Half Day
OCEAN TOURS
Embark on an unrivalled aquatic experience with Wild Sea Lions & Dolphins, in the safe and shallow waters of Baird Bay.
Located in a small fishing village 280kms north of Port Lincoln/50kms south of Streaky Bay, Baird Bay Experience offers an unrivalled aquatic experience with wild sea lions and dolphins in the pristine waters of the Eyre Peninsula.
Embark on a wild interactive tour for 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.
Jump aboard our expedition boat for an 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. As we moor in chest-deep water, the sea lions 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 tranquillity, swimming alongside friendly dolphins.
The experience concludes back on land. After a hot shower and time to freshen up, enjoy a regionally inspired lunch or afternoon tasting platter featuring freshly caught seafood and local produce, designed and cooked by our acclaimed chef. Sip on local wines and soak in the sun’s inviting rays as the unique moments from your underwater experience become core memories.
It’s an experience unlike any other suitable for children and adults alike.
Inclusions
Times & Rates
Ocean tours operate daily, year-round except for a seasonal closure in July. During the months of June and August, non-swimming coastal sightseeing tours are offered.
- Swim, snorkel and photograph wild sea lions and dolphins in their natural habitat
- Interaction guaranteed
- Wetsuit, mask and snorkel included
- No more than 14 passengers onboard
- Onboard refreshments provided, followed by a regionally inspired lunch prepared by an acclaimed chef
- Hot water shower facilities available
- 5-6 hour tour
Tour Departure
9:00am, for a 9:45am departure
During the summer high season, when the morning session is full, we will offer a second tour at 12:45pm, for a 1:30pm departure
All passengers required to arrive 45 minutes before tour commences for safety briefing and wetsuit, mask and snorkel fitting. Please note the vessel departs on time at 9:45am or 1:30pm sharp.
2025 Rates
Adult Swimming: $325.00
Adult Non-Swimming: $300.00
Child (under 17yrs) Swimming: $220.00
Child (under 17yrs) Non swimming: $180.00
About
JOnes Island
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 late 2024, which found the population had grown significantly with 32 pup births recorded. With Australian sea lions classed as endangered, it’s pleasing to see the colony thrive with Jones Island playing a unique role as one of the few colonies around Australia where pup counts have continuously risen over the last decade.
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. An 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. More recently the team has seen up to 70 dolphins in the bay with two calves born in early 2025 alone.
As an ECO Certified Tourism business, Baird Bay Experience works closely with the Department for Environment and Water, and its regional counterparts, to monitor the local marine population and ensure the health and well-being of the inhabitants of Baird Bay.