sharks in Australia? Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions operates multi-day liveaboard expeditions from Port Lincoln to the Neptune Islands, offering Surface Cage diving for non-divers and the world’s only Ocean Floor Cage experience for certified scuba divers.
The trip – At a glance!
| Question | Answer |
| Where in Australia? | Neptune Islands, Port Lincoln, South Australia |
| Operator | Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions |
| Trip length | Multi-day expeditions, typically 3–5+ nights depending on season |
| Do I need to be a diver? | No – Surface Cage requires no scuba certification |
| Certified diver level? | Minimum Open Water or equivalent for Ocean Floor Cage |
| Ocean Floor Cage depth | Approximately 20 metres |
| Minimum age | Surface Cage: 8+ |
| Maximum guests | 18 |
| Best time to see sharks? | Expeditions operate year round except for August; shark activity and weather vary seasonally |
| What do these trips cost? | Current Prices from – AUD$2995.00 |
| Where do trips depart from? | Port Lincoln, South Australia |
These multi-day liveaboard expeditions deliver more time in the water, more shark encounters, and a higher success rate than standard day tours.
Whether you’re a first-time adventurer or a certified diver, this is Australia’s most immersive great white shark experience.
Rodney Fox (Senior) pioneered shark cage diving in South Australia after his own harrowing experience of being attacked by a great white shark during a spear fishing competition in 1963. The company has been running Great White Shark expeditions since this time. Today its multi-day liveaboard expeditions in Port Lincoln offer both Surface Cage diving and the world’s only Ocean Floor Cage experience for certified divers. While you are in Adelaide before you fly to Port Lincoln you should visit their Shark Museum before making the trip. The museum has become a hub for research and conservation for the Great White Sharks along combining a foundation for the protection of our oceans and all marine life.
As Australia’s only liveaboard expedition to experience in the wild Great White Sharks, they also have exclusive Neptune Islands shore access to explore local land based wild life and operates the world’s only Ocean Floor Dive Cage. With only 18 guests onboard expect your nights onboard full with fun and interactive presentations. Listen and learn real scientific facts on the Great Whites, resident sea lions and history on the Neptune Islands.
No. You do not need scuba certification for Rodney Fox’s Surface Cage. Certified Open Water divers can additionally book the Ocean Floor Cage experience, which descends to approximately 20 metres.
The surface cage is secured to the rear of the vessel allowing easy access in and out of the cage for all guests onboard. Both non-divers and divers enjoy close up viewing from being one metre below the surface of the water using a simple free flowing endless supply of air setup onboard. The ocean floor cage experience is for certified divers only. Once all divers (4 Max) complete their safety checks and OK to descend the cage will be lowered by a crane to approximately 20 metres.
| Details | Surface Cage | Ocean Floor Cage |
| Certification | Not required | Open Water Level/Equilvalent |
| Depth | Surface | Approximately 20 metres |
| Best for | Everyone/First Timers | Certified divers |
| Great Whites | Yes | Yes |
| Dive Professional | Crew Support | Dive Professional descends with divers |
• A premium experience available only in Port Lincoln.
• Descend to ~20m
• Observe sharks at depth
• One of the most unique shark diving experiences in Australia
• Requirements: Open Water (or equivalent) certification required – 20metres depth
• Dives: Between 2 to 3 divers per dive, with a professional guide
For me, the Ocean Floor Cage took the Great White Shark experience to another level. Stepping into the cage, knowing a crane would lower us into the ocean, brought a surge of adrenaline beyond anything I’d felt in the surface cage.
We descended slowly, with time to equalise, until we reached the ocean floor at around 20 metres. My heart was pumping. I felt excited and intensely alert, watching for a shark to appear from any direction.
Visibility was around 15 metres that day, and I could occasionally glimpse divers in the surface cage above. About 10 minutes into our dive, a Great White emerged from behind a mass of fish. Its sheer size and presence commanded my complete attention.
I’ve encountered a sizeable tiger shark while diving in the Coral Sea, but seeing this Great White from the ocean floor was unforgettable. For me, it was worth every penny.
Steve Brady, Founder of Dive in Australia and PADI Divemaster
Great White Sharks are wild, nomadic animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed. A multi-day Rodney Fox expedition gives you several days at the Neptune Islands rather than relying on a single day’s conditions and shark activity. Contact Dive in Australia and we can help you assess current activity and choose suitable expedition dates.
There isn’t one guaranteed “best” month because Great White Sharks are wild and nomadic. Rodney Fox schedules vary expedition lengths throughout the year around seasonal shark activity, daylight and weather conditions. The month of August has no trips available due to the vessel’s annual maintenance.
Summer / warmer months
Longer daylight, generally better weather opportunities and male shark activity.
Autumn–winter
Opportunities for larger mature females, but shorter daylight and potentially rougher Southern Ocean conditions.
Not sure which month to choose? Ask Steve about current shark activity and which Rodney Fox expedition best suits your travel dates.
Steve’s Tip:
The Upper Deck cabins are Double/Twin share. The layout is a double bed on the bottom and a single bunk on top. Great cabins for couples to request early having the double bed to sleep and the top single bunk to store your luggage and gear. If you end up sharing a Double/Twin Cabin the it’s really (paper, scissors, rock) to see who wins the double bed.
The lower deck cabins are all twin share. So unless you are wanting to stay on the upper deck if not requested you will be allocated in the lower deck cabins. All Upper Deck and Lower Deck cabins have shared bathroom facilities which are suitably located around the vessel.
There is one master cabin with it’s own ensuite. You will find the price difference considerable to all the other cabins.
Recommendations:
Priced from AUD $2,495.00 (Surface Cage Diver)
Priced from AUD$2,995.00 (Ocean Floor Cage Diver)
This special 4 day tour is perfect for people who are looking for an intimate Great White Shark experience (and want to maximise their time at sea) and learn a lot about great white sharks. On this tour, experience the world’s 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
We’ll meet you outside of the Marina Hotel, Port Lincoln at 1.00 pm where you’ll be transferred to the vessel. You’ll be shown to your cabins where you can unload before the formal introductions and safety talk. After leaving the Marina, we’ll 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 it’s 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 Long Nosed 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 day’s 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 3:00 pm and enjoy some lovely local South Australian ‘wine on the bow’ and delightful charcuterie board will be served with a selection of preserved fine foods, cured meats, pates, dips as well as cheeses and crackers, fresh fruits and nuts – usually with common dolphins joining us for company.
*Please note this Iitinerary is indicative only (subject to weather and any other circumstances that may affect the scheduling of events).
Priced from AUD $3295.00 (Surface Cage Diver)
Priced from AUD$3995.00 (Ocean Floor Cage Diver)
Duration: 5 Days (approx.)
This 4-Nights/5 Day Tour is perfect for people who are looking for an intimate Great White Shark experience and learn a lot about great whites.
On this Expedition, we launch the world’s 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 sharks and their behaviour, experienced divers, adventurers, shark photographers and anyone who, like us, has a passion for spending lots of time with these incredible creatures.
Briefings and travel to our first dive location are covered on the first evening prior to Dive Day One .
Up to Four days are dedicated to Great White Shark Diving at both the North and South Neptune Islands groups, at the various reef, weed bank and sandy bottom locations.
A part of one dive-day ( usually first morning or last evening) is planned to target another South Australian underwater icon, the Australian Sea Lions at Hopkins Island.
Also included is a beautiful tour around the pretty Neptune Island fur seal colonies with our tender boat. Conditions permitting, a walking tour is also a possible option up on the Neptune Islands, a treat exclusive to Rodney Fox Expeditions.
At night, we enjoy great local food and wine, and usually a fun quiz night or a shark research talk.
First Day
We’ll meet you outside of the Marina Hotel, Port Lincoln at 10.00 AM. We take you back to our expedition vessel and officially welcome all aboard. Formal inductions and safety talk will begin, followed by being shown to your cabins to unload your belongings. A light lunch is provided and then we depart for the day with anchorage at a location near our next day’s activities, either for the Australian Sea lion Swim at Hopkins Island or all the way down to the Neptune Islands, home of the great white shark. .We expect to have frolicking sea lions eager to meet us. For an hour or so where there is an option to snorkel/dive with these adorable creatures in shallow sheltered waters, where we’ll be looking to spot a few dorsal fins.
DIVE Days 2,3,4
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.
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 live-aboard itinerary gives so many more opportunities to immerse your self in the beauty of the Neptune Islands, listening to the sounds of the seals with a chilled glass of white, a refreshing beer, or try a local variety of red wine. 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 5 ( Last Day)
By now your shark identification skills will be finely tuned, more diving before we have to pack up!
Leave the Neptune Islands around 2:00 PM and enjoy some lovely local South Australian ‘wine on the bow’ usually with common dolphins joining us for company. Charcuterie Board with local produce is provided on the way back into Port.
We arrive back in Port Lincoln before 8.00 PM for guests to disembark.
*Itinerary is indicative only (subject to weather and any other circumstances that may affect the scheduling of events).
(4 Nights) 1 Oct 2026 – 5 Oct 2026
(4 Nights) 6 Oct 2026 10 – Oct 2026
(4 Nights) 11 Oct 2026 – 15 Oct 2026
(5 Nights) 17 Oct 2026 – 22 Oct 2026
(5 Nights) 24 Oct 2026 – 29 Oct 2026
(4 Nights) 1 Nov 2026 – 5 Nov 2026 (Fully Booked)
(4 Nights) 6 Nov 2026 – 10 Nov 2026
(4 Nights) 11 Nov 2026 – 15 Nov 2026
(4 Nights) 17 Nov 2026 – 22 Nov 2026 (Fully Booked)
(4 Nights) 24 Nov 2026 – 29 Nov 2026
(3 Nights) 11 Dec 2026 – 14 Dec 2026
(3 Nights) 15 Dec 2026 – 18 Dec 2026
(3 Nights) 19 Dec 2026 – 22 Dec 2026
(4 Nights) 26 Dec 2026 – 30 Dec 2026
(4 Nights) 31 Dec 2026 – 4 Jan 2027
(3 Nights) 11 Jan 2027 – 14 Jan 2027
(3 Nights) 15 Jan 2027- 18 Jan 2027
(3 Nights) 19 Jan 2027 – 22 Jan 2027
(3 Nights) 29 Jan 2027 – 1 Feb 2027
(3 Nights) 12 Feb 2027 – 15 Feb 2027
(3 Nights) Feb 2027 – 1 Mar 2027
(5 Nights) 25 Apr 2027 – 30 Apr 2027
(4 Nights) 1 May 2027 – 5 May 2027
(4 Nights) 6 May 2027 – 10 May 2027
(3 Nights) 11 May 2027 18 May 2027 (Fully Booked)
(5 Nights) 19 May 2027 – 24 May 2027 (Fully Booked)
(4 Nights) 25 May 2027 – 29 May 2027 (Fully Booked)
(5 Nights) 26 May 2027 – 31 May 2027
(4 Night) 1 Jun 2027 – 5 Jun 2027
(4 Night) 6 Jun 2027 – 10 Jun 2027) (Fully Booked)
(5 Night) 12 Jun 2027 – 17 Jun 2027
(4 Night) 18 Jun 2027 – 22 Jun 2027 (Fully Booked)
(4 Night) 23 Jun 2027 27 Jun 2027
(9 Night) 29 Jun 2027 7 Jul 2027 (Fully Booked)
(4 Night) 9 Jul 2027 – 13 Jul 2027
(4 Night) 14 Jul 2027 – 18 Jul 2027
(4 Night) 9 Sep 2027 – 13 Sep 2027
(4 Night) 7 Oct 2027 – 11 Oct 2027
(3 Night) 12 Oct 2027 – 16 Oct 2027 Fully Booked
(4 Night) 18 Oct 2027 – 22 Oct 2027
(4 Night) 23 Oct 2027 – 28 Oct 2027
A 30% deposit of the total cost is required to secure a position with us. A 30% deposit will hold the reservation until 60 days prior to the expedition departure date when the balance is to be paid. Full payment balance is due 60 days before the departure date.
No refund is made for any unused part of the itinerary, e.g. due to unforeseen mechanical breakdown of the vessel, medical reasons affecting yourself, other passengers or crew, adverse weather conditions or other maritime and fundamental safety considerations. Travel and Cancellation Insurance (including for Covid) must be purchased or accept liability and risk. No refund is given for no or limited shark activity
Greater than 90 days – $250 cancellation fee per person. Less than 90 days, forfeit 30% of the trip fee per person. Less than 60 days, forfeit 50% of the trip fee per person. Less than 30 days, forfeit 100% of the trip fee per person. If a cancellation is required then we will endeavour to sell the position/s and credit the amount received less $250 admin fee. Please note that there is no guarantee that the position/s will be sold.
National Park fees are a compulsory payment to the South Australian Government and are an additional cost payable to RFSE. If fees increase from the SA Government after booking, this increase will be passed on to customers.
There isn’t one guaranteed “best” month because Great White Sharks are wild and nomadic. Rodney Fox schedules vary expedition lengths throughout the year around seasonal shark activity, daylight and weather conditions. The month of August has no trips available due to the vessel’s annual maintenance.
No. Surface cage diving requires no experience. Ocean floor diving requires certification.
Great White Sharks are wild, nomadic animals, so sightings can never be guaranteed. A multi-day Rodney Fox expedition gives you several days at the Neptune Islands rather than relying on a single day’s conditions and shark activity. Contact Dive in Australia and we can help you assess current activity and choose suitable expedition dates.
Yes. Tours operate with strict safety protocols, purpose-built cages, and experienced crews.
Get in touch
Interested in this trip? As a local dive specialist contact me (Steve) for sound advice on comparing your options?
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