Frequently Asked Questions
OCEAN TOURS
When do swim tours operate?
Swim tours operate from October to April annually.
Swimming ability and conditions
Our ocean experience takes place in a beautiful natural environment, and conditions can vary from day to day.
The sea lion interaction takes place around Jones Island, where the water is often shallow enough for guests to stand comfortably for much of the experience. Depending on tides, currents and sea conditions, there may be times when the water is deeper and participants need to swim more.
For this reason, we recommend that all guests have a reasonable level of swimming ability and feel comfortable in the water. As a general guide, participants should be able to swim approximately 50 metres in a pool.
If conditions are more challenging on the day, guests are always welcome to remain on board and enjoy the experience from the vessel. Wildlife viewing from the boat is exceptional, and many younger guests or less confident swimmers find this a great option.
The dolphin swim takes place in deeper, open water and requires a higher level of confidence and fitness. Participants must be comfortable swimming independently, using a mask and snorkel, and returning promptly to the boat when directed by crew. As a result, this part of the experience may not be suitable for younger children or those with limited swimming ability.
Many days offer calm, clear conditions suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. Your safety and enjoyment are always our priority, and we do not operate in conditions we consider unsafe.
If you’re unsure whether the experience is suitable for you or your family, please feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to discuss the conditions, answer any questions, and help you decide if the experience is right for you.
Are the tours suitable for all ages?
Yes, our tour is suitable for guests of all ages. Infants aged 0 to 3 years are welcome on board but are not permitted to participate in the swimming activities and must remain with a parent or guardian at all times.
Children who wish to enter the water should be comfortable in the ocean and have a reasonable level of swimming ability. Conditions vary from day to day, but as a guide, participants should be able to swim approximately 50 metres and feel confident using a mask and snorkel. Around the sea lion colony, the water is often shallow enough for guests to stand comfortably for much of the experience, although deeper water may be encountered depending on tides and conditions.
The dolphin swim takes place in deeper, open water and requires a higher level of confidence and fitness. Participants must be able to swim independently and return promptly to the boat when directed by the crew. For this reason, the dolphin swim may not be suitable for younger children or less confident swimmers.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, with a maximum supervision ratio of two children per adult. Parents and guardians are ultimately responsible for assessing their child’s swimming ability and determining the level of supervision required. Children with lower swimming confidence or additional support needs may require one-to-one supervision.
Are the tours accessible?
Yes, our boat is wheelchair friendly and we’ll do whatever we can to facilitate inclusion of all abilities. Depending on tidal conditions we cannot guarantee wheelchair accessibility. Note that some mobility and self-confidence is required for the swim. We encourage guests to contact us directly so we can discuss individual mobility or accessibility requirements. For guests staying with us, Selkie villa has an accessible ensuite in one of its bedrooms.
Can I attend as a sightseer only, not a swimmer?
Yes, guests are welcome to join the tour without swimming and there are ticket prices to reflect this. It’s likely you’ll still encounter the dolphins and sea lions up close, even from the boat.
Please come prepared to get wet. Sightseers stay onboard rather than stay dry: you wade out to reach the boat, and there is ocean spray once we are moving. Bring a towel and a change of warm clothes.
If you have pre-booked onboard as a sightseer and arrive at Baird Bay, the day is nice and calm and warm and you change your mind and want to swim, all you need to do is advise the staff and they will upgrade your fare to a swim tour.
Is the water calm and safe from ‘other’ sea creatures?
Swimming with the sea lions takes place in a safe, relatively shallow rockpool close to their island home. In fact, you should be able to touch the bottom most of the time. However, the swim with the dolphins is usually in deeper water and at times can have more of a swell.
Although there are white pointer sharks in the waters off the Great Australian Bight, we’ve only seen three in Baird Bay in 30+ years of operation. Of course, it’s a risk we must consider, so our guides wear shark shields at all times when swimming with the dolphins. We also respond to several other environmental indicators of sharks.
Are we in the water on our own?
No. There is always at least one tour guide in the water with you to provide assistance if needed.
What are the best months for the tour?
Mid-November through to mid-March is generally the best time to experience the Baird Bay Experience. During these months, air and water temperatures are at their warmest, conditions are typically more predictable, and the experience is suitable for guests of most ages and confidence levels. Ocean temperatures generally range between 16°C and 18°C during summer.
October to mid-November and mid-March to the end of April can still offer fantastic wildlife encounters, but conditions are often less predictable. Stronger winds, larger swells and cooler water temperatures can make the experience more challenging, particularly for younger children and less confident swimmers. Water temperatures are typically around 10°C to 14°C through spring and autumn.
Because of these more variable conditions, tours during October and April are generally not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
One of the reasons our waters remain so pristine is because the Southern Ocean stays relatively cool year-round. These nutrient-rich conditions support a thriving marine ecosystem and help keep our sea lions and dolphins healthy and active.
How long is the tour?
From arrival to departure, the tour is typically 4-5 hours, with approximately 2-3 hours on the water.
How far do we have to travel by boat?
Travel time to the swimming area is about 15 minutes.
Do we swim with sea lions and dolphins at the same time?
Each day is different, and usually depends on where we find the dolphins. In most cases we swim with the sea lions in a safe, relatively shallow rockpool close to their island home. Occasionally the dolphins will be found in this area too, which means you might swim with both animals during the one swim, but more often than not, the experience takes place across two swims. Meaning, you will get back onto the boat and enter the water for a second time to swim with the dolphins. If your experience ends up being two swims, we typically will venture across the bay to find the dolphins. This is usually in deeper water (although you will still be able to see the bottom of the bay) and at times can have more of a swell. There’s also been a few occasions where we’ve found the dolphins further up the bay, closer to the property.
What happens if the Dolphins and Sea Lions don’t show up?
If swimming is not achieved throughout the tour, we will refund swimming fares back to the level of a sightseeing fare. As all encounters take place in a natural environment, wildlife sightings and interactions cannot be guaranteed.
Each day is different: sometimes the sea lions will upstage the dolphins, then other times the dolphins will steal the show. Either way, we do our best to facilitate an in-water interaction, with a very high success rate. However, this is a wildlife experience, which means we simply can’t provide guarantees.
What do I need to bring?
Be sure to bring a warm, windproof 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.
Are there change rooms and secure storage facilities available?
Yes. Guests have access to private change rooms before and after their tour, making it easy to get comfortable and change into dry clothes following your ocean experience. Lockers are also available for storing personal belongings while you’re out on the water, so you can relax and enjoy the experience knowing your items are secure.
Will I have a chance to shower after the tour?
Guests will have the opportunity to freshen up after the tour with a hot shower in our outdoor shower facility. To acknowledge and respect our precious natural environment, we do not make soap products available for use. We also ask guest to be mindful of water consumption and keep showers brief.
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.
Is there somewhere to eat or enjoy a coffee before or after the tour?
Absolutely. Guests can enjoy barista-made coffee, beverages, light snacks and lunch, all served with beautiful views across the bay. Our restaurant showcases the best of the Eyre Peninsula’s local produce and seafood. Bookings are recommended for lunch to avoid disappointment.
The kitchen is led by our GM Calvin Von Niebel, whose career includes senior roles with Yotam Ottolenghi’s acclaimed restaurant group in London. Calvin’s seasonal menus celebrate exceptional local ingredients and the produce of the Eyre Peninsula.
Is accommodation available in the area?
Yes – the property features two self-contained villas – Selkie (sleeps up to 6) and Eko (sleeps up to 8), perfect for families, friends, or fishing groups seeking a private, comfortable base to explore the region on your own terms.
How do I get to Baird Bay?
The Baird Bay Experience is located in the small coastal village of Baird Bay on the west coast of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula.
By Air
Regular flights operate from Adelaide to the Eyre Peninsula with both QantasLink and Rex Airlines.
Port Lincoln Airport is approximately 55 minutes from Adelaide by air.
Ceduna Airport is approximately 90 minutes from Adelaide by air.
From either airport, a rental car is recommended to reach Baird Bay.
By Road
From Ceduna:
Allow approximately 1 hour 45 minutes’ drive, about 158km.
Travel east on the Eyre Highway before turning onto the Flinders Highway.
Turn right onto Baird Bay Road and continue into Baird Bay.
From Port Lincoln:
Allow approximately 3 to 3.5 hours’ drive, about 280km.
Travel northwest on the Flinders Highway.
Turn left onto Calca Bluff Road.
Continue to Baird Bay Road and follow the signs into Baird Bay.
Whichever direction you’re travelling from, we recommend allowing extra time to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Eyre Peninsula, and to arrive relaxed before your tour.
Important travel note: if you’re travelling during the early morning or around dusk, please be alert for kangaroos and other wildlife on the roads. We recommend reducing your speed and driving to conditions, particularly on regional roads.
Can we bring our dogs?
While we love animals, we don’t have facilities for pets. As Baird Bay is a Marine Sanctuary Zone, dogs need to be supervised at all times. Local pet sitters are available in Streaky Bay and Sceale Bay, just reach out, and we can connect you with them.