What is it Like to Swim with Endangered Wild Animals Around the World? Cute or Scary?
When people talk about South Australia, many may only know it for its wine, but there are also many special experiences here, such as swimming with sea lions.
The Australian sea lion is a globally endangered wild animal. Thanks to its excellent natural environment, there are many Australian sea lions living near the Lincoln Bay on the Eyre Peninsula, so when we come here, we immediately joined the project of swimming with sea lions.
Yes, you didn't see it wrong, it's guaranteed that you can swim with sea lions, not just watching sea lions through glass!
Because it takes a distance from Lincoln Bay to the sea lion habitat, we were picked up from our accommodation early in the morning by Adventure Bay Charters office, where we could have a tea and wait for other participants to arrive.
After boarding the boat, the boat staff will first explain the precautions for going out to sea, then set off to Hopkins Islands, which is one of the important habitats of the Australian sea lions, about 32 kilometers from Lincoln Bay, and takes about 1.5 hours by boat.
After arriving at the snorkeling spot, the crew will explain about the endangered Australian sea lions and their habitat Hopkins Island, then introduce the snorkeling equipment and various situations of swimming with sea lions, and then after everyone is equipped, we can go into the water!
Wait… will sea lions bite? Is it safe?
Very safe! Sea lions only eat fish and shellfish, so they generally will not attack humans. The boat company I went to has been operating in this area for more than 10 years, so many sea lions are familiar with it and are very friendly.
The time to dive with sea lions is 1-1.5 hours, super satisfying!
During the voyage, we also passed along the coast of Lincoln Bay National Park, and if you're lucky, you might see bottleneck dolphins, white-bellied sea eagles, Australian sea lions and dugongs.
On the way back, the boat will also provide sandwiches and other simple meals, all made on board.
If you don't want to go into the water but still want to see sea lions, you can also choose to be an 'observer' on the boat. Because the landing point is relatively close to the beach, generally 50-150 meters, so even if you are on the boat, you can see groups of Australian sea lions!
Notes: When swimming with sea lions, do not touch them, and do not chase sea lions.
