About Baird Bay Experience
The Baird Bay Experience offers an unrivalled aquatic experience with wild sea lions and dolphins in the pristine waters of the Eyre Peninsula.
Located in the small coastal holiday village of Baird Bay, 280kms north of Port Lincoln/50kms south of Streaky Bay, the region offers secluded beaches, abundant wildlife and rugged natural beauty.
The Experience
Jump aboard our expedition boat for a half-day adventure within the safe and shallow waters of Baird Bay. We begin with a short cruise to Jones Island, the natural home and habitat of our sea lion friends; and don’t be surprised to see some local pelicans leading the way. As we moor in chest-deep water, the sealions will come to us, in their time, on their terms. We do not feed them, but simply join their aquatic playtime in the calm and protected rockpools surrounding their home. We then venture to another nearby rockpool to experience ultimate tranquility, swimming alongside friendly dolphins… who seem to know just how beautiful they are!
Embarking on a wild interactive tour of the pristine waters of the Eyre Peninsula gives you the opportunity to interact with some of the most intelligent marine mammals on earth, in their home, at their invitation. Small intimate groups, of no more than 14 passengers, mean you get to swim with these wild ocean animals without clusters of people around you, ensuring you get one on one time with these incredible animals.
It’s an experience unlike any other suitable for children to Grandparents, everyone will love it!
Please view our Frequently Asked Questions here.
About Jones Island Sea Lions and Dolphins
In 1992, the Jones Island sea lion population was thought to be around 25 to 35 adult sea lions with around six pups born. The last approximate count of sea lions took place in 2016, which found the population had grown to have around 120 adult sea lions with the minimum pup birth number of around 20 per season.
There has never been official count of the dolphins in Baird Bay, so numbers are only based on observation. First sightings put the numbers at around four with only occasional sightings and no calves being seen at all in the bay until 1998. The last approximate count was conducted in 2020 and recorded around 25 in the resident pod of dolphins with at least four calves being born each year in Baird Bay.
As an ECO Certified Tourism business, Baird Bay Experience works closely with the Department for Environment and Water, and it’s regional counterparts, to monitor the local marine population and ensure the health and well-being of the inhabitants of Baird Bay.
About The Business
In 1992, Alan and Patricia Payne created a family-owned business in Baird Bay, a small and remote coastal village situated on the West Coast of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. After growing the business (and living their coastal dream) for 31 years, Alan and Patricia entrusted this important and sensitive operation to their long-time friends who continue the business today. The Payne’s innovation and influence will live on at Baird Bay into the future, as will their undying commitment to this exceptional natural environment.