After having a great time going Shark Cage Diving with the Great White Sharks (and surviving with all limbs intact), I went on another wildlife experience with Calypso Star Charters near Port Lincoln in South Australia – Swimming with the Australian Sea Lions.
Don’t freak out, Swimming with the Sea Lions isn’t in the same location where the Great White Sharks are!
The Calypso Star Charters crew have never spotted one there – and I didn’t see one either.. 🙂
Previously, I’ve seen loads of seals before all around the world. Ironically, I’ve seen them at Cape Cross in Namibia as potential shark bait where there are thousands of them lying on the beach (it’s a bit smelly), as well as New Zealand and in California.
Probably the best seal photo I’ve seen is one from my uncle when he faced off a massive Elephant Seal in the 1980s.
But I was looking forward to this experience of swimming with the sea lions. I really like getting back to nature to escape the fluorescent prison!
I love it when my office is outdoors!
Anyway, these are wild sea lions that like having a bit of fun. And they seem to love human company.
You’re not allowed to touch them in any way (there are strict environmental controls enforced), but the seals do like swimming past you and sometimes, when they feel like it, they like doing a few tricks like flips and waving.
This is how close you the sea lions can get to you – maybe a bit more sometimes:
Just like the Shark Cage Diving, the water is freaking cold, but a wet suit does make things a bit warmer. But that’s fine, you’re there to have a great experience.
You’ll be in the water for around an hour to soak up everything.
Once again, I took a trusty Go Pro to record what went on!
Swimming with Seals in Australia in The Wild
Check out the brilliant timing of my intro – as soon as I say ‘swimming with seals’, one jumps out of the water behind me!
Just like in practice…
Finally, this is a great experience for everyone, including families. The sea lions love kids and seem to be more interested in them than the big humans!
Disclaimer: yes, I was provided this experience by Calypso Star Charters, but all opinions expressed are all of my own!
Awesome! Looks like a great wildlife experience!
Yeah, I really enjoyed this one!
I love diving with seals – they have so much personality and are curious so will swim right up! How cold was the water though?!
Freaking cold! 15 degrees and still cold in a wetsuit, but still worth it!