They come
to you
Wild sea lions and dolphins, in the same bay, on the same morning
Baird Bay, Eyre Peninsula. Thursday to Monday, October to April. Small groups. No experience needed.
Sea Lion & Dolphin Swims from $300 per adult
Lunch included from $335
Why people make the drive
- Wild sea lions that choose to swim with you, playful, curious and completely free
- The rare chance to encounter dolphins in the same sheltered bay
- An authentic wildlife experience, with animals behaving naturally on their own terms
- Small groups and experienced guides who help everyone feel comfortable in the water
- Calm, crystal-clear waters and a short boat ride to the action
- Thoughtful hospitality, from quality wetsuits to rinse showers, lockers and a memorable lunch
What guests say
A short season. Long memories.
Sea Lion & Dolphin Swims run Thursday to Monday from 1 October to 30 April, weather permitting. View live availability and book online.
Book your Sea Lion & Dolphin Swim
Join one of Australia’s most remarkable wildlife encounters. Wetsuits, outdoor rinse showers and lockers provided, no experience needed. Add a locally inspired lunch to complete the day.
Adult
$335
Includes
- Sea Lion & Dolphin Swim
- Premium wetsuit, mask and gear
- Outdoor rinse showers and lockers
- Experienced guides
- Small group experience
- 2-course chef lunch
Child, 17 and under
$230
Includes
- Sea Lion & Dolphin Swim
- Premium wetsuit, mask and gear
- Outdoor rinse showers and lockers
- Experienced guides
- Small group experience
- 2-course chef lunch
Lunch added on the day is $60 per adult and $30 per child aged 12 and under. Pre-book to save.
Questions before you book
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Our ocean experience takes place in a beautiful, natural environment where conditions can vary from day to day.
Around Jones Island, the home of the sea lion colony, it is often fairly shallow, making it an easy and enjoyable experience where you can have your feet on the ground for much of the time. However, at times conditions may include deeper water due to higher tides or currents resulting from steeper tide changes.
For this reason, we ask that all guests have a reasonable level of swimming ability and feel comfortable in the water (as a guide, being able to swim approximately 50 metres in a pool).
If conditions on the day are a bit challenging, some guests may choose to enjoy the experience from the boat instead. Wildlife viewing from the vessel is still incredible, and this can be a great option for those who are younger or less confident swimmers.
The dolphin swim is takes place in deeper, open water and require a good level of confidence and fitness, as guests need to be able to swim comfortably and return to the boat promptly when instructed. For this reason, dolphin swims may not be suitable for small children or those who are not confident swimmers.
Many days offer calm, idyllic conditions suitable for a wide range of abilities, and your safety is always our priority – we do not operate in unsafe conditions.
If you’re unsure whether this experience is right for you, please feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to chat and help you decide.
What if I do not want to get in?
Guests are more than welcome to stay on the boat and observe from the comfort of the vessel. It’s likely you’ll still encounter the dolphins and sea lions up close, even from the boat.
Are the animals wild?
Yes. We do not feed the animals or encourage interaction through any other means. Any contact with the sea lions and dolphins happens entirely on their terms and in their own time. We are simply visitors to their underwater habitat.
What do I need to bring?
All swim gear is provided, including a wetsuit, snorkell and mask. Hoods and booties are also available. Be sure to bring a jacket to put on after the swim. Also, bring a camera, towel, swimwear and sunscreen.
Please note: Guests should avoid using sunscreen that is not mineral-based before in-water interactions. We recommend using Australian sunscreens with 4 hours of water resistance to minimise wash-off of any UV filters into the water. Once the interaction is completed, and you have returned to the vessel, you are able to apply as much non-mineral-based sunscreen as you like.
What is the temperature of the water?
The Southern Ocean runs cooler than most Australian waters, so we take the cold seriously. Guests are fitted with 7mm wetsuits and hoods, with booties available too for extra warmth. Water temperatures sit between 10 and 14 degrees in spring and autumn, and climb to around 16 degrees in summer.
The Bay itself stays on the crisper side year-round, but once the sea lions and dolphins show up, you’ll forget about the temperature altogether.
What happens if the tour is cancelled?
If a tour is cancelled, we will endeavour to get you on another tour. If that is not convenient within your travel schedule, deposits will be fully refunded.
If the tour goes ahead but conditions mean the swim does not, the swim fare is refunded down to the sightseeing fare.
When do you run?
Sea Lion & Dolphin Swims run from 1 October to 30 April, weather permitting. We generally operate Thursday to Monday, with a small number of exceptions. Live availability is in the booking calendar.
Stay a night while you are here
Two seaside villas at Baird Bay, Selkie sleeps six and Eko sleeps eight. Both are self contained, both look straight out at the water, and both are open all year.