Our Story

THE ORIGINAL β€˜SEA LION TOUR’ EST β€˜96

WE ARE CUSTODIANS AT HEART

Our connection to Jurien Bay spans some 40 years and we are proud to call this little slice of paradise on the Indian Ocean our home.  Our original business, the Jurien Bay Offshore Charter Co, was founded by the Holland family in 1996.  We were the 1st licenced tour company to take guests on sealion interaction tours in Jurien Bay. Back in the day, our skipper, Peter, mastered the vessel for the original business, but, tourism was a fledgling industry in Jurien in those days and the decision was made to put our tourism dreams on hold for a while.  However, the desire to return to tourism full time simmered away and in 2015, the hunt for a new vessel was on!  We purchased our baby, β€˜The Providence II’ in 2016, fitted her out to our high specifications and re-launched Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience in 2017. Several years on - we’ve added our incredible Eco-Friendly vessel β€˜MV High Voltage’ to our fleet and formed the ultimate team of deckhands and tour-guides to provide the best tours and experiences in the region!

Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience is operated as a proud, local family business, devoted to the care of our oceans. We live and breathe the salty sea air!  Our team is forever protecting, educating and inspiring.  We have bold plans for the future of eco-friendly and sustainable tourism and we can’t wait to welcome you aboard!

 

Meet our dedicated team!

Highly qualified crew members
  • Meet Pete, the heart and helm of our company. As High Voltage’s Skipper and the head of Marine Operations, his Master 4 qualification is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his extensive marine credentials, With experience spanning oceans worldwide, from serene waters to the most challenging conditions, Pete’s dedication and abilities run deep. But it’s not just about navigating the seas and ensuring the upmost safety of our passengers; his profound commitment to sea lion conservation and ocean protection is a testament to his passion. Join Pete and his extraordinary team below to ensure the ultimate oceanic experience in Jurien Bay!

Sea Lion Tour Guide, Jurien Bay WA
  • Dive into the vibrant wonders of Jurien Bay with Sari, our dedicated Sea Lion and Marine Park Tour Guide. As a true local, her deep connection to the area shines through on every tour. Beyond her rich knowledge and passion for marine life interactions, its Sari’s genuine warmth and commitment to exceptional customer experiences that sets her tours apart. With Sari leading the way, you’re diving into Jurien Bay’s best-kept secrets, just like a local.

sea lion tour jurien bay
  • Anchored by a rich maritime history, Kevin is our Master 4 qualified skipper, steering our sea lion and rock lobster tours. But he’s not just any skipper; he’s the embodiment of dedication, safety, and unparalleled knowledge of the ocean’s wonders. With years of lobster fishing experience and countless hours navigating the seas, Kevin’s passion for the ocean is as vast as the water he explores! With Kevin at the wheel, an authentic and captivating oceanic journey awaits!

Deckhand Jurien Bay WA
  • Taking charge as our lead deckhand aboard Providence II, Fernando infuses every expedition with his dive master expertise. His enthusiasm for diving and lobster looping translates into tours that aren’t just excursions, but experiences. Passionate about what lies beneath the waves and dedicated to top-tier customer service above them, Fernando ensures every journey is as immersive as it is unforgettable.

Australian sea lion Jurien Bay

Guardians of the Jurien Bay sea lions

Custodianship is more than just a word to us; it’s a role we take seriously. Our sea lions in Jurien Bay are Australian Sea Lions and they are a species found only in small colonies along the Western and Southern Australian coastline. In the past, our beautiful sea lions have been hunted for their fur, but today, the biggest threat to their existence is commercial fishing. In WA, our sea lion colonies are relatively small and with fewer than 25 pups produced annually, our sea lions are listed as β€˜vulnerable’ under Australian law.

As a tourism business our aim is to encourage our visitors to understand the threat that our marine creatures face as a consequence of fishing practices. We want to draw attention to these critical issues so that future generations will enjoy the same privilege of interactions with the sea lions that we enjoy today. To demonstrate our commitment, we have initiated a community group to connect like minded people who share our passion for conservation. You can find out about our work on the Guardians of the Jurien Bay Sea Lions Facebook page.

Our Vision

To be recognized and respected as a quality marine tourism operator, contributing to positively influence the lives of our community and tourists, where every person values our natural environment enough to make a tangible commitment to its protection.

Our Mission

  • We will always treat the ocean and marine life with respect and care to nurture the 100% guaranteed sighting environment that our business depends upon.

  • We will engage our customers to understand that what the ocean provides is worth protecting and everyone has a role to give back.

β€œAMAZING!”

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 -

 
 

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