Top 5 Places to Swim with Seals

Don’t be left on the dry side of the tank! Swimming with seals is a once in a lifetime opportunity to swim with and witness these lovable creatures up close and personal.

Here are the top 5 places in the world to swim with seals.

1. Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
England is the home of the oceanic safari. These safaris operate in the warm and clear waters of the Isles of Scilly. Local divers have spent several years cultivating the trust of the herd of grey Atlantic seals, so you can dive or snorkel freely in their midst. Be prepared for a game of tag among the rocks and kelp, with seals kissing your dive mask, nipping your fins, and running their bodies along yours. The experience is quite magical.

Qualified divers can also investigate the scores of local wrecks, some of which are more or less intact with cannons, skulls and all that goes with sunken ship wrecks.

2. Kaikoura, New Zealand
Swim with wild New Zealand fur seals in the shallow waters of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula. Swimming with New Zealand fur seals is one of the world’s rarest and most rewarding marine mammal experiences. You will not believe how interactive these animals can be in the water.

Most seal experiences supply wet suits and snorkelling equipment, and most include briefings on seals, seal swimming etiquette and snorkelling skills. From then on, you’ll be on your way to experience the thrill of interacting with wild New Zealand fur seals in their own spectacular coastal environment.
Board one of the custom seal swimming vessels and enjoy the stunning scenery as you are taken to a popular seal swimming area.

3. Baird Bay, Australia
There are a multitude of in-water animal encounters to be had in Australia, of varying quality - some take place in aquariums and some in cages. But there’s nothing quite like meeting a wild and curious creature, especially one as playful as a seal on its own terms.

The experience of paddling around with frolicking seals in Baird Bay on the west coast of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula is one of the few places in the world where it’s just you and the seals in shallow, sheltered waters. The seals here, and around the small collection of islands nearby, are totally unfed, untrained and in naturally wild conditions. For that reason, it’s entirely up to them as to the level of interaction they choose to enjoy with you.

A truly inspiring experience for anyone wanting more than just a giggle from a well-trained dolphin.

4. Lundy Island, United Kingdom
The UK is home to half the world’s population of grey seals. There are colonies on the Isles of Scilly, on remote North Rona in Scotland, Blakeney Point in Norfolk, the Farne Islands in Northumberland and Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel, to name but a few.

Go on an aquatic adventure and watch these wonderfully inquisitive creatures. Shy at first, seals soon get used to you being in the water and dash about hunting and playing around you.

You have to get a boat out to Lundy Island, and spend an hour or two in the water with them before turning back. With seals, you are almost guaranteed a close encounter as they live in colonies, stay in the same place, and don’t seem to mind people being in the water near them at all.

5. Sorrento, Australia
To swim with seals at Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula is to cherish one of life’s truly great moments. In their natural habitat, south of Melbourne, you can watch these creatures and delight in them.

Whether you choose to swim with the seals or just observe them from the comfort of the boat, you will never forget this amazing experience.

Local cruises commence in the sheltered shallows of Port Phillip Bay. They then head off to Chinaman’s Hat, a local spot where the ever-curious Australian fur seals are waiting to share the water world with you.

Travel Associates is an Australia-based travel agency specialising in unique and luxury holiday options. For more holiday ideas and information visit their luxury holiday website.