The Sea Lion Tour Cervantes with The Lobster Shack is a must do Western Australian swimming with wildlife experience. Whether you are holidaying in the Coral Coast or you live in Perth, Western Australia the 2 hour drive from Perth for this tour is absolutely worth it! Let me tell you, all the videos and pictures you see of seals coming up close and swimming all around you, is exactly what you’ll experience on this Sea Lion Tour Cervantes with The Lobster Shack.
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How long is the boat ride to swim with the seals?
That’s one big thing I love about this tour. It’s only a short 10 minute ride on The Lobster Shack’s “Seal of Approval” to the Cervantes Islands where you can swim with the seals. The boat follows the Cervantes turquoise waters along the white sandy coastline much of the way to the Cervantes Islands Nature Reserve. It’s a fairly large boat too, so we stayed pretty dry all the way across
How deep is the water where the seals swim?
The boat anchors close to the island where the water is approximately 2-3 meters deep. In some spots it’s shallow enough to stand in the water. Touching the reef should be avoided as much as possible however, to help preserve it.
Is snorkeling gear provided?
Snorkeling gear is provided and you are also able to bring your own. They provide bouyancy vests for those who want to use them (helpful for those with young children) and pool noodles to float on too. If you have a wetsuit you can bring it with you. The tours run during the warmer months, however the water may be a little cooler towards the beginning and the end of the season.
Will I definitely see seals on the tour?
The seals live on Cervantes Island so will always be on and around the island. The Lobster Shack Sea Lion Tour Lifeguard that gets in the water with the group, makes call sounds that attract the seals to the boat. Within a few minutes of being in the water the seals are swimming all around you.
How long can I swim with the seals for?
The whole tour is around an hour and a half (90 mins) in total. This includes travel time, a safety briefing before leaving the jetty and an hour in the water with the seals. A little tip! Don’t be in a rush to get into the water. The best part of the tour is towards the end of the hour in the water. Many people are back in the boat towards the end of the hour which means there are less people in the water and this is when the seals are in full play mode too.
Do I have to swim with the seals or can I see them from the boat?
You don’t have to get in the water, you’ll get to see the seals swimming in the water from on board the boat too.
What is on board the boat?
The Lobster Shack’s “Seal of Approval” is a large boat that makes for a comfortable and mostly dry ride over to the island. It has a toilet and warm shower on board too. Bottles of water and biscuits are provided on board the boat during the tour. You can wander around the boat on the way over. This includes going to the front of the boat to enjoy the exhilaration of the speed of the boat. From here you can check out the amazing views of the coastline and crystal clear waters along the way.
When does the tour run?
The tour runs on various days during the warmer months (usually between September – April). See The Lobster Shack website for up to date tour day and time information.
Where does the seal tour leave from?
You sign in at The Lobster Shack restaurant and from here a bus will take you on a quick 2 minute drive out to the jetty to board the boat.
Is it safe to swim with the seals?
A full safety briefing is given by The Lobster Shack Lifeguard on board the boat. While you are advised to swim at your own risk, advise is given before entering the water on how to stay safe around the seals. This includes not touching the seals and letting the seals come to you rather than approaching them.
Sea Lion Tour Cervantes Map
Your tour starts at The Lobster Shack Cervantes, which is easy to find on the Cervantes coastline.
Sea Lion Tour Cervantes Summary
The Sea Lion Tour Cervantes with The Lobster Shack is highly recommended. The staff were amazing and made sure it was a fun and memorable experience for each and every person on board the tour. The seals did not disappoint, swimming right up to us and around us, blowing bubbles, jumping out of the water and putting on a playful show for the full hour.
Water and biscuits are provided on board and you can add lunch at The Lobster Shack to your tour. Kids on the tour also get a free ice-cream voucher for The Lobster Shack too. The tour is super affordable for the experience you get in return.
Distance from Perth: 197km from Perth, Western Australia (approx 2 hours drive).
Starting Point: The Lobster Shack Cervantes restaurant where a bus will take you to the jetty to get on board the boat
Length: The tour is 90 mins with 60 mins for time in the water
Tour Days / Times: tours run during the warmer months (~September to April) on various days and times. See website link below for more information
Age Suitability: the tour is suitable for all ages. Bouyancy vests are provided which are helpful for those with young children or those who would like some floatation support while in the water.
Equipment: Snorkeling gear (masks, snorkels and fins) are provided. You are also welcome to bring your own snorkeling gear, wetsuits and waterproof camera (or get yourself a waterproof phone case)
Accommodation Nearby: You can’t go past a stay at the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park. You can also check out the deals and availability of Cervantes accommodation at Trip.com
More Information & Booking: www.thelobstershack.com.au
Looking for more Coral Coast Adventures? Check out the Always Adventure Ready Coral Coast Adventures Guide here!
Lauren Angove is an adventurous Perth (Western Australia) Mum of two boys who loves to blog about her experiences to inspire other mid-lifers to choose their most adventurous lives now. Keep up to date with her latest adventure inspiration and advice at Always Adventure Ready on facebook.
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Viator.com – to find and book the best tours I use Viator.com. Viator allows me to find tours and experiences I otherwise wouldn’t have know about and book multiple tours on the one platform!