πΈ Underwater Photography Retreat β 2-Day Masterclass with Matt Testoni
Dive Trip - Go Dive Tasmania
β UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY RETREAT
2-Day Masterclass with Matt Testoni
(PADI MSDT Instructor β’ Marine Biologist β’ SEACREATURES Creator)
Hosted at The Adventure Lodge β Taranna, Tasmania
πΈ ABOUT THE RETREAT
Join us for a premium two-day underwater photography experience with Matt Testoni β one of Australiaβs leading marine photographers, a Marine Biologist, PADI Instructor, and creator of the SEACREATURES podcast.
Through a combination of guided shore & boat dives, editing workshops, and personalised coaching, youβll dramatically elevate your underwater photography skills.
π EVENT DETAILS
π Location
The Adventure Lodge
5929 Arthur Highway, Taranna
π« GoPros Not Included
This workshop is for dedicated underwater cameras only
(Compact / Mirrorless / DSLR / Strobe setups)
πβοΈ WHATβS INCLUDED
π¦ Four Guided Dives
-
2 Γ Shore dives (Sunday)
-
2 Γ Boat dives (Monday)
-
Free tank fills
-
Dive gear storage, wash area & drying room
-
In-water photography coaching with Matt
π« WORKSHOPS WITH MATT TESTONI
π Sunday Workshop (4:00pm β 8:00pm)
(Fruit platter provided)
-
Editing workflows (Lightroom + others)
-
Colour correction for temperate water
-
Storytelling through your images
-
Framing, lighting & behaviour strategies
-
Social media & content planning
-
Camera maintenance
-
Q&A session
π Monday Wrap-Up (2:00pm β 3:30pm)
(Fruit platter provided)
-
Printing & exporting
-
What to do with your images long-term
-
Portfolio building
-
Improvement plan for next steps
π PRE-RETREAT PORTFOLIO REVIEW
Each participant submits 5 images before the event.
-
Personalised feedback & improvement notes from Matt
-
Tailored direction to maximise growth over the weekend
π BONUSES
-
50% off accommodation at The Adventure Lodge
-
10% off one future boat dive (unique discount code)
-
Workshop notes included
-
Free tank fills all weekend
-
Optional rental of Go Dive shop camera rig
π§π€π§ WHO CAN JOIN
-
Certified Open Water Divers (18m minimum)
-
Suitable for beginner to advanced photographers
-
Must use a photography camera (no GoPros)
π§ CAMERA RENTAL (SHOP CAMERA)
A full underwater camera system is available for rent.
Limited quantity β reserve early.
π FULL SCHEDULE
π¦ Sunday
-
8:00am β 2:00pm β Two guided shore dives
-
4:00pm β 8:00pm β Photography workshop + fruit platter
π¦ Monday
-
8:00am β 2:00pm β Two guided boat dives
-
2:00pm β 3:30pm β Final workshop + fruit platter
π§ WHAT TO BRING
-
Your underwater camera rig
-
Dive certification card
-
Warm clothing
-
Snacks & water
-
Laptop or tablet for editing workshop (recommended)
π¬ FAQ
Do I need to be advanced certified?
No β Open Water with 18m rating is fine.
Can beginners join?
Yes. This retreat is designed to help all levels improve.
Do you allow GoPros?
No β this workshop is specifically for underwater photography rigs only.
Is gear rental available?
Yes β all dive gear can be rented, plus our shop camera is available.
Where do the dives happen?
Sunday: local shore sites
Monday: Eaglehawk Neck boat dives (weather dependent)
Your Local Dive Store
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Description
- FAQS
- ACCOMMODATION
- BOOKINGΒ CONDITIONS
- Reviews
β UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY RETREAT
2-Day Masterclass with Matt Testoni
(PADI MSDT Instructor β’ Marine Biologist β’ SEACREATURES Creator)
Hosted at The Adventure Lodge β Taranna, Tasmania
πΈ ABOUT THE RETREAT
Join us for a premium two-day underwater photography experience with Matt Testoni β one of Australiaβs leading marine photographers, a Marine Biologist, PADI Instructor, and creator of the SEACREATURES podcast.
Through a combination of guided shore & boat dives, editing workshops, and personalised coaching, youβll dramatically elevate your underwater photography skills.
π EVENT DETAILS
π Location
The Adventure Lodge
5929 Arthur Highway, Taranna
π« GoPros Not Included
This workshop is for dedicated underwater cameras only
(Compact / Mirrorless / DSLR / Strobe setups)
πβοΈ WHATβS INCLUDED
π¦ Four Guided Dives
-
2 Γ Shore dives (Sunday)
-
2 Γ Boat dives (Monday)
-
Free tank fills
-
Dive gear storage, wash area & drying room
-
In-water photography coaching with Matt
π« WORKSHOPS WITH MATT TESTONI
π Sunday Workshop (4:00pm β 8:00pm)
(Fruit platter provided)
-
Editing workflows (Lightroom + others)
-
Colour correction for temperate water
-
Storytelling through your images
-
Framing, lighting & behaviour strategies
-
Social media & content planning
-
Camera maintenance
-
Q&A session
π Monday Wrap-Up (2:00pm β 3:30pm)
(Fruit platter provided)
-
Printing & exporting
-
What to do with your images long-term
-
Portfolio building
-
Improvement plan for next steps
π PRE-RETREAT PORTFOLIO REVIEW
Each participant submits 5 images before the event.
-
Personalised feedback & improvement notes from Matt
-
Tailored direction to maximise growth over the weekend
π BONUSES
-
50% off accommodation at The Adventure Lodge
-
10% off one future boat dive (unique discount code)
-
Workshop notes included
-
Free tank fills all weekend
-
Optional rental of Go Dive shop camera rig
π§π€π§ WHO CAN JOIN
-
Certified Open Water Divers (18m minimum)
-
Suitable for beginner to advanced photographers
-
Must use a photography camera (no GoPros)
π§ CAMERA RENTAL (SHOP CAMERA)
A full underwater camera system is available for rent.
Limited quantity β reserve early.
π FULL SCHEDULE
π¦ Sunday
-
8:00am β 2:00pm β Two guided shore dives
-
4:00pm β 8:00pm β Photography workshop + fruit platter
π¦ Monday
-
8:00am β 2:00pm β Two guided boat dives
-
2:00pm β 3:30pm β Final workshop + fruit platter
π§ WHAT TO BRING
-
Your underwater camera rig
-
Dive certification card
-
Warm clothing
-
Snacks & water
-
Laptop or tablet for editing workshop (recommended)
π¬ FAQ
Do I need to be advanced certified?
No β Open Water with 18m rating is fine.
Can beginners join?
Yes. This retreat is designed to help all levels improve.
Do you allow GoPros?
No β this workshop is specifically for underwater photography rigs only.
Is gear rental available?
Yes β all dive gear can be rented, plus our shop camera is available.
Where do the dives happen?
Sunday: local shore sites
Monday: Eaglehawk Neck boat dives (weather dependent)
β Frequently Asked Questions β Go Dive Tasmania Boat Dives
π° How much is equipment rental?
We offer flexible rental packages depending on your needs. Visit our Rental Equipment Pricing page for full details. Gear must be collected from our Hobart store at least the day before your scheduled dive.
π Where do the dives depart from?
Our dive vessels typically launch from Eaglehawk Neck or Port Arthur, depending on conditions. Your final meeting location will be confirmed via email the day before your dive.
π What time and where do we meet?
Meet at our Dive Lodge in Taranna (about 1 hour from Hobart) by 7:45 AM, unless otherwise stated. Full directions and timing will be emailed the day prior.
π Please note: You must visit our Hobart store at least the day before to organise equipment rental.
π Do you provide transport from Hobart?
No, we do not provide transport. All divers must arrange their own transport to and from the dive sites. There is no public transport that aligns with our departure times β we recommend hiring a car if needed.
π§ How many dives are included?
Each standard trip includes 2 boat dives, unless otherwise specified on the booking page.
π§βπ€βπ§ Do I need a dive buddy?
If you donβt have a buddy, let us know in advance and weβll do our best to pair you up on the day. Solo divers may be required to book a private guide if a buddy cannot be arranged.
π§βπ« Do you offer dive guides?
Yes β private dive guides are available for $185 per group or individual. Must be booked in advance via email and are subject to availability.
π§³ What should I bring on the day?
We recommend:
- Your dive certification card
- Towel and warm clothes for after the dive
- Small dry bag (our boat is a wet deck)
- Water bottle and snacks
- Beanie, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Seasickness tablets (if needed)
- Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) β mandatory for all divers (rentals available)
π What are the booking requirements?
To join a Go Dive boat trip, you must:
- Be a certified diver (minimum Open Water certification)
- Have the appropriate certification level for the dive site
- Complete our online waiver form prior to diving β no exceptions
- Collect rental gear from our Hobart store the day before
- Bring or rent an SMB
β Whatβs not included in the trip?
- Equipment hire (including tanks & weights)
- Transport to/from the dive site
- Dive guides (optional extra)
- Meals & drinks
π Is accommodation available nearby?
Yes! Stay at our Dive Lodge in Taranna, just minutes from the boat ramp. Enjoy comfy hostel-style bunks, a communal kitchen, and a relaxed dive vibe. Ask us about availability.
π¬ Can I choose my own dive date?
Only dates listed on our booking page are available. Our "Buy Now, Choose Dates Later" option allows you to secure your spot, but you must still choose from the published schedule.
β οΈ What is your cancellation policy?
Please review our full Booking Conditions, but in summary:
- More than 5 days' notice: 20% cancellation fee applies
- Less than 5 days' notice: No refund
- Go Dive cancellations (e.g. weather): Full refund or reschedule offered
- No-shows: No refund
We recommend dive or travel insurance to cover any unexpected changes.
πΏ Why Stay With Us?
Located just minutes from our dive departure points at Eaglehawk Neck and Port Arthur, the lodge is the perfect base for a stress-free dive trip. Wake up close to the water, gear up with ease, and relax post-dive in a social and scenic setting.
ποΈ Features & Facilities
- 12 single bunk rooms
- Cosy lounge area
- Fully-equipped communal kitchen
communal kitchen - Large deck area for post-dive relaxing or group meals
- Secure dive shed for overnight gear storage
- Warm showers
The Dive Lodge is ideal for:
- Students on our PADI Open Water or Advanced Courses
- Certified divers booked on our Boat Dives
- Private groups or clubs after an exclusive charter experience
π What to Bring
- Bedding (sleeping bag or doona, and pillowcase)
- Towel and personal toiletries
- Your own food and drink (we provide a full kitchen for meal prep)
- Warm clothes
Looking for local eats? There are a handful of general stores and cafes nearby β but we recommend being self-sufficient for the most flexible and affordable stay.
π§Ύ Booking Info
Accommodation can be added on to your dive or course booking β just ask our team!
It's affordable, clean, and set up with divers in mind.
Need help planning your stay or booking a group?
π© Contact us and weβll get everything sorted for you.
Go Dive Tasmania β Booking Conditions
By booking any activity with Go Dive Tasmania, you acknowledge and agree to the following terms and conditions. Please read carefully before making your booking.
1. General Conditions
- All participants must complete an information and liability waiver prior to the activity. Completion is mandatory β no exceptions.
- ou are responsible for booking an activity suitable to your certification level and confirming you are medically fit to participate.
- All courses and activities are conducted in English only. For safety reasons, translation is not permitted.
- Go Dive Tasmania reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any activity due to weather, safety concerns, instructor availability, minimum numbers, or other operational reasons.
2. Dive Trips & Snorkelling Sessions
Eligibility
- Minimum 4 participants are required for trips to run. Solo bookings are welcome but trips only proceed once minimum numbers are met.
- All divers must hold the correct certification for the dive booked.
Cancellations by Customer
- Up to 5 days prior: 20% cancellation fee applies.
- Less than 5 days prior: No refund.
- No-shows or late arrivals may be treated as a cancellation without refund.
Cancellations by Go Dive
- If we must cancel due to weather, safety, or operational issues:
You may transfer to a new date (within 12 months, subject to availability), or
Receive a full refund. - Go Dive Tasmania decides whether conditions are suitable to proceed.
Partial Trips
- If a trip is interrupted after departure, any refunds or credits will be at Go Diveβs discretion, based on the portion completed.
Recommendation
- We strongly recommend obtaining travel or dive insurance to cover non-refundable costs due to personal cancellations, illness, or emergencies.
4. Gift Vouchers β βBuy Now, Choose Dates Laterβ
- Valid for 3 years from purchase date.
- Treated as a gift voucher. To redeem, you must provide the original receipt.
- Vouchers are not redeemable for cash.
- Dates must be selected from those listed online; custom dates are not included.