Jurien Bay Tour FAQs — Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to feel prepared, comfortable,

and excited for your experience in the Jurien Bay Marine Park.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

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Whether you're planning to swim with Australian sea lions, spend the day exploring the Jurien Bay Marine Park or join our Rock Lobster Catch & Keep Tour, you'll find answers to our most commonly asked questions below.

SEA LIONS & SWIMMING

Yes.
Australian sea lion sightings are included as part of both our Sea Lion Tour and Marine Park Experience. While you'll see the sea lions, entering the water and interacting with guests is always their choice.
No.
Our tours take place with wild Australian sea lions in their natural environment, and every interaction happens entirely on their terms. While encounters are often incredible, we can never guarantee that the sea lions will choose to interact with guests.
Yes.
The Australian sea lions you encounter on our tours are completely wild animals living naturally within the Jurien Bay Marine Park.
They are not trained, fed or encouraged to interact with guests. Every encounter is entirely on the sea lions' terms, which means each experience is unique. Some days the sea lions are highly playful and curious, while on other days they may choose to simply rest on the islands or spend less time in the water.
Our tours operate under strict wildlife interaction guidelines designed to protect the welfare of these endangered animals and ensure interactions remain natural, respectful and sustainable.
As a family-owned business committed to providing exceptional experiences, if the sea lions choose not to enter the water during your tour, guests will be invited back for a complimentary redo Sea Lion Tour in accordance with our redo policy. As interactions with wild animals cannot be guaranteed, this does not otherwise entitle guests to a refund or compensation.
Yes.
Guests participating in our in-water experiences must possess basic swimming ability and be able to remain afloat unassisted in the ocean while wearing snorkelling equipment.
No previous snorkelling experience is required. Our experienced crew provide a comprehensive safety briefing before entering the water and are available to assist throughout the experience.
Yes.
Observer tickets are available on selected tours, allowing guests to enjoy watching the wildlife and scenery from the comfort of the vessel without entering the water.
Yes.
Guest safety is our highest priority. Our experienced crew supervise all in-water activities, provide detailed safety briefings and monitor conditions continuously. All interactions are conducted under strict guidelines that prioritise both guest safety and wildlife welfare.
Like all healthy marine ecosystems, sharks naturally inhabit the waters of Jurien Bay. Sightings during our tours are uncommon, and our experienced crew continuously monitor conditions to ensure guest safety.
No.
Australian sea lions are protected wildlife and must never be touched, chased, fed or deliberately approached. All interactions occur naturally and on the animals' terms, in accordance with Marine Park regulations.

PREPARING FOR YOUR TOUR

For in-water tour we recommend bringing swimwear to wear under your wetsuit, a towel, sunglasses, a hat and a warm change of clothes for after your swim.
For our in-water experiences, we provide a full-length wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins. Freshwater showers are also available onboard after your swim.
For our fishing experiences - we provide everything you need.
Absolutely. You're welcome to bring your own wetsuit, mask, snorkel or fins if you prefer.
We allow full-face masks, but we do not recommend them.
We do not allow weightbelts.
Water temperatures in Jurien Bay typically range from around 18°C in winter to 24°C in summer. To ensure your comfort, we provide full-length wetsuits on all in-water experiences, allowing you to enjoy your time with the sea lions year-round.
Unfortunately, standard glasses cannot be worn while wearing a snorkel mask. Many guests choose to wear contact lenses instead.
We are unable to provide prescription lensed masks.
Absolutely. To help you make the most of your experience, our crew film the adventure using GoPros and complimentary footage is emailed to guests within a week of their tour.
Guests are also welcome to bring their own waterproof cameras or GoPros. We simply ask that you remain respectful of other passengers and wildlife while capturing your memories.
For the safety of guests and marine life, extension poles, selfie sticks, flash photography and strobe lighting are not permitted.
Commercial filming, photography or content creation is prohibited without prior written approval from Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience and may also require approval from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA).
If you're prone to motion sickness, we recommend speaking with your pharmacist or doctor before your tour about suitable preventative medication.
Seasickness is uncommon onboard our tours due to the size of our vessels.
Yes.
Prior to departure, all guests are required to complete the necessary documentation, including liability and consent forms. In-water participants must also disclose any relevant medical conditions and confirm they meet the required swimming ability.
All relevant medical conditions must be disclosed prior to participation. If you're unsure whether your condition may affect your ability to safely participate, please contact our team before booking.
No.
Guests who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or who are deemed medically or physically unfit to participate safely, may be refused boarding or water entry without refund.
No.
Marine Park regulations only permit operator-provided life jackets within the sea lion interaction zone. Personal flotation devices, including pool noodles and inflatable arm bands, are not permitted.

OUR EXPERIENCES

Both experiences include the opportunity to swim with wild Australian sea lions. The Sea Lion Tour is a dedicated 2.5-hour experience focused on the sea lions, while the Marine Park Experience is a full-day adventure that also explores untouched islands, vibrant reefs and an additional snorkelling location throughout the Jurien Bay Marine Park.
Yes.
Swimming with Australian sea lions is one of the highlights of the Marine Park Experience and is included as part of the day, subject to wildlife behaviour and environmental conditions.
If your priority is swimming with Australian sea lions, our Sea Lion Tour is the perfect choice. If you'd like to spend an entire day exploring the region's spectacular islands, reefs and marine life, we recommend the Marine Park Experience.
Yes.
Guests can take home up to the permitted recreational bag limit of legal-sized Western Rock Lobsters, subject to current fisheries regulations and the day's catch.
No experience is necessary. Our knowledgeable crew guide you through every step.

BEFORE YOU ARRIVE

All tours depart from Depot 3, 1225 Breakwater Drive, Jurien Bay Boat Harbour, Western Australia.
When entering the boat harbour, please ensure you make your way to Breakwater Drive (far side of the harbour) before turning into a carpark.
Jurien Bay is located approximately 220 kilometres north of Perth, making it an easy 2.5-hour drive along the scenic Indian Ocean Drive.
Most guests travel by car, however coach services also operate between Perth and Jurien Bay. If you're planning a day trip or overnight stay, our team is happy to provide local recommendations to help you make the most of your visit.
Passengers must arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time to allow enough time for check-in and boarding.
Late arrivals may be treated as a no-show and the fare forfeited. If you're running behind schedule or cannot find our check-in point, please contact our office straight away.
Occasionally departure times may be adjusted due to weather or operational requirements this will not exceed 1.5 hours before or after the original booking time. Where possible, we'll provide advance notice.
Yes.
Free safe parking is available in the carpark on Breakwater Drive, suitable for all cars, caravans, motorhomes etc.
Yes.
Our vessels are equipped with onboard toilet facilities for guest comfort.
Please have in mind they are environmental toilets and we ask that human waste and toilet paper to be the only items flushed.
Many of our tours are family-friendly. Children aged 12 years and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. Please refer to individual tour pages for age recommendations and participation requirements.

BOOKINGS & WEATHER

Our Sea Lion Tour runs for approximately 2.5 hours and includes a scenic cruise through the Jurien Bay Marine Park, time spent observing the sea lions and up to 45 minutes in the water, depending on conditions and wildlife activity.
Passenger safety is always our highest priority. If weather or sea conditions are deemed unsuitable, we may postpone, modify or cancel the tour. Where a tour is cancelled by Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience prior to completion, guests will be offered a reschedule or refund in accordance with our Booking Conditions.
Our cancellation and rescheduling policy is outlined in our Booking Conditions. If you have any questions before booking, our friendly team is happy to assist.
Yes.
Our tours regularly sell out, particularly during weekends, school holidays and peak travel periods. We strongly recommend booking early to secure your preferred date.
If availability permits, same-day bookings are welcome. However, our tours regularly sell out, particularly during weekends, school holidays and peak travel periods, so we strongly recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Where applicable under our Booking Conditions, rescheduled or redo bookings remain valid for 12 months from the original tour date.
Yes.
As marine weather can change quickly and we are not liable for consequential losses such as accommodation or transport costs, we recommend appropriate travel insurance and flexible travel arrangements.
Our friendly team is always happy to help. You can contact us by phone, email or via the Contact Us page and we'll be delighted to answer any questions before your adventure.

“AMAZING!”

This was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever experienced.
The staff where amazing & the sea lions played in the water with us for quite sometime. We will definitely return to experience this again.
- Lisa-Maree B -

Frequently Asked Questions

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