Snorkel With The Seals Narooma: A Complete Guide to the Best Time
I still remember the first time I locked eyes with an Australian Fur Seal underwater. It wasn’t just a fleeting glance; it was a proper stare-down. I was floating off the back of the boat at Montague Island, shivering slightly despite my wetsuit, when a sleek, dark shape zoomed out of the kelp. It did a barrel roll, blew a few bubbles, and then hovered right in front of my mask. It was like a puppy dog of the ocean, checking to see if I wanted to play. Montague Island is located about 9 kilometers off the coast of Narooma, New South Wales, and is renowned as a beautiful place with pristine, crystal clear waters.
That moment hooked me. If you’ve been thinking about heading down to Narooma on the NSW South Coast to jump in with these guys, stop thinking and start planning. Snorkeling with the seals is a family-friendly adventure suitable for all ages. It is, hands down, one of the best wildlife encounters you can have in Australia. It’s wild, it’s unscripted, and it’s right in our backyard.
But, like any ocean adventure, timing is everything. You can go out there on a random Tuesday and have a nice swim, or you can pick the perfect season and have your mind blown by playful pups and crystal-clear visibility. Along with the incredible marine life, the island’s iconic lighthouse adds to its unique appeal. I’ve done the legwork (and the fin-work) to break down exactly when you should go, what the water is doing, and how to make sure you have an epic time without freezing your toes off.
The Seal Seasons: Breaking Down the Calendar
Montague Island (or Barunguba, as it’s traditionally known) is home to the largest seal colony in New South Wales, making it a key wildlife attraction on the South Coast of New South Wales. The seal colony here is one of the largest in the region, and the most common species found at Montague Island is the Australian Fur Seal, alongside New Zealand Fur Seals hanging out on the rocks basically 365 days a year. However, their behaviour changes drastically depending on the month.
December to May: The "Pup" Season
If you want the absolute peak experience, this is your window. From late spring through to early winter, the island comes alive with seal pups. The best time to see seal pups is between December and May, when the waters around Montague Island are filled with playful fur seals.
Just like puppies on land, seal pups are clumsy, curious, and incredibly playful. During these months, they are finding their flippers, so to speak. They are building up their confidence in the water, which means they are far more likely to approach snorkellers. They haven’t learned to be wary yet; they just see you as a big, weird-looking seal that’s terrible at holding its breath.
I reckon late summer (February/March) is the sweet spot. The water is at its warmest—hovering around 20°C to 22°C—and the pups are bold enough to zoom around you in circles. It’s chaotic in the best possible way. During the cooler months, up to 1800 playful fur seals can be found at Montague Island.
Spring (September to November): The Migration Highway
While the seal action is a bit mellower in spring (the big males are often busy holding territory), something else happens that makes this season spectacular: the whales.
Narooma is smack bang on the “Humpback Highway.” During spring, thousands of Humpback whales are migrating south to Antarctica with their calves. The boat ride out to Montague Island takes about 20 minutes, but in spring, it can take longer because you’re constantly stopping to watch whales breaching, tail-slapping, or mugging the boat. This is also the prime season for whale watching, and visitors can experience swimming with seals from September to November when whales are migrating.
Jumping in for a snorkel with the seals and hearing whale song reverberating through your chest? That is a spiritual experience, mate. Just keep in mind the water is cooler this time of year, usually sitting around 16°C to 18°C.
Winter: The Crystal Clear Chill
Don’t write off winter. Yes, it’s cold. You’re looking at water temps dropping to 14°C or 15°C. But often, the westerly winds flatten out the ocean, and the visibility can be absolutely stunning—sometimes 20 to 30 metres. Snorkeling with seals in winter offers an exhilarating experience in the crystal-clear waters, allowing you to fully appreciate the vibrant underwater world. If you’ve got a thick wetsuit (think 7mm and a hood) and you hate crowds, winter offers a crisp, beautiful encounter with the resident adult seals.
Cute Australian Fur seal at Montague Island
Morning vs. Afternoon: When to Book Your Boat
So you’ve picked your month. Now, do you book the 8:00 AM charter or the 1:00 PM?
I’m a morning person when it comes to the ocean, and here’s why. On the South Coast, the wind pattern is pretty predictable. You usually get light winds or glass-outs in the morning, followed by a northeasterly sea breeze that kicks up in the afternoon.
Why Mornings Rule:
Conditions: Flatter seas mean a smoother boat ride out to the island (better for those prone to seasickness). The boat ride to Montague Island typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes from Narooma, and tours may include opportunities to see dolphins and whales along the way.
Visibility: Less chop on the surface often means less sediment stirred up in the shallows where the seals hang out.
Light: The morning sun hitting the rocks makes for cracking photos.
The Afternoon Argument:
Seal Activity: Sometimes, the seals are a bit groggy in the morning after a big night of fishing. By the afternoon, they’ve warmed up on the rocks and might be more keen to cool off in the water.
Vibe: The afternoon light underwater can be moody and beautiful if the wind stays down.
My tip? Aim for the morning. If the weather turns, you’ve still got the afternoon as a backup option.
The duration of snorkeling tours with seals typically ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
How to Behave Around the Seals (Don't Be That Guy)
This is the serious bit. We are guests in their living room—their natural habitat. Nothing ruins a tour faster than someone trying to chase a seal for a GoPro selfie. Not only is it disrespectful, but it also scares the animals off.
The Golden Rule: Let Them Come to YouThe best interactions happen when you are calm. Float on the surface, keep your arms tucked in, and breathe slowly. Seals are naturally inquisitive. If you chase them, they see you as a predator or a pest and will bolt. If you chill out, they’ll come over to investigate.
No TouchingIt’s tempting when a pup is inches from your face, but never reach out to touch them. They have sharp teeth and a lot of bacteria in their mouths. A seal bite is no joke. Keep your hands to yourself.
MovementAvoid splashing. Thrashing about on the surface looks aggressive. Use long, slow fin kicks. If you want to engage them, diving down and doing a few somersaults or spins underwater can sometimes trigger their play drive—they love mimicking movement—but do it gracefully.
Don’t Surround ThemNever block a seal’s path to the open ocean or the rocks. If they feel cornered, they will defend themselves. Always leave them an escape route. Some seals, especially New Zealand Fur Seals, prefer to keep their personal space and may be more antisocial, so always observe them respectfully in their natural habitat.
Why Who You Go With Matters
Underwater Safaris at Montague Island
You can’t just swim off the beach at Narooma and expect to see seals; you need a boat to get out to Montague Island Nature Reserve. There are a few operators in town, and several local tour operators offer snorkeling tours to swim with seals at Montague Island, but if you want the best experience—especially if you’re new to snorkelling—I can’t recommend Underwater Safaris enough.
Here’s the thing: they are the only dedicated PADI diving and snorkelling boat based in Narooma. That means you’ve got qualified PADI Instructors and dive masters on the boat with you, providing expert guidance for divers of all levels. All snorkeling tours provide essential equipment, including wetsuits, fins, masks, and snorkels, ensuring comfort and safety for all participants.
Why does that matter?
Safety: The ocean around the island can be dynamic. Having a pro watching your back makes a huge difference.
Comfort: If you’re nervous, they know exactly how to help you relax. They even run a “Squid Squad” for kids, so they are brilliant at managing different experience levels.
Respect: They are passionate about the marine park and know the individual personalities of the seals. They’ll put you in the best spot to see the action without harassing the wildlife.
If you’re going to do it, do it with the crew that prioritizes safety and fun equally.
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked a heap of questions about this trip, so I’ve pulled together the most common ones to help you prepare.
Swimming with seals is a popular activity for visitors to the South Coast of New South Wales, especially around Montague Island and Barunguba Island near Narooma. Many families and people of all ages enjoy the unique experience of sharing the water with Australian fur seals on guided snorkeling excursions.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
You don’t need to be an expert, but being a confident swimmer is recommended for your safety and enjoyment during the seal swim. If you’re comfortable in the water, you’ll get the most out of your close encounter with the seals.
What is it actually like to snorkel with the seals at Montague Island?It’s chaotic, loud, and hilarious. You’ll hear them barking underwater (yes, really). They zip past like underwater torpedoes. It feels wild. Unlike looking at fish that ignore you, seals interact with you. Seals snorkelling here means swimming with playful seals from the large seal colony that calls Montague Island home—these curious, lively marine mammals often come right up to check you out, making for an amazing experience. The waters around Montague Island are known for their rich biodiversity, so while exploring the underwater world, you might also spot vibrant coral, sharks gliding by, and the occasional turtle, all adding to the thrill of observing such a variety of marine life.
Is it worth snorkelling, or should I scuba dive?Honestly? For seal interactions, snorkelling is often better. Seals are air-breathers, so they spend a lot of time near the surface. They love playing in the whitewash near the rocks. While scuba diving is amazing to see them hunting in the depths, you get just as much (if not more) interaction on a snorkel. Plus, you’re more agile without the tank.
How close do the seals get?Close. Very close. It’s not uncommon to have them within arm’s reach. They might nibble on your fins or blow bubbles in your face.
Is snorkelling with the seals safe?Generally, yes. Australian Fur Seals are known as the “dogs of the sea” for a reason. They are playful, not aggressive. However, you need to respect the big bulls (males) during breeding season and never corner them. Going with a reputable operator like Underwater Safaris ensures you are in safe hands.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?You don’t need to be an Olympic swimmer, but you should be comfortable in open water where you can’t stand up. Swimmers of all ages and abilities are welcome, and flotation equipment is available for those who need extra support. You need to be able to float and fin against a mild current. If you aren’t confident, let the crew know—they often have flotation devices (noodles) and will keep a closer eye on you.
What about kids or older travellers?This is a great family-friendly activity suitable for a wide range of ages, including children, teenagers, and adults. Underwater Safaris is great with families. The main challenge is usually the cold water or getting back onto the boat, so just assess your own fitness levels. If you can handle a ladder and a bit of chop, you’ll be fine.
The Best Crew for Your Seal Adventure
I've spent years messing about on boats, and I reckon the crew you choose makes all the difference. If you're looking at Montague Island tours down here in Australia, you really can't go past Underwater Safaris.
I honestly love these guys. They run a proper family friendly charter that just gets it right. Whether you’re gearing up for serious scuba diving or you just want to snorkel with the seals in the shallows, they make it dead easy. It’s not just about the fun, though. I’ve seen how they operate—they are seriously environmentally conscious. They respect the ocean, and that matters.
Safety? They put it first, every single time. You can just focus on the adventure because they’ve got eyes on everyone. It’s the kind of peace of mind you want when you’ve got the kids in the water. Plus, depending on the season, you might even get a bit of whale watching thrown in on the boat ride out. It’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Conclusion
Narooma is a special slice of the coast, and Barunguba Montague Island is its crown jewel, located just 5 nautical miles off the coastline from Narooma. Visit and explore Barunguba Montague Island to experience top-notch snorkeling and scuba diving sites along the Eastern Coast, where you can swim with friendly seals in their natural habitat—pristine waters teeming with marine life. Some Montague Island tours offer the option to combine snorkeling with a guided Barunguba Montague Island tour, including a climb up the historic island lighthouse for panoramic views of the surrounding seascape.
Whether you go in February for the puppy-like chaos of the juveniles or in October for the whale migration bonus, it’s a trip you won’t forget. Join a tour with Narooma Charters or other local operators to make the most of your adventure, and compare the unique appeal of Barunguba Montague Island to other notable destinations like Lord Howe Island—each offering its own unforgettable wildlife encounters and scenic beauty.
Just remember: respect the locals (the playful seals), pick a morning boat if you want the glassiest conditions, and book with a crew that knows what they’re doing.
Ready to get wet? Don’t leave it for “someday.” The seals are waiting.
