DIVE LOG AUSTRALASIA ISSUE 413 AUGUST 25

Clash of the giants - an intense visual duel for dominance and a chance to mate

entry point. A chain handrail offers support over the more slippery sections. Though the walkway improves safety, you’ll still need to step over some uneven rocks— something to consider if you’re carrying fins or a camera setup. Between May and August, tens of thousands of Giant Cuttlefish make their way from the deeper areas of Spencer Gulf to a confined rocky reef zone. Here, they engage in a brief yet dramatic reproductive phase that marks the conclusion of their life cycle. The event transforms the shallow seabed into a dynamic, hue-shifting arena—an underwater spectacle that is as biologically significant as it is visually breathtaking. No other place on Earth hosts such a dense, predictable aggregation of Giant Australian Cuttlefish in such accessible conditions. Stony Point is more than just a South Australian highlight—it’s a globally recognised natural event. The ease of access, combined with the reliability of the spectacle, draws marine scientists, filmmakers, and ocean enthusiasts from around the world to observe the phenomenon—often just metres from shore. Stony Point is widely considered one of the safest and

most beginner-friendly snorkelling spots on this coastline. It’s tucked into False Bay, where the conditions are usually calm and the currents mild. Northerly (off shore) winds tend to bring the best surface condition. Visibility typically ranges between three to five metres in winter. The bottom gradually slopes away from shore, reaching depths of around seven metres some 100 metres out—but there’s rarely a reason to swim that far. Most of the action takes place within just a few metres off the shoreline. The rocky seabed in the shallows makes it easy to spot cuttlefish, whereas further out, increased seagrass and algae cover can obscure them, especially given their remarkable camouflage. Staying close to shore not only improves your chances of seeing them up close. As soon as you dip your head below the surface, you’re likely to find yourself surrounded by these spectacular creatures. The best viewing times are between 10 am and 3 pm, when the animals are most active. Even with gentle conditions, the water remains cold—usually between 14 and 17 °C—so a good-quality at least 5mm open cell wetsuit is essential. There are no lifeguards or rangers on site, so it’s important to snorkel with a buddy and follow standard safety precautions. For those properly prepared,

A male and female Giant Cuttlefish embrace in a delicate, head-to-head mating posture

37

Dive Log Australasia #413 August‘25

www.divelog.net.au