- From above
- Drone, Fixed-wing, Boat
SHARK BAY BY BOAT AND SEA! come on a journey unlike any other in this region.
This one’s going to be something truly special.
I’m now taking bookings an all new aerial workshop set in one of Australia’s most remote and visually spectacular coastal regions, Shark Bay. We’ll be based on a beautifully appointed vessel for four nights, cruising into pristine and rarely explored corners of this World Heritage listed landscape, launching drones directly from the deck each day to capture it all from above.
What makes this experience truly unique is the ability to slow everything down. With no pressure to rush from one location to the next, we’ll have the freedom to really sink into each scene. You’ll be able to take your time, study the light, refine your framing and dial in compositions that are thoughtful and layered. This isn’t a frantic shoot and run. It’s an immersive, unhurried way to explore Shark Bay, one that offers creative space and clarity you just don’t get from a car window or the cockpit of a Cessna.
By being based directly on the water, we’ll gain access to locations that are otherwise unreachable, giving us a fresh and intimate perspective on a region already known for its colour and contrast.
What to expect:
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-Daily drone launches from the main vessel as we explore some of the best aerial targets Shark Bay has to offer
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-The use of a support zodiac to access shallow inlets and hidden spots where composition opportunities are truly unique
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-Group editing sessions in the evenings after our shared dinners, where we’ll review work, talk technique, and refine your post processing skills
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-Private cabins and full onboard comfort with all meals and drinks included
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-A spare drone or two on hand, just in case someone gets a little too adventurous
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-One very special, unannounced bonus destination I’ll be revealing during the trip, something I discovered years ago, and you may be the first people ever to photograph it. Think Indiana Jones meets aerial photography
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We’ll be capturing some of Shark Bay’s most iconic features, vivid red sandbanks, winding mangrove channels, brilliant turquoise lagoons, and salt laced reef systems. The workshop is designed to give you the space and time to truly work a scene, try new ideas, and come away with a portfolio full of intentional, high impact imagery.
Key info:
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Dates: Planned for June 10th to 14th 2026, where the temps are mild and the skies are typically clear
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Price range: $9000-$9900 AUD per person, depending on final logistics and cabin type (additional option to bring wife, partner or friend who just wants to enjoy the cruise and share lodging, cannot be droning unfortunately)
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Spots: Limited to 5 participants only with drones + extras who just want to lap in the amazing scenery.
This workshop is suited for intermediate to advanced drone flyers. If you’re new to drones, one on one training can be arranged before we depart to ensure you’re confident and ready to fly safely. You’ll need to bring your own drone, chargers, memory cards, and editing laptop, although I’ll have some backup gear if needed.
Important note on fitness and safety:
While this isn’t an extreme adventure, it’s important that anyone attending has a reasonable level of fitness and no existing medical conditions that could be aggravated by being out on the water. We’ll be staying close to shore in calm, sheltered bays, but you’ll still need to feel comfortable spending 4 nights aboard. This is not a cruise, it’s an immersive creative expedition.
*********Pricing is now confirmed below with one booking of five already taken*************
Cabin Options and Pricing
This all inclusive, small group aerial photography workshop is priced per participant based on cabin type. We’ve kept the structure simple and clear, with private and shared options depending on your preferences.
Workshop price per participant ranges from $9000 to $10,500 AUDdepending on your selected cabin configuration. All cabins are fully serviced, with onboard comfort, private bathrooms, and full catering included.
Available Cabins Onboard (please note, with our limit of 5, if premium and private cabins bookout then the 2 birth and 4 birth rooms will essentially be private)
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One 4 berth cabin with 4 single bunk beds (shared)
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One 2 berth cabin with 2 single bunk beds (shared)
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Two double cabins that can be set up as either one double or two singles (private cabins)[2 Available]
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One ocean view master cabin that can be set up as a queen or two singles (premium cabin)[BOOKED]
Pricing Tiers
| Cabin Type | Configuration | Price Per Person | Guest Add On (Optional) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Bunk Cabin | 4 berth or 2 berth | $9000 pp | Not available | Great for solo travellers comfortable with sharing |
| Private Cabin | Double used solo | $9500 pp | +$2000 | Private cabin for one, option to bring a guest |
| Premium Cabin | Ocean view master | $9900 pp | +$2000 | Spacious upgraded cabin with best views, ideal for couples or extra comfort |
Cabin allocation is on a first come, first served basis so the earlier you book, the more likely you are to secure your preferred cabin type.
Regardless of your selection, all accommodations offer the same high standard of comfort and luxury. This is an immersive, all inclusive experience on the water with great food, beautiful spaces, and plenty of freedom to create.
This is not a shared charter or packaged cruise. We will have the entire boat to ourselves with just our group and the onboard crew. All meals are fully catered with breakfast, lunch and dinner freshly prepared and served to us each day. We will also have full access to the support vessels to explore the bays, channels and reef systems however we like and at our own pace.
The boat has capacity for 12 guests, but by design, this trip will be capped at five participantsmyselfand up to three guests who aren’t flying drones. This ensures a more relaxed, spacious environment for everyone onboard, giving you more room to spread out, reset between shoots, and enjoy the luxury of space.
This is the kind of trip you dream of. Remote, intentional and creatively liberating. With exclusive drone access to Shark Bay’s most untouched locations and the time and freedom to truly work a scene, you will be part of something genuinely special. Be ready for a one of a kind experience.
This could very well be the first workshop of its kind in Shark Bay, so if this sounds like your kind of adventure, To book or to get more details email through to scott@scottjon.com.au and lock in your spot.
Photography, exploration and salty air. This one’s for the aerial diehards.
Before you come
What it's really like
- Weather: cool mornings and mild, sunny days
- A real road trip, with plenty of time in the van between locations and spontaneous stops along the way
- Short walks, up to three or four kilometres return, on uneven ground
- Flights booked around the best light and weather, so plans can change, sometimes on the day
- A mix of hotels, motels and lodges
- Meals together most nights (each person pays for their own)
- A small group and plenty of one on one time
- Comfortable clothes for the outdoors. Nothing formal needed
- A camera body (two if you have them), with a 24-70mm and a 70-200mm
- A wide lens and a sturdy tripod for the ground shoots
- Your drone, spare batteries and propellers, if you fly
- Straps for every camera on the flights
- Warm windproof layers, beanie and gloves for the doors off flights
- Good walking shoes or light hiking boots
- A rain jacket
- A laptop with Lightroom
- Plenty of memory cards and a backup drive
- Anything loose that could blow away on a flight
- A fixed idea of the itinerary. The weather decides the order
Cancellations and travel insurance
More than 90 days before the workshop: full refund, less a change fee of AUD $500 (about USD $330).
Between 90 and 30 days before: I'll move you to a future workshop with a credit for what you've paid, less the change fee. Credits are valid for 12 months.
Within 30 days: payments can't be refunded, as it's very hard to fill a place at short notice. If something genuinely unexpected happens, I'll always do my best to work something out with you.
If I need to cancel: whether it's minimum numbers, weather, aircraft or anything else outside my control, I'll try to reschedule first. Otherwise you can choose a full refund or a credit to another workshop.
Travel insurance is essential. Please arrange cover for cancellation, medical and evacuation from remote areas, and ideally your camera gear too. World Nomads covers travellers from over 100 countries, and guests from the US can also compare plans on Squaremouth.
Good to know
Common questions
Can I sit out a walk?
Of course. If you'd rather skip one of the walks, you're welcome to relax in the van.
What's it like shooting with the doors off?
Loud, windy and unforgettable. You're harnessed in the whole time and everything is strapped to you. One tip: dress warmer than you think you'll need. Even in the tropics it gets cold up there with the door off.
Is there a weight limit for the aircraft?
The pilots need passenger weights to keep everything balanced and safe, so I'll ask you privately when we chat. It stays strictly between you, me and the pilot.
How does booking work?
Just fill in the enquiry form on the workshop page. I'll get back to you, normally within 24 hours, with the booking details, payment information and terms. Your place is confirmed once your deposit is paid.
Do I need aerial experience?
Not at all. As long as you know your way around your camera, I'll guide you through the rest. Shooting from the air feels a little unusual at first, but most people are comfortable by the end of the first flight.
What happens if the weather grounds a flight?
It's part of aerial photography. I build some flexibility into every itinerary and do everything I can to reschedule flights within the trip. The full details are in the terms and conditions.
How confident do I need to be with my drone?
You'll want to be comfortable taking off and landing from uneven ground and flying in a light breeze. If you're still building confidence, a few practice sessions before the trip make a real difference.
When should I arrive?
I recommend arriving the day before we start. Flights can run late, and it means you'll be fresh on day one. I'll send through the meeting point and time before the trip.
How much luggage can I bring?
Usually one medium sized bag for clothes and a second, smaller bag for your camera gear. Soft bags or a well designed hard case are both fine. We play a bit of suitcase Jenga each day, which is all part of the fun.
Will I have my own room?
Yes. Everyone has their own room on all group and private workshops, unless you'd like to share. The accommodation for each trip is listed on its page.
Are meals included?
Meals aren't included in the price, so everyone pays for their own. On group workshops we usually eat together, which is one of the best parts of the trip, but if you'd like a quiet night to yourself that's completely fine.
Will I have phone coverage?
Most of the places we visit have phone coverage, with the occasional blank spot, usually while we're travelling between locations. From 2027 my expedition vehicles have Starlink on board as well, so staying in touch is easy.
Can my partner come along?
Often, yes. It depends on the trip and the seats in the aircraft, so just mention it when you get in touch and we'll work something out.
What if I'd rather do something private?
If the dates don't suit, or you'd like a trip built entirely around you, I also run private tours for one to three people. Have a look at my availability calendar and get in touch.