Australian Fur Seals are known as some of the most playful and interactive marine mammals found anywhere on the planet, the only problem is that there are very few places where you are allowed to swim and interact with them.  Fortunately we have one of the best spots right on Queenscliff’s doorstep -Chinaman’s Hat.  We are able to swim with the seals here as it is safe, regulated and in only 2-3 meters of water which means you can always see the bottom.  A little known fact is that winter is often the best time to come and interact with these special animals, because they have less visitors through winter they really go out of their way to put on a show when they do have guests.  We will provide you with all of the required equipment including a thick warm wetsuit and hot drinks on board our vessel.  This really is an amazing time of the year to experience these animals, and if we see dolphins on the way we might as well jump in and have a swim with them too.  Hope to see you in the drink soon!

 

*SUMMER SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ONLY*

**10% SURCHARGE ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS**

 

Please note: There is a $10 environmental levy included as part of the price of this tour. This levy helps us help our oceans and will be put towards any of the following programs and research through our partnership charity SOEL (Southern Ocean Environmental Link):

 

• Plastic recycling education programs – funding will help us purchase more plastic recycling machinery for use within our recycling programs, facilitate our education sessions for school age children, and go toward community plastic reduction efforts.
• A Port Phillip Bay wide dolphin population study, utilising machine-based learning marine identification camera systems.
• Port Phillip Bay Seal Watch program – mapping the movement trends of Australian Fur Seals within Port Phillip Bay Haul Out sites.
• Marine pest (Northern Pacific Seastar) eradication study utilising machine-based learning identification systems.
• An investigation into the effects of ecotourism experiences on young people’s awareness and attitude toward marine conservation.
• We will also use these funds to invest in an accessibility hoist for Queenscliff Harbour, and in doing so create the first readily available accessibility point for marine tourism within Port Phillip Bay.

Visit www.soel.org to find out more or contribute further.