Swim with sea lions in South Australia at Baird Bay

It is not possible to swim with sea lions in Adelaide. But it is possible to do so on a snorkelling tour elsewhere in South Australia, with the Baird Bay sea lions on the Eyre Peninsula.

There are plenty of excellent wildlife experiences in or near Adelaide. It is possible to swim with dolphins on a cruise from Glenelg marina, while there are plenty of koalas and native Australian birds to be found at the Morialta Conservation Park near Morialta Falls. Meanwhile, about an hour away from the city in Goolwa, pelicans and rare migratory birds can be seen on a Coorong kayaking tour.

Swimming with sea lions in Baird Bay

Swim with sea lions in Adelaide, though? Nope – there are some that live close to the city, but no snorkelling tours go out to visit them. If you’ve heard rumour of sealion swims in Adelaide, they’re probably referring to the trips run by Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience.

Now, these sea lion swim tours are in South Australia (hence the possible confusion). But South Australia is a very big place, and Baird Bay is at the western end of the Eyre Peninsula, near the start of the Nullarbor Plain. That’s a 700km drive from Adelaide to Baird Bay, taking seven-and-a-half-hours without stops.

Clearly, you’re only going to go near Baird Bay if you’re playing golf while driving across the Nullarbor towards Kalgoorlie and Perth. Either that, or you’re spending a few days taking in the Eyre Peninsula’s highlights, such as the oyster farms of Coffin Bay and shark cage diving from South Australian town Port Lincoln.

Where is Baird Bay?

Trouble is, the Eyre Peninsula is also massive, and Baird Bay is a three hour drive away from Port Lincoln, nearer Murphy’s Haystacks, Sceale Bay and Streaky Bay. You really, really have to want to swim with the Baird Bay sea lions if you’re going to go there.

This is a huge shame, because it is one of the most magical experiences available in Australia.

Jones Island sea lion colony in South Australia

The colony of Australian sea lions is around 140 strong, and lives on Jones Island just off the coast. Tour operator Alan Payne has spent nearly three decades bonding with the Jones Island colony, starting by operating fishing tours then diversifying into the sea lion swims.

When he started swimming with the sea lions, they would be spooked by the boat getting within 100 metres. Now they merrily play around next to Alan and his guests.

Once the sea lions have finished playfighting on the beach, splashing in sea caves or sitting in the rocks, they head a natural pool. This sheltered spot at the entrance to the bay protects the sea lions from predators, namely sharks.

Their playfulness is extraordinary. They glide on up, almost to the point where their noses are nudging the snorkel mask. They swim underneath and back out on the other side. And they don’t half pose for the camera.

The sea lions also have remarkable speed and agility, twisting and turning in the water like gymnasts. They also do backflips out of the water.

It quickly becomes apparent that the sea lions aren’t just tolerating their guests – they enjoying copying them. If the humans move and splash, the young sealions will attempt to mimic.

Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience prices

It’s this special relationship, built up over many years, that makes the swimming with sea lions experience at Baird Bay so astonishing. It wouldn’t be possible anywhere else, simply because the effort has not been put in anywhere else. The cruises depart at 9am and cost $180. It may be a long way from Adelaide, but swimming with sea lions is one of the most incredible experiences available in Australia.

Less costly, and nearer to Port Lincoln, are the wild koalas of Mikkira Station.

More animals to swim with in Australia

Whale sharks on the Ningaloo Reef

Weedy sea dragons on the Mornington Peninsula

Complete guide to swimming with dolphins in Australia

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