Underwater photographer and diving instructor Carl Charter says the cuttlefish are an exciting marine animal to observe, as they have striking colours and are around the size of an average family dog. Each measures over 30cm and weighs around 5kg.

“As you swim out into the deeper water, you are able to see their shimmering light glittering in the distance, so you head out to follow it and then realise you are surrounded by 15 to 20 cuttlefish,” says Charter.

From June 30 through to July 3, Experiencing Marine Sanctuaries (EMS) will be run guided snorkelling experiences of cuttlefish breeding areas at Stony Point, about 20km north-east of Whyalla.

Charter says the breeding process is “incredible to watch”, with the cuttlefish moving in all directions laying eggs while all the males fight for the females.

Small males come in close and pull in their tentacles to change colour to mimic a female cuttlefish; when a large male isn’t aware he is there, the smaller male swoops in to mate with the female.

Cuttlefish live only for a maximum of two years.

“They are born, they then they come back in their first year to reproduce, and then they usually die,” says Charter.

‘Incredible to watch’ – the giant Australian cuttlefish. Photo: Carl Charter

He says a Whyalla diver told him he had noticed an increase in both the number and size of the cuttlefish returning this season, so snorkellers should be in for an impressive display.

Stony Point is the perfect spot to see the fish, because the waters are quite shallow.

“It’s a really good family activity,” Charter says, explaining that a boardwalk offers easy entry into the water.

Children can venture waist deep into the water and can put their face under the surface to take in all the cuttlefish swimming around them.

Bookings for the snorkelling sessions can be made here (some sessions are already full). More information can also be found on the EMS Facebook page.