Swim with Seals Narooma - Montague Island Tours 2026
Introduction to Montague Island
Just off the South Coast of New South Wales, about 8 kilometers from Narooma, lies the breathtaking Barunguba Montague Island—a true gem for ocean lovers and adventure seekers. As part of the Montague Island Nature Reserve, this island is a sanctuary for wildlife and a playground for anyone eager to explore pristine waters and vibrant marine life. Here, you’ll find thriving colonies of Australian Fur Seals and New Zealand Fur Seals, often seen lazing on the rocks or darting through the crystal clear waters, inviting you to join their underwater world.
Montague Island is famous for its incredible scuba diving and snorkelling experiences, especially if you’re keen to snorkel with the seals or even try a seal swim. The island’s natural habitat supports not only playful fur seals but also dolphins, the occasional turtle, and, during migration season, majestic whales gliding past the coastline. Whether you’re a confident swimmer or just looking for a fun, family-friendly adventure, a Barunguba Montague Island tour offers something for everyone. Guided tours let you discover the island’s rich history, climb up to the iconic island lighthouse, and get up close with some of the South Coast’s most fascinating wildlife.
If you’re ready to dive in, explore, and discover why Montague Island is considered one of the most amazing experiences in New South Wales, this is your invitation to join a tour, meet the seals, and make memories in one of Australia’s most beautiful places.
Swim with Seals Narooma - Ethical Montague Island Tours
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Ready to get whisker-to-whisker with the ocean’s puppies? It’s time to dive into the unspoilt waters of Montague Island. Barunguba Montague Island is home to the largest seal colony in NSW.
Swimming with seals is a popular activity for visitors to Narooma, and all tours to swim with seals require the use of authorized tour operators due to the nature reserve status of Montague Island.
Seal swims are available year round, offering the chance to snorkel alongside playful seals in their natural habitat. These playful seals, often called 'sea puppies', are known for their lively and engaging behavior, making each encounter unique and memorable. Swimming ability is a prerequisite for participating in these snorkeling activities.
Interactions with seals should always occur on their terms, and swimmers must maintain a distance of at least 10 metres in the water and 40 metres on land, respecting the seals' personal space.
What Happens on the Day
You’re not just booking a boat ride; you’re signing up for one of the most interactive wildlife experiences on the South Coast. The seals here aren’t shy—they’re curious, playful, and often jump in the water in droves to check you out. It’s basically a masterclass in fun!
Here is how your adventure usually looks (timings vary by day):
The Timeline (Typical 9am - 3pm itinerary):
Meet at Apex Park Boat Ramp: We get the admin out of the way first. Check-in, meet the crew, and get fitted for your wetsuit if you need one. Most operators provide all necessary snorkelling and scuba equipment, including wetsuits, masks, and snorkels.
Briefing: Before we leave the dock, we run through boat safety and the best ways to interact with the seals so everyone stays happy and safe. Snorkelers should not attempt to touch or feed seals while swimming with them.
The Ride Out (15-20 mins): The vessel transports visitors to Barunguba Montague Island. It’s a short, sweet ride, and tours generally include boat transport and light refreshments. Keep your eyes peeled! Depending on the season, we often spot flying fish, dolphins, and even whales (September to November) on the way out.
Snorkel Time: Once we arrive, the skipper reads the conditions—wind, tide, swell—to pick the calmest, safest bay. We roll back into the shallow water and let the magic happen. Snorkelling with seals at Barunguba Montague Island offers an exhilarating experience. This is your chance for seals snorkelling—swimming and playing with playful Australian and New Zealand fur seals as they surface and interact with swimmers. The waters around Montague Island are home to coral, sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, and a variety of fish species, making for a vibrant underwater adventure. Participants are required to be confident swimmers, as snorkeling occurs in depths of 5 to 15 metres, but some operators provide flotation aids like noodles for less confident swimmers. You can stay in as long as you like or hop in and out of the boat.
Return to Narooma: After plenty of playtime, we head back to shore, usually buzzing from the encounter.
Tours generally last a few hours, with some providing longer experiences that may include a visit to the lighthouse.
Note: Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday/Sunday trips are typically 4.5-hour round trips. Monday/Wednesday/Friday trips are usually 3-hour round trips.
Safety-First: What Operators Provide
We don’t mess around when it comes to your safety. Our experienced and enthusiastic team of qualified PADI Instructors and Dive Masters is dedicated to ensuring your safety and delivering an unforgettable swim with seals Narooma adventure. Their professionalism and passion for wildlife excursions mean you’re in expert hands on every single trip.
We’ve got you covered with:
Top-tier Gear: Most operators provide all necessary snorkelling and scuba equipment, including your wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins.
Floatation Support: Some operators offer flotation aids, like noodles, for less confident swimmers, and we have noodles for extra buoyancy and weight belts for freedivers who want to get down deep.
Briefings: If you’ve never snorkelled before, don’t sweat it. Your guide will give you easy-to-follow instructions before you hit the water.
Small Groups: We cap our boats at 12 guests. Bigger isn’t always better! This ensures a personalized experience where you aren’t just a number in a crowd.
Ready to Dive In?
Don't miss out on the South Coast's best eco-adventure.
Partnered with Underwater Safaris - 20+ Years Experience
We are proud to partner with Underwater Safaris, the South Coast’s friendliest crew for snorkelling, scuba, and whale watching.
Why we love them (and you will too):
Experience: Over 20 years in the game with a PADI 5★ rating.
Ethical & Eco-Conscious: We are 100% single-use plastic-free and fully marine park compliant. We don’t offer fishing tours—we prefer to interact with marine life, not catch it!
Community Focused: 100% Narooma local operators who actively help with marine research and rescue.
Seasonal Magic:
Sept – Nov: The great humpback whale migration! Expect singing whales and breaches—you may even hear the whales' songs as they pass by.
Dec – May: It’s seal pup season! Absolutely adorable and high energy.
The best time to see seal pups is between December and May, while peak seal numbers typically occur in September and October.
The Details:
Location: Apex Park Boat Ramp, Narooma, NSW
Water Temp: 16°C to 24°C (It’s crisp, but the wetsuits help!) Summer offers the warmest water temperatures (up to 24–26°C), while winter and spring provide the most reliable seal sightings despite cooler temperatures.
Visibility: 10m – 30m
What to Bring: Towel, swimmers, sunblock, warm clothes for after, and a camera (GoPros available for hire).
Seals at Montague Island can number up to 1000 during peak times and drop to around 200 during quieter periods.
The Australian Fur Seal is the most common species found at Montague Island.
Most tours depart from Narooma Town Wharf on Bluewater Drive.
Montague Island features a historic lighthouse that has been operational since 1881.
Montague Island, also known as Barunguba, is home to the largest seal colony in New South Wales and is known for its rich biodiversity, making it a memorable wildlife encounter for visitors.
Some tour operators offer combo tours that include swimming with seals and a guided tour of Montague Island.
A special 2026 retreat for freediving and snorkeling with seals is scheduled from May 22–24, 2026, by Deep Sensations.
Lord Howe Island is another notable island off the coast of New South Wales, providing geographical context for Montague Island.
Visitors can visit Montague Island by vessel as part of their tour.
Please note: All tours depend on ocean conditions and minimum numbers. If the weather turns, we’ll give you a heads-up as soon as possible.
✅ Partnered with Underwater Safaris (PADI 5★, 20+ years)
✅ Ethical wildlife tours - marine park compliant
✅ Small groups (max 12 guests per boat)
✅ All safety gear provided + experienced crew
✅ 100% Narooma local operators
The Details:
Location: Apex Park Boat Ramp, Narooma, NSW
Water Temp: 16°C to 24°C (It’s crisp, but the wetsuits help!) Summer offers the warmest water temperatures (up to 24–26°C), while winter and spring provide the most reliable seal sightings despite cooler temperatures.
Visibility: 10m – 30m
What to Bring: Towel, swimmers, sunblock, warm clothes for after, and a camera (GoPros available for hire).
Seals at Montague Island can number up to 1000 during peak times and drop to around 200 during quieter periods.
The Australian Fur Seal is the most common species found at Montague Island.
Most tours depart from Narooma Town Wharf on Bluewater Drive.
Montague Island features a historic lighthouse that has been operational since 1881.
Montague Island, also known as Barunguba, is home to the largest seal colony in New South Wales and is known for its rich biodiversity, making it a memorable wildlife encounter for visitors.
Some tour operators offer combo tours that include swimming with seals and a guided tour of Montague Island.
A special 2026 retreat for freediving and snorkeling with seals is scheduled from May 22–24, 2026, by Deep Sensations.
Lord Howe Island is another notable island off the coast of New South Wales, providing geographical context for Montague Island.
Visitors can visit Montague Island by vessel as part of their tour.
Please note: All tours depend on ocean conditions and minimum numbers. If the weather turns, we’ll give you a heads-up as soon as possible.
Ready to Dive In?
Don't miss out on the South Coast's best eco-adventure.