When a wild animal, in its natural habitat, chooses to interact with us on its own terms – it’s a moment in our lives unlike any other.
Baird Bay, on the western edge of the Eyre Peninsula, is where the rugged South Australian coastline meets the shimmering turquoise of the Great Australian Bight – and it’s a special place where moments like this happen.
From October to April every year, these raw and real encounters with Australian sea lions and bottlenose dolphins are hosted by Baird Bay Experience, one of the most unique operations in the country. Respectful, low-impact, and unforgettable, the tours never have more than 20 people on the boat out to Jones Island.
As the tour begins, we hop on board for our adventure to observe and interact with these mammals of the sea. On the journey, take in the coastline, the birdlife, and the endless ocean horizon. It’s not long until it is time to drop into chest-deep water; the sea lions will come to us, in their time, on their terms. Simply join their aquatic playtime in the calm and protected rock pools surrounding their home.
Sea lions love to play and, more often than not, will invite us to join in the fun. About 85 per cent of the Australian sea lion population lives in South Australia, much of that right here on the Eyre Peninsula. We take it in, soak it up, and let the images imprint themselves in our minds.
Moored at the next stop, we dip into deeper waters to swim alongside dolphins – they gracefully glide by in curiosity, and delight bubbles up from the group. Watching these creatures can feel surreal, because it seems they are watching us right back. As we snorkel beneath the surface, the light dances on every shade of blue.
We hop back onto the deck of our vessel, ready to return up the coast, invigorated and renewed. Once back on dry land, after the salt has dried on our skin, the experience transitions from sea to shore.
Guests can choose to partake in a regionally inspired lunch hosted by acclaimed chef Calvin Von Niebel. Using the Eyre Peninsula’s world-famous seafood, the meal is a masterclass in local flavours, turning the day into a full sensory celebration of the region.
Digest the day with a coastal trek – there is a myriad of flora and fauna to spot on the way, uniquely Eyre Peninsula, a quintessentially coastal paradise. To truly soak in the silence of this remote region, a stay in the newly renovated Seaside Villas is a wonderful option. Designed as a peaceful retreat, these villas offer a sophisticated contrast to the dramatic environment outside. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset over the bay, reflecting on the fact that we didn’t just see the ocean today – we were a part of it.
