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Pro Dive Port Lincoln

Swimming with sea lions in Port Lincoln

Australian sea lions are nicknamed the puppies of the sea, and once you’re in the water you’ll see why. Snorkel with them for up to an hour at an island off Port Lincoln, with the crew in the water beside you.

  • About 5 hoursIncluding up to an hour’s swim
  • From $265*Per person, AUD
  • Max 25Passengers
Book your swim
An Australian sea lion underwater

Book your swim

  • Snorkel tour

    Swim with the sea lions

    Seasonal: September to June, sometimes into July, weather dependent. Not every day.

    $265*

    • One island, one swim of up to an hour
    • Wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins supplied
    • Breakfast or afternoon tea, depending on departure time
    • Adult, child (16 and under) and family prices when you book
    Book now See dates

    Terms and conditions

* Prices are per person in Australian dollars (AUD) and can change by date. Your booking shows the price for the date you choose.

The tour

  • Four islandsThe permit covers four locations: Hopkins, Langton, Grindal and Blyth islands. Each tour visits one, and each is a different snorkel.
  • In the waterTender boats cut down the swimming and add safety, and the crew is in the water with you the whole time. The sea lions come to you, gliding past with somersaults and swirls.
  • AfterwardsA hot shower and the coffee machine are waiting when you climb back on board.
  • Not swimming?You can join the captain in the tender boat to get closer to the sea lions without getting wet.

Looking after the sea lions

  • Endangered speciesAustralian sea lions are endangered, and the operator’s marine mammal licence is strict. Boats can’t go too close to the beach, and swimmers must never approach or intimidate the animals.
  • Limited visitsEach site is visited no more than four times a week, to keep the impact on the colonies low. That’s why the tour doesn’t run every day.
  • Eco certifiedThe tour holds Advanced Eco Certification.

Operated by Calypso Star Charters. Pro Dive sells the tour; there’s no Pro Dive shop in Port Lincoln.

Where you start

The trip to and from the islands takes about 1.5 hours each way. The tour needs at least 4 passengers to run.

  • Check inAt the operator’s office in Port Lincoln, 30 minutes before departure. The address is on your booking confirmation. Coffee is available at check-in.

What’s included

  • Snorkel gearWetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins
  • Food and drinkBreakfast or afternoon tea (depending on departure time), tea, coffee and light refreshments
  • Tender boatFor non-swimmers who’d like a closer look

Not included

  • Soft drinks, bottled water and alcoholFor sale on board
  • GoPro hireAvailable on board
  • TransfersFrom Port Lincoln accommodation, at extra cost. Book before 5:30 pm the day before.

See what it’s like

  • A diver kneeling on the reef as sea lions swim past
  • Two sea lions swimming near kelp
  • A young Australian sea lion resting on the reef

Requirements

Children

  • Under-16s need adult supervision at all times. If a child is in the water, their supervising adult must be too; if either gets out, both do.
  • Under-18s need their waiver signed by a parent or guardian.

What to bring

  • Bathers and a towel.
  • Your camera, if you have one. If not, GoPros are for hire on board.
  • Charging cables: there are USB points on board.
  • Warm clothes: it can get cool on the water, even in summer. The boats have reverse-cycle air-conditioning.
  • Sunscreen: please be sun smart.
  • Soft-soled boat shoes, preferably not thongs.
  • A small bag: space on board is limited.
  • A reusable drink bottle. Chilled filtered water is on board.

Each trip operator’s own medical and waiver requirements are emailed with your booking confirmation. About dive medicals.

Frequently asked questions

When is the season?

September to June, sometimes into July, weather dependent.

Which island will we visit?

One of Hopkins, Langton, Grindal or Blyth islands. Each site is visited no more than four times a week to protect the colonies.

Can I see sharks on the same day?

Yes, on the shark and sea lion combo tour. Or see shark cage diving.

Terms and conditions