Swimming with sea lions in Jurien Bay is one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in Western Australia.
In this guide, we’ll share exactly how you can swim with sea lions in Jurien Bay, helpful tips to plan your trip, what to expect on the day, what to bring — and the best ways to book it (+ a cheeky promo code).
Table of Contents
FAQ about the tour:
When is the best time to swim with sea lions?
We would recommend going in the shoulder season, e.g March-May or September-November.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Basic swimming skills are required but you don’t need to be a strong swimmer as the crew can provide you with life jackets.
They also provide observer-only tickets if you are not comfortable getting in the water.
Is it suitable for kids?
Definitely! Jurien Bay Oceanic allows kids from the age of 2 to participate in the water, and sea lions are actually naturally drawn to kids.
Am I guaranteed to swim with sea lions?
Jurien Bay Oceanic has a 100% sighting guarantee but they cannot guarantee sea lion interactions in the water as the tours are done ethically and they don’t force interactions. The sea lions’ welfare comes first!
They do however offer a return tour free of charge if you don’t get to swim with them.
Everything you need to know:
Where is Jurien Bay and why should you visit?
Jurien Bay is a laid-back coastal gem located about 2.5 hours north of Perth. Home to beautiful white sandy beaches and great fishing spots.
It’s also one of the best spots in all of Australia to swim with wild Australian sea lions.
What is it like to swim with sea lions in Jurien Bay?
Swimming with sea lions in Jurien Bay is one of our favourite wildlife encounters. It altered our brain chemistry and we could not stop smiling for hours after the tour ended.
Imagine jumping into beautiful turquoise waters and being greeted by these curious sea lions twirling around in the water around you. You might have heard people refer to them as ‘puppies of the sea’ and you’ll instantly see why.
When is the best time to swim with sea lions in Jurien Bay?
The tours in Jurien Bay operate year-round, weather permitting.
Shoulder season: March–May and September–November
Conditions: Warm but not too hot, with calm ocean conditions and less crowds
Mid-winter: June-August
Conditions: Colder and waters can be more rough but less crowds
Summer: December–January
Conditions: Hot and peak holiday season so likely to be crowded
Best tour option and how to book:
It’s best to book your tour in advance as spots are limited, but you can easily book your tickets online.
We booked through Jurien Bay Oceanic and had an amazing experience. They are eco-friendly and usually operate in smaller groups and prioritise the welfare of the sea lions, which is extremely important to us!
Booking was super easy, checking in on the day was effortless and we were provided with all the necessary gear (wet suits and snorkel gear).
We also had lots of photos and videos of the day provided through google drive after the tour ended completely for free.
If you use the code OTP10, you’ll get a discount at checkout.
What to bring:
Wet suits and snorkel gear should be included by all tour operators, but double check before booking.
Other items we recommend bringing:
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Change of clothes
- Dry bag – we like the Sea to Summit bags.
- Quick-dry towel
- Underwater housing or action camera – we use the DJI Osmo Action 4 and the diving accessory kit
- Anti-fog spray (if you want your own)
- Snacks and water
- Sea sickness tablets if you’re prone
Is it ethical to swim with sea lions in Jurien Bay:
Swimming with sea lions in Jurien Bay is done ethically which truly makes the experience so much more magical.
They follow strict guidelines and are only allowed to be anchored near the island for a certain amount of time and we are also only allowed to be in the water for a certain amount of time as well.
They do not entice the sea lions or bait them in any way. Whether they come out to play is entirely their choice.
Our best tips:
Booking in advance is definitely a must do to avoid missing out on this amazing experience.
We also recommend bringing your own underwater camera so you’re not relying on your guide to capture those epic moments.
Keep in mind that long handles e.g selfie sticks or the Insta 360 invisible stick are not permitted though.
We also recommend arriving at least 15 minutes ahead of your tours departure time as you need to check in and get your wet suits etc.
We found that the sea lions were more inclined to interact with us because we tried to copy their swimming style and were diving down into the water etc. It made them really curious and it was so much fun. Just make sure you still give them enough space and never touch them.
Our favourite moments from the tour:
It’s hard to choose between so many amazing moments but jumping in the water full of anticipation and seeing the sea lions twirl around us for the first time was incredible.
We also got to swim with one of the bigger males at first as they like to come out and make sure we’re treating his ladies right!
We really enjoyed speaking to our guides and learning more about the Australian sea lion and what makes them so special.
All in all it was a great day and we would definitely do it again.
Other things to do around Jurien Bay:
- Visit Sandy Cape Recreational Park
- Sand boarding at Lancelin Sand Dunes
- Check out The Pinnacles Desert on the way in or out
- Grab breakfast and coffee at Meraki
Tip: We were provided a discount to Meraki from Jurien Bay Oceanic at the end of our tour!
Final words:
Swimming with sea lions in Jurien Bay is easily one of the most playful and fun wildlife experiences we have ever had in Western Australia.
It’s a great stop along the way if you’re road tripping from Perth to Ningaloo, check our full 10-day itinerary, or if you’re just escaping Perth for a weekend.
Read these next:
- Perth to Exmouth Itinerary
- 15 Best Day Trips from Perth
- 10 Best Snorkelling Spots Around Perth
- 10 Amazing Adventure Experiences in WA
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