The wait is over…the majestic Humpback Whales that migrate past Lady Elliot Island each year have graced us with their presence again. We’re delighted to hear whale song while snorkelling and diving. Our guests get a thrill from spotting whales daily from the shoreline, our glass bottom boats and plane.
Last week, some lucky divers waiting at the surface were treated to an unforgettable experience when a whale surfaced just metres away before leisurely spending time near the Lighthouse Bommies. We recently farewelled the Project Manta and Leaf to Reef teams from the University of Sunshine Coast who captured footage of turtles foraging, assessed the health of these ecosystem engineers, and conducted manta ray fieldwork in collaboration with the Okinawa Churashima Foundation. For the first time on Australia’s east coast, they used ultrasound as a minimally invasive tool to study the reproductive biology of reef manta rays - a major step forward in gathering the data needed to support their conservation. Learn more about what they get up to here. As this year marks the 50th anniversary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, one of the world's first and largest marine protected areas, we are shining the light on the power and impact of the green zone system. Read more about how Lady Elliot Island holds a special place in this conservation legacy in our latest blog here. Lastly, if you’re keen to experience Turtle Season on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, this is your final chance to book our 3-night Turtle Trek Package starting from $1,346 per adult (twin/triple share in an Eco Cabin). See our website or read more below. As always, we love seeing your photos and videos online so don’t forget to tag us #ladyelliotisland when you share your memories. We hope to welcome you to Lady Elliot Island soon. P.S. in case you missed it, check out this incredible humpback whale encounter captured by Dr Asia Haines from Project Manta on Facebook here. | 
