Most people have a list of travel moments they dream about. For me, swimming with seals was at the very top of that list. Narooma, a small coastal town on the New South Wales South Coast, makes that dream possible. It sits about 340 kilometres south of Sydney, nestled between the bush and the sea.
The town is quiet and relaxed, but just offshore there is something very special. Montague Island is only 10 kilometres from the shore and is home to hundreds of fur seals all year round. When I first heard about this place, I knew I had to go. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint.
Swimming with seals in Narooma is one of those rare experiences that feels unreal while it is happening. You slip into the water, and within minutes, curious creatures start circling you. It is not a zoo.
There are no fences or barriers. These animals choose to come to you. That is what makes it so powerful. If you are looking for an unforgettable wildlife adventure that is still mostly under the radar, this is it.
What Are the Narooma Seals?
The seals you find at Narooma call Montague Island home. The island is officially called Barunguba and is part of a protected nature reserve managed by NSW National Parks. Two main species live here: the Australian Fur Seal and the New Zealand Fur Seal. The Australian Fur Seals are the more social of the two. They love piling on top of each other on the rocks and lounging in big noisy groups.
The seal population on Montague Island changes depending on the time of year. At peak times, there can be up to 1,000 seals on and around the island. During quieter months, you might see closer to 200. The Narooma seals season matters a lot if you want to see pups. Baby seals start appearing around December and can be seen until May.
The seals are wild animals. They are not trained, not fed, and not directed in any way. When they swim near you, it is entirely on their terms. That is the whole beauty of it. From September to November, you may also see migrating whales. Even if you visit outside the seal pup season, there is always something amazing to see underwater.
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How Can You Go Swimming with the Seals?
You cannot just show up at Montague Island on your own. Because it is a protected nature reserve, independent access is not allowed. All visitors must go through an authorised tour operator. This is actually a good thing. It keeps the environment safe and ensures the experience is properly guided. Tour operators know the island well, understand seal behaviour, and make sure both visitors and animals are respected.
The process is simple. You board a boat in Narooma and travel out to the island, it takes about 30 minutes. Once there, you gear up with a wetsuit, flippers, goggles, and a snorkel. Most tour boats carry all the equipment you need, so you do not have to bring your own. Some tours even have pool noodles for anyone who wants a bit of extra support in the water. You do not need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the experience, but you should be comfortable in open water.
Once you are in the water, the guides will tell you a helpful trick: the more you move, the more the seals engage. Dive down, roll around, swim in circles. The seals are playful by nature and tend to mirror the energy you bring. I found myself doing underwater somersaults just to keep the attention of a cheeky young seal who kept darting just out of reach.
The whole swim lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, but it honestly feels much shorter. Time disappears when you are having that much fun. If you are wondering about free swimming with seals in Narooma, unfortunately, going without a licensed tour is not permitted, as the island is a protected reserve. Joining a guided tour is the only legal way in.
Tours from Narooma to Swim with Seals
There are several licensed seal swim Australia tours operating out of Narooma. Each offers slightly different options, so it is worth checking what suits you best before booking. Here are the main operators you can look into:
Narooma Charter: One of the most established operators on the water, offering snorkel-with-seals tours that run regularly throughout the season. Their guides are knowledgeable and the boats are well-equipped.
Underwater Safaris: Great for those who want a more in-depth experience. They offer snorkelling tours as well as scuba diving options for certified divers. The underwater visibility around Montague Island is exceptional.
Seal Swim Australia: A popular choice that focuses specifically on the swim-with-seals experience. They run small-group tours, which means more time in the water and a more personal feel overall.
Most tours depart from the Narooma Wharf. Prices vary depending on what is included, but a standard seal snorkel tour typically costs between $120 and $200 per person. Some operators bundle the seal swim with a guided walk of Montague Island, which is worth considering if you have extra time. If you are travelling from Sydney, the drive down takes about four to five hours, making it a comfortable overnight or weekend trip.
Regarding the best Australia season to visit: the sweet spot for seal pups is December through to May, when the summer warmth makes the water a little more forgiving too. September through November is also excellent if you want to catch the whale migration alongside your seal swim.
If you are planning swimming with seals in Narooma from Sydney, the drive is scenic and enjoyable. You pass through the Southern Highlands and Batemans Bay on the way down. Plenty of stops to make it a real road trip. Swim with seals NSW is a bucket-list experience that more people are discovering each year, so booking early is always smart.
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More Things to Do on Montague Island
The seals are the main draw, but Montague Island has more to offer than most people realise. If your tour includes a landing on the island itself, you are in for a real treat. The island is protected, quiet, and full of wildlife that you simply would not see on the mainland.
The Montague Island Lighthouse is a highlight that stands tall on the southern tip. Built in 1881, it is made from granite and still operates today. You can climb the winding staircase inside for sweeping views across the ocean. Right beside the lighthouse is the Head Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage, also built in 1881 and fully restored. It is actually available to book as accommodation through NSW National Parks, one of the more unique places to stay anywhere on the beaches in Australia.
The island walking track loops around the coastline for about 1.5 kilometres. Parts of the walk are steep, so it is best to wear good shoes. Along the way, you will see penguin nesting boxes. Little blue penguins breed here every year. You will also get elevated views of the seal colonies resting on the rocks below. Birdwatchers will be happy too, with shearwaters, terns, and other seabirds nesting across the island in large numbers.
I wandered along the walking track after the seal swim and found the stillness of the island almost as memorable as the water. There was barely any sound beyond wind and bird calls. No traffic, no crowds. Just raw, untouched nature. It was the perfect way to end the morning.
FAQs About Swimming with Seals in Narooma
Where is the best place to swim with seals?
Montague Island near Narooma, NSW, is widely considered the best place in Australia to swim with wild fur seals in their natural habitat.
When is the best time to visit for seal pups?
December through May is prime seal pup season. Baby seals are in the water and are extra curious and playful around snorkellers during this period.
Do I need swimming experience to join a seal swim tour?
You do not need to be a strong swimmer, but you should feel comfortable in open water. Tour operators provide wetsuits and flotation aids for extra support.
Can I go to Montague Island without a tour?
No. Montague Island is a protected nature reserve. Independent access is not allowed. You must book through a licensed and authorised tour operator to visit legally.
How far is Narooma from Sydney?
Narooma is about 340 kilometres south of Sydney, roughly a four to five hour drive. It makes a perfect weekend escape or South Coast road trip destination from the city.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of things to do along the NSW South Coast, but swimming with seals in Narooma sits in a category of its own. It is personal. It is wild. And it is the kind of experience that changes how you feel about the ocean. You go in hoping to maybe spot a seal in the distance and come out having made eye contact with a pup inches from your face. Australia City Guide lists this as one of the top wildlife experiences anywhere in the country, and after going myself, I completely agree.
Whether you are a solo traveller looking for something different, a couple chasing adventure, or a family wanting a memory the kids will never forget, this is worth every minute of the drive. Book your tour, pack a towel, and get ready to share the water with some of the most charming creatures you will ever meet.
