About Baird Bay
In Baird Bay, Eyre Peninsula
Swim with Sea Lions and Dolphins
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 21 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.
“A must-do when travelling Eyre Peninsula!”
Baird Bay Dolphin Swims
The Dolphins are so different from the Sea Lions, they are so close but at the same time keep themselves slightly aloof, with what seems to be a magical element. As with the Sea Lions, our friendship with the Dolphins began humbly, simply and with no knowledge.
Our first encounter with the Dolphins was a couple of years on from the Sea Lions as we rarely saw a Dolphin in the bay when fishing. As the interaction began so naturally, we cannot remember exactly when this friendship began, or why it happened. But we are glad that it did!
“Play with the puppies of the sea!”
About Jones Island, South Australia
In 1992, Jones Island Sea Lion population was thought to be around 25 to 35 Adult Sea Lions with around 6 pups thought to have been born. 2015/16 the Sea Lion population has grown to have approximately 120 Adult Sea Lions with the minimum pup birth number being around 20 per season.
There has never been official counts of the Dolphins in Baird Bay, so numbers are only official to Alan and Trish by their observation. First sightings put the numbers to around 4 maximum with sightings only occasional, with no calves being seen at all in the Bay until 1998. 2020 maintains around 25 in the resident pod of Dolphins with at least 4 calves being born each year in Baird Bay.
“Swimming with Sea Lions is an experience you will never forget!”
Contact Us
If you have any questions about Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience then please contact us via our email contact form or by calling us.