Experience swimming with wild sea-lions and dolphins and numerous other activities
Embark on a remarkable four-day tour to some of South Australia's most stunning locations! You’ll get to explore Big Swamp Wetlands, Coffin Bay National Park, Avoid Bay, Mount Dutton Bay Conservation Park, Baird Bay, Port Lincoln National Park, and Mikkira Station. Along the way you can witness a diverse range of sea and land-based wildlife and birdlife in their natural habitat.
One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to swim with Australian sea lions and bottlenose dolphins in Baird Bay, and guests are encouraged to bring their binoculars or camera to observe the rare, endangered, or vulnerable species of birds and other wildlife throughout the journey.
Another exciting experience involves cruising with a local oyster farmer to learn about the farming practices involved in growing, harvesting, and processing fresh Pacific and native angassi oysters.
Finally, visitors can marvel at the adorable koalas at Mikkira Station, which are often spotted sitting in tree branches at head height, providing an up-close and personal view of these beautiful animals in their natural habitat.
Highlights of the Wildlife and Ocean Encounter Tour
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Wildlife and Ocean Encounter Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Port Lincoln
Arrive at the Seafood Capital of Australia, Port Lincoln.
Prepare for a first day of the tour to be full of activities! Discover the unique Big Swamp Wetland, a nationally important ecosystem hosting rare wildlife such as waterfowl, raptors, and migratory waders. Continue to Coffin Bay for oysters fresh from the farm and enjoy a gourmet seafood platter for lunch. Explore the Coffin Bay National Park to see the diverse wildlife, including 150 species of birds, 11 species of terrestrial mammals, 12 species of marine mammals, and 20 species of lizards. See colonies of the Australian Sea-lion and New Zealand Fur-seal on the islands of Whidbey, Avoid Bay, and Mount Dutton Bay Conservation Parks. Keep an eye out for Southern Right Whales along the southern coastline of Coffin Bay National Park during early winter.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Port Lincoln
Meals: Lunch
Day 2 Swim with Australian Sea lions & Bottlenose Dolphins at Baird Bay
The day will start at 6:00am: Pick up and start a 300km road trip to Baird Bay for an ocean eco experience. Along the way, stop at Elliston for coastal views, including the Great Ocean Drive and Venus Bay if time permits. Then, board the 14-seater 'Neo-phocus' and swim with Australian Sea Lions off Jones Island. Witness the sea lions in their natural habitat and swim with resident Bottlenose dolphins. After lunch at Baird Bay, head to Port Lincoln with stops at Talia Caves and Cummings Monument for spectacular views of the Great Australian Bight and a family of sea eagles.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Port Lincoln
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 3 Visit to Seal Cove (Hopkins Island), Memory Cove and departure
The day will start with bird watching in Tulka, where you can spot waders, swans, and sea birds from the Bird Hide. You then explore the diverse Port Lincoln National Park, following Captain Matthew Flinders' journey through the wilderness areas. There are opportunities to view Osprey, White Bellied Sea-Eagles, and various bird species while trekking or beachcombing. You can also spot Australian Sealions, New Zealand fur seals, and Bottlenose Dolphins off the rocks of Donnington Point. Koalas can be found in the wild in the afternoon, and you can also see kangaroos and emus around the restored original homestead. The day ends with a fire (out of fire season) and local wine surrounded by wildlife and the sounds of nature.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Port Lincoln
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 4 Departure
The tour concludes after the breakfast at hotel. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight.
Overnight Location: None
Meals: Breakfast
Wildlife and Ocean Encounter Tour Price and Dates
This wildlife tour is run either as a shared departure where you will be joining an existing group for the activities, or as a private tour, where all departure dates are on request. Please note that the group departure price might be higher if there are less than 4 travellers in group.
Private departures:
The prices below are per person, sharing a double or a triple room:
- Guided group of 2-3: $2,275 USD per person
- Guided group of 4-6: $1,550 USD per person
Group departures:
On request.
Accommodation on Wildlife and Ocean Encounter Tour
This tour provides three nights in a hotel in Port Lincoln which offers modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Port Lincoln Hotel ★★★★
Enjoy the room with Ocean View in a hotel near Boston Bay. Tis modern hotel has numerous great amenities, such as heated swimming pool, 3 bars and fitness centre.
What’s Included in the Wildlife and Ocean Encounter Tour?
Meals
3 continental breakfasts in hotel are included, as well as 3 lunches during the activities. This tour also provides water, soft drinks, tea, coffee, local produce, local wines & beer during some of the activities.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 3 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
This tour includes all the transfers necessary, as well as airport transfers before and after the tour. Fights to and from Port Lincoln are not included.
Also Included
- Experienced, local guides for each activity
- Transport in luxury 4WD Land-Cruiser
- All daily activities, permit and entry fees based on itinerary
- All National Park & other entry fees
- Waters, soft drinks, tea, coffee, local produce, local wines & beer
- Birds of Southern Eyre Peninsula Pocket Guide book
Not included
- Flights to and from Port Lincoln
- Meals not mentioned as included
Optional Extras
- Extra nights before or after the tour
- Upgrading to single room
- Shark cage diving experience
Frequently Asked Questions about Wildlife and Ocean Encounter Tour
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