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Diving on the MV Rodney Fox liveaboard
The MV Rodney Fox offers year-round trips to the Neptune Islands. Itineraries differ in length depending on the season. While your chances to see great white sharks in this area are good all year, the crew has found that December and January as well as mid-April through June have the greatest reliability of sightings.
Note though that September, October and, more recently, February have brought the largest numbers of sharks—so there’s really no bad time to go. October tends to have the clearest water, making it a favorite with underwater photographers. Speaking of photography, older male sharks measuring up to 13 feet (4 m) tend to be most curious and happy to approach the cages and cameras more closely.
Mature female sharks can be even larger, growing up to 16 feet (5 m). Although impressive to see and undoubtedly the highlight of many trips, females tend to be more cautious and are therefore harder to capture on camera.
The MV Rodney Fox welcomes divers as well as snorkelers. To view the sharks, guests don’t necessarily need to get in the water but can choose to watch them from the top deck. In addition, the vessel offers a surface cage for non-divers.
Certified divers will most likely opt for the ocean-floor cage. While the Neptune Islands are a natural habitat for great white sharks, the team does use a natural tuna mix to attract the sharks and increase the chance of sightings.
On many Rodney Fox trips and expeditions, guests can also swim or dive with Australian sea lions, either at the beginning or the end of the trip. October to April is the best time for shore excursions or remote beach exploration. When water conditions don’t allow for that, the team uses its brand-new tender to explore the seal colonies and shorelines as closely as possible.
Depending on the season, guests may also see other shark species, including bronze whaler and mako sharks. Moreover, it’s not uncommon to see different types of rays during dives in the ocean-floor cage.
Highlights:
- Observe great white sharks from the top deck, surface cage, and ocean-floor cage
- Chance of swimming or diving with sea lions
- Tender for shore excursions in these remote islands
Onboard the MV Rodney Fox
The MV Rodney Fox promises ‘three decks of loveliness,’ and while the 104-foot (32 m) vessel is equipped to be comfortable, it’s important to remember that this is an expedition boat rather than a luxury vessel.
In total, the Rodney Fox accommodates 18 guests in a total of nine cabins. Six of those cabins are located on the top deck. With a lower-level queen bed and a single bunk, they are ideal for sharing. Each cabin has a TV and individually controlled air conditioning, and each bed is equipped with its own reading light.
On the lower deck, there are two additional cabins with a set of single bunk beds. Just like the top deck cabins, these twin cabins feature TVs, AC, and reading lights. The most luxurious cabin is the master suite on the top deck. This cabin has a double bed and AC. Plus, it’s the only cabin that has an ensuite bathroom.
Single- and twin-bed cabins share four showers and five toilets, so no one will need to wait too long to brush their teeth or rinse off the salt water.
On the upper deck, there is plenty of space for shark viewing during the day or stargazing at night. The dive deck is equally spacious, allowing all guests to get ready at the same time if necessary.
Highlights:
- Top deck master suite with ensuite bathroom
- Stargazing and surface shark-watching opportunities from the top deck
Dining on the MV Rodney Fox
For many liveaboard fans, the dining experience is a huge part of their trip. On the MV Rodney Fox, guests can even watch their kitchen team at work, thanks to an open-plan salon and galley.
All meals are served buffet-style, allowing guests to help themselves to as much food as they need. The team serves a range of Western-style meals and is happy to cater to dietary restrictions. As always when diving from a liveaboard, let the operators know about any restrictions or allergies ahead of time.
Aside from the main meals, complimentary snacks, including fruit and biscuits, are available all day. Tea, coffee, and water are included in the trip price. The crew also serves a selection of soft drinks with every meal. Additional beverages, beer, wine, and mixed drinks can be purchased from the ship’s bar.
Highlights:
- Three chef-prepared buffet-style meals per day
- Open-plan salon and galley
Things we like:
- Opportunity to spend time with a legendary shark attack survivor and his family on selected trips
- The only liveaboard with access to the remote Neptune Islands
- Choice of surface and ocean-floor shark cages
- Different-length itineraries to accommodate seasons and water conditions
Things we don't like:
- Some of the cabins can be a little noisy
Key Facts
| Year Built | 1976 |
| Max Divers | 18 |
| Price Range | Mid-range |
| Trip Length | 5-7 Nights |
| Internet | No |
| Nitrox | No |
| Equipment Rental | Yes ($) |
| Camera Station | Yes |
| Air Conditioning | Yes |
| Min. Logged Dives | No minimum |
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