December to May is the absolute prime season for encountering those cheeky, playful seal pups at Montague Island (Barunguba), just 10 kilometers off Narooma's coast. I’ve been out there when the young pups are just learning the ropes, and let me tell you, their curiosity is unmatched—they’ll often swim right up to check out your mask!

If you visit from September to November, you get a double whammy: spectacular Narooma whale watching combined with seal encounters. The water temperature sits comfortably between 16-24°C year-round, but don’t worry about the chill—all our tours provide top-notch wetsuits to keep you toasty.

Not at all! You don’t need any fancy certification for snorkel with seals NSW tours. If you’re comfortable doggy-paddling or floating, you’re good to go. The operators here are legends; they kit you out with a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and even flotation noodles if you want that extra bit of buoyancy.

For the adventurous souls wanting to dive deeper, there are PADI-certified scuba options (2-18 meters depth). Even if you’ve never strapped on a tank before, you can book a "Discover Scuba" experience. The guides are right there with you, making sure you’re safe while you hang out with the Australian fur seals.

Honest truth? Closer than you’d think! The Montague Island seals are naturally wild, but they are incredibly inquisitive. I remember one dive where a pup was literally spinning circles around my fins, staring me right in the eye. It’s magic.

The trick is to be entertaining. If you dive down, twist, or roll (safely!), they get super interested. The more fun you have, the more they want to join in. Just remember, we’re in their home, so the guides will always ensure the interaction is respectful and safe for everyone.

When you book a Narooma seal swimming tour, the operators take care of the lot. You get the boat ride (about 30 minutes of cruising the beautiful Wagonga Inlet and open ocean), plus all the gear—wetsuits, masks, fins.

Tours usually run for 3-4 hours, with a solid 1-1.5 hours actually in the water. Keep your eyes peeled on the ride out too; we often spot dolphins, sunfish, and even manta rays. And yes, bring your GoPro! You’ll want proof of these Barunguba seal encounters.

Absolutely. Family activities in Narooma don't get much better than this. As long as the kids are confident in the water, they’ll have a blast. The bays around Montague are generally protected from the big swell, making it a safe spot for the little ones.

Most operators have smaller wetsuits and life jackets specifically for kids. If you’re worried about chop, aim for a morning tour—the ocean is usually glassy and calm then. It’s an experience the kids will be talking about for years.

t’s the accessibility and the volume of life. You’ve got up to 1,000 seals just chilling on the rocks or zipping through the water. It’s the largest colony on the NSW coast, yet it’s only a quick boat ride away.

Plus, the water clarity here is insane. The local Yuin word "Narooma" means "clear blue water," and it lives up to the name with visibility often hitting 30-40 meters. Combine that with the fact that you can be back on shore enjoying fresh oysters at a Narooma South Coast tourism hotspot by lunch, and it’s pretty hard to beat.

Safety is always the skipper's number one priority. If the sea conditions are too rough or the wind is howling, the tour won't go ahead. But don't stress—operators usually make the call early and will contact you to reschedule for a better day or offer a full refund.

My advice? Book your Narooma marine tours for the first day of your trip. That way, if Mother Nature throws a tantrum, you’ve got a few buffer days up your sleeve to get out there. It’s worth the wait!

The journey to the island is relatively short—about 20 to 30 minutes—but you are heading into open ocean. If you’re prone to getting a bit green around the gills, I’d recommend popping a seasickness tablet about 30 minutes before you depart.

Once you’re in the water, you usually feel fine because you’re moving with the swell. The excitement of your first seal pup Narooma sighting tends to make you forget everything else anyway!

For sure! We get plenty of folks who prefer to stay dry. The "bubble watchers" (passengers) get a front-row seat to the action from the deck. You’ll see the colony basking on the rocks and the pups playing near the surface.

It’s a fantastic option for Narooma wildlife experiences if you’re not a strong swimmer or just want to take photos. Plus, looking back at the coastline towards Glasshouse Rocks gives you a perspective you can't get from land.

One of the real thrills of snorkeling around Montague Island is the chance to spot some of our region’s iconic, harmless sharks. Keep your eyes peeled for Wobbegong Sharks snoozing on the seabed, quirky Port Jackson Sharks with their striped patterns, graceful Grey Nurse Sharks gliding through deeper water, or the ever-elusive Gummy Shark—none of these friendly locals pose any threat, and seeing them in their natural habitat is an experience you won’t forget. On very rare occasions, you might even glimpse a Bronze Whaler Shark, but these shy creatures tend to keep their distance and avoid people entirely.

Honestly, sharing the water with these amazing sharks adds to the adventure and makes your underwater experience even more memorable. Plus, if you see the seals darting around and playing, you know all’s well below the surface—the seals are the best judges of when it’s safe to have fun!

Pack light but smart. Bring your swimmers (wear them under your clothes to save time), a towel, a warm jacket for the boat ride back (the wind can have a bite!), and plenty of sunscreen.

Most importantly, bring a sense of adventure. If you have an underwater camera, definitely bring it along to capture those Narooma underwater experiences. Oh, and maybe some water and a light snack for after the swim—snorkeling builds up an appetite!

By choosing a certified eco-tourism Narooma operator, you’re ensuring your interaction is sustainable. These guys care deeply about the marine park. They follow strict guidelines to make sure we don't disturb the seals' natural behaviors or damage their habitat.

It’s about respect. When you swim with a responsible operator, you’re not just a tourist; you’re an observer joining the seals in their world on their terms. It makes for a much more authentic and rewarding Narooma adventure activity.