The Puppies of the Sea: Why You Must Swim with Jurien Bay’s Sea Lions
The Indian Ocean Drive north of Perth is an awesome stretch of Aussie road, but one of its biggest secrets isn’t on the land—it’s in the water. Just off the coast of Jurien Bay lies a colony of the ocean’s most playful and curious characters.
We’re talking about Australian sea lions, the “puppies of the sea,” and this is your guide to one of the most joyful wildlife encounters you can have. Forget viewing from a boat; this is about jumping in and becoming part of their underwater playground – although the options are there if diving into the ocean isn’t your thing!
We’ve stayed at Jurien Bay many times, the location makes it easy to get to from Perth, yet far enough away from a capital city that it has its own peaceful small-town charm. There is something to do for everyone, but in this article, let’s look at everything you need to know about Jurien Bay and its Sea lions.
Sea Lion vs. Seal: Know Before You Go
Before you jump in, here are a few random Seal lion facts to get you excited (and be able to answer those random questions so you look cool!)
The amazing creatures at Jurien Bay are Australian sea lions, not seals! While they might look similar from a distance, sea lions are a much rarer species and are known for being far more interactive, making swimming with them simply fantastic!
So, what’s the difference?
- Ears: Sea lions have small, visible external ear flaps. Seals just have ear holes with no external flap.
- Movement: On land, sea lions can “walk” by rotating their rear flippers forward. Seals are less graceful, wriggling on their bellies.
- Personality: It’s the puppy-dog curiosity and playful nature of the sea lions that makes the Jurien Bay encounter world-famous.
More Fun Facts About Australian Sea Lions:
- They are a protected species: The Australian sea lion is endangered, and their populations are found in Western Australia and South Australia.
- They have a unique breeding cycle: Unlike other seals that breed annually, Australian sea lions have a non-seasonal, 17-month breeding cycle.
- They are big eaters: These opportunistic hunters have a diverse diet, feasting on squid, octopus, cuttlefish, fish, and even small penguins or seabirds if they get the chance.
- Males are much bigger than females: You can often tell the difference just by size. Adult males (bulls) can be more than double the size of females (cows) and have a much thicker neck and lighter-coloured fur on their heads.
Why Jurien Bay? The Sea Lion Capital of WA
Just a scenic 2.5-hour drive north of Perth, Jurien Bay is home to one of the largest and most accessible colonies of Australian sea lions in the world. They live and breed at Essex Rocks, just a short boat ride from the shore.
Because the area is a marine park, the animals are safe, healthy, and completely wild. They aren’t fed or trained—their playful interactions are 100% natural, which makes the experience feel so authentic and special.
The Unforgettable Swim: What It’s Really Like
This is the part you’re here for. What does it feel like to be in the water with them?
Your tour boat will anchor a respectful distance from their island home, and almost immediately, you’ll see sleek, brown shapes zipping through the water towards you.
Once you’re in the water, the magic begins. Young sea lions are the most interactive, and they’ll often initiate the fun. They’ll perform underwater acrobatics, blow bubbles in your direction, and swim right up to your snorkel mask to get a better look at the strange, two-legged creature in their playground.
It really is something you need to experience!
How to See the Jurien Bay Sea Lions: Choosing Your Tour
You can’t just swim out to the islands yourself, you need to go with a licensed tour operator. This is crucial for both your safety and the well-being of the sea lions. The area is a protected Marine Park
The local charter companies are experts and have a deep respect for the animals.
What to look for in a tour:
- Eco-Certified: Choose a company with eco-accreditation to ensure they follow strict guidelines to protect the wildlife.
- Small Groups: A smaller tour size means a more intimate and personal experience with the sea lions.
- Equipment Included: Most tours provide everything you need, including wetsuits (the water can be cool!), snorkels, and masks.
The main operators in town are Turquoise Safaris, Jurien Bay Oceanic, and Sea Lion Charters. All have excellent reputations for providing safe and magical experiences.
Planning Your Trip: The Best Time to Go & What to Pack
One of the best things about this adventure is that it’s available year-round! The sea lions are always ready to play.
- Best Season: While any time is good, the water is warmest and clearest from September through May.
- Best Time of Day: Tours typically run in the morning when the sea lions are most active and weather conditions are calmest.
- What to Pack: Just the basics! Bring your swimwear, a towel, a hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and an underwater camera if you have one.
Stock up on your beach essentials with Surf Dive N Ski.
Just remember Jurien Bay, along with other tourist destinations, gets busy during the school holidays. These usually are from the beginning of December to the end of January, then again around March-April for 2 weeks. You will need to book ahead if you’re visiting during these times.
Check here for the latest school holiday dates
Getting to Jurien Bay: The Indian Ocean Drive
The journey from Perth to Jurien Bay is an adventure in itself. You’ll be travelling along the beautiful Indian Ocean Drive, a spectacular coastal route. The drive takes about 2.5 hours, but you’ll want to allow extra time to pull over at the scenic lookouts along the way.
Hiring a Car:
For maximum flexibility to explore at your own pace, hiring a car is a fantastic option. It allows you to easily visit nearby attractions like the Pinnacles or stop at quiet beaches whenever you feel like it.
Check out Discover Cars to find the best deal from Perth.
Hiring a Campervan or RV:
To really get into the adventure spirit, I highly recommend hiring a campervan. This gives you the ultimate freedom to decide where to stop and when, with your accommodation already sorted!
For luxury, you can’t go past StarRV, a motorhome with everything you’ll need. Or, if you want something a little more basic, but still comfortable, check out Jucy Campers.
Book a StarRV luxury camper today, for a romantic getaway to a family adventure. StarRV has an RV waiting for you.
Where to Stay in Jurien Bay
Jurien Bay is perfectly set up for every kind of traveller. Here are our top picks for a range of accommodation options:
For the Caravanners and RV travellers
Jurien Bay Tourist Park: This is your best bet for convenience and location. Situated right on the stunning waterfront, it offers a range of powered and unpowered sites, plus chalets. You can walk to the jetty and local cafes, making it the perfect central base.
For Hotel & Apartment Lovers
If you’d rather have a solid base with all the creature comforts, Jurien Bay has you covered. You can find excellent, highly-rated options to suit your budget on Booking.com, but here are a few standouts:
Jurien Bay Motel Apartments: A great all-rounder, offering modern, self-contained apartments. This is a perfect choice for families or anyone wanting a bit more space and the option to cook for themselves.
With the beach a short 2 minute walk away, or 5 minute walk into the main street, it’s the perfect location!
Jurien Bay Hotel/Motel: If you want to be in the heart of the action, the local pub offers simple, convenient motel-style rooms.
I recommend booking accommodation in advance, especially during peak season and school holidays.
Beyond the Sea Lions: Make it an Unforgettable Weekend!
Don’t just drive up for the swim and leave! The Turquoise Coast is packed with incredible things to do.
Here are a couple of fantastic tour options from Perth:
Pinnacles Sunset & Star-Gazing Tour
The Pinnacles Desert Sunset and Star-Gazing Tour: combines beaches, nature reserves and the wierd and mezmorising pinnacles – as you have a delicious dinner and watch the stars! As one of the top rated tours, this is something that is really unique and highly recommended.
Pinnacles Lobster Yanchep Small Group Day Tour from Perth
Another option is the Pinnacles Lobster Yanchep Small Group Day Tour. This tour, departing from Perth, is a daytime tour that takes you from Perth to some of the best Coral Coast highlights, including national parks, the Pinnacles and more. Check out the Pinncales Lobster Yanchep Tour here.
7-Day Exmouth Explorer via Pinnacles Monkey Mia Ningaloo Reef returning to Perth
If you want to explore the Coral Coast without any hassle of driving yourself, working out accomodation or where to go, this is the tour for you. Over 7 days, you’ll see all the best the West Coast has to offer. From the Pinnicales, to Ningaloo and lots inbetween. Click here for a once in a lifetime experience, at a very reasonable cost!
Other things to do in the area:
- Explore more: For a complete list of activities, check out our detailed guide on Things to Do in Jurien Bay.
- Sandy Cape Recreation Park: A stunning, sheltered beach perfect for a swim or a picnic.
- Go Fishing: The Jurien Bay jetty is a popular spot to cast a line.
- Skydive: For the adrenaline junkies, you can skydive right over the spectacular coastline.
Your Jurien Bay Adventure: FAQ
Are the sea lions dangerous?
No. They are wild animals and should be treated with respect, but the Australian sea lions in Jurien Bay are known for being non-aggressive and playful. The tour operators ensure all interactions are safe.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Not at all. You’ll be given a wetsuit which provides buoyancy, and most tours offer flotation devices if you’re not confident in the water. Have a chat with the tour operators if you’re not sure.
Can I touch the sea lions?
No. It’s a strict “no-touch” policy to protect both you and the animals. The magic is in letting them interact with you on their own terms.
How far is Jurien Bay from Perth?
It’s approximately 220km, which takes about 2.5 hours to drive one way.
Our Thoughts
The puppies of the sea are waiting! This is more than just a tour; it’s a chance to connect with nature in a way you’ll never forget. While the whale sharks at the Ningaloo get a lot of attention, the sea lions here at Jurien Bay offer a unique playfulness you don’t get with other adventures. I suggest, if you’re heading this way, why not do both!
It’s time to start planning your adventure to Jurien Bay today!
