25/06/2026
Important Update – 2026 Giant Australian Cuttlefish Season
After a late start to winter, with warmer-than-usual water temperatures persisting into early June, our team has been monitoring the Cuttlefish Coast near Point Lowly on a daily basis, looking for signs of the annual migration.
Unfortunately, those signs have not eventuated.
With water temperatures now approaching 13°C, and following extensive surveys conducted by our dive guides both underwater and from Cutty's glass-bottom boat, we can confirm that there are currently next to no Giant Australian Cuttlefish present on the reef.
After carefully considering the situation, the Whyalla Dive Shop and Cutty's Tours have made the extremely difficult decision to cancel our 2026 Giant Australian Cuttlefish seasons. As a result, we will not be operating guided dive or snorkel tours, glass-bottom boat tours, or equipment hire for the remainder of the season.
This decision has not been made lightly. We understand that many visitors have planned holidays months in advance, with the cuttlefish aggregation as the highlight of their trip. However, based on the conditions we are seeing every day, we cannot in good faith encourage people to travel to Whyalla expecting to experience the aggregation.
We also ask that visitors respect the few remaining animals on the reef. With such low numbers present, allowing them to remain undisturbed gives them the best possible opportunity to complete their breeding cycle without unnecessary human interference.
All existing bookings will be cancelled, and all deposits and payments will be refunded by the end of next week. Our team will be in contact with all affected guests directly.
While the exact cause of this year's non-arrival is not yet known, there are several likely contributing factors. These include the Harmful Algal Bloom, changes in cuttlefish predator populations associated with fisheries management, and ongoing changes in ocean conditions with the rapid advancement of climate change. At this stage, no single cause has been identified, and further research is needed to better understand what has occurred.
The Whyalla Dive Shop will continue working alongside researchers and organisations including Eyre Lab, Flinders University, and The University of Adelaide to monitor the population and support ongoing research into the Giant Australian Cuttlefish aggregation. We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.
To everyone who has supported us over the years by diving, snorkelling, or joining our tours, thank you. Your enthusiasm for this incredible natural phenomenon has helped us share one of South Australia's most unique marine experiences with visitors from around the world.
To those who were planning to visit this season, we are truly sorry for the disappointment. We remain hopeful that the aggregation will recover, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Whyalla in future seasons.
Sincerely,
The Whyalla Dive Shop and Cutty's Glass Bottom Boat Tour's Teams
