The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
It is official – the Giant Australian Cuttlefish have begun to arrive! The water temperatures are cooling down (19°C) and the cuttlefish are getting ready for their intense mating season…
We did a shore dive from Black Point, a site slightly west from the iconic Stony Point. Just five minutes into the dive, after descending only three meters, we were greeted by five giant cuttlefish—two of which were already locked in a battle over a female. Each male was just over a foot long (with tentacles curled in), aggressively pushing and shoving while flashing vibrant colors in an attempt to outdo the other. After one male flared his body to appear larger, he won the standoff and wasted no time—confidently approaching the female, and the two briefly paired up to mate.
Not long after, the dive followed a similar pattern two or three more times. In addition to watching pairs form, we saw some cuttlefish extend their two longer feeding arms in search of shrimp and krill—fuel for the energy-intensive mating season. Others tucked themselves deep into the shelved rocks, while a few swam freely in the open ocean. Occasionally, they used their chromatophores to rapidly shift color and blend in with their surroundings, likely to avoid nearby snappers swimming by.
Perhaps one of the more surprising moments came when a cuttlefish suddenly darted past us in the blink of an eye. It disappeared into the seaweed, transforming its smooth skin into a bumpy, ridged texture to blend in. When we turned to see what it was running from, all we could spot was a large, inky cloud drifting silently through the water.
As the dive came to a close, it hit me just how lucky we are to witness these cuttlefish in action—and in such incredible numbers. Whyalla is one of the few places in the world where you can experience this phenomenon, and it’s definitely not one to miss. From their intense, sneaky mating battles to their impressive camouflaging skills, it is a reminder of just how much happens beneath the surface that we still have not discovered. Needless to say, my first experience with these colorful giants did not disappoint.
What to Know If You’re Coming to Dive Here
Where to rent gear and find a scuba/snorkel guide? – Whyalla Dive, of course! After 30 years in the business, this dive shop has undergone a massive upgrade and renovation, gearing up for another unforgettable season. And better yet, if the water temperature sounds a bit daunting to you, Cutty’s has a glass bottom boat for you to stay dry in.
Don’t get here too late! – The best time to witness this phenomenon is from early June through late July or early August. Since ocean temperatures are taking longer to drop, the cuttlefish are also arriving a bit later. In past years, the mating season—often involving tens of thousands of cuttlefish—typically began in May. But now, with numbers steadily increasing, it is clear the peak of the intense and crowded mating season is just around the corner.
Best conditions: Slack tide is when the water is not rising nor falling. During this time, the water is calmer, which usually means better visibility for diving.
Average Visibility: 5-10 meters
Average Depth to see Cuttlefish: 2-4 meters– perfect for snorkelers as well.
Average Water Temp: 13°C - 18°C is the most ideal.
Gear: Yes, its chilly in there with the cuttlefish! A 7+mm wetsuit (or drysuit if you are a wimp like me) is ideal. Gloves, thick dive boots, and a hood are recommended as well. Keep in mind you will be slightly more buoyant than you are use to if cold water diving is not your norm.
Respect the wildlife: Try to stay off the bottom of the ocean floor and avoid crowding the cuttlefish—they are out here trying to secure some successful heirs, let them work their magic.
What else is here: Aside from masses of cuttlefish you might see fur seals, dolphins, rays, snapper, and even humpback whales in the distance if you are lucky enough! All of these have been spotted swimming through recently.
