Australian fur seal underwater on an Abyss seal trip

Martin Island · Port Kembla

Snorkel With Seals Near Sydney

Take a boat trip to Martin Island and watch Australian fur seals in their natural habitat. Snorkellers and freedivers are welcome.

See seal snorkelling trips

Main seal season: June to October
About 10 minutes by boat from Port Kembla
Two-hour boat adventure

Meet the seals of Martin Island

Martin Island, near Wollongong, is a seasonal gathering place for Australian fur seals. Watch them move through the water and rest on the rocks, with an Abyss Divemaster guiding the trip.

The main Martin Island seal season is June to October. Trips run on scheduled dates, subject to weather and sea conditions. Seal numbers, sightings and behaviour vary because these are wild animals. During whale migration, you might also spot a humpback from the boat, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Check the current snorkelling and freediving trip details and dates.

What to expect on your trip

On the boat and in the water

Around two hours on a boat trip from Port Kembla to the Martin Island area.
A safety briefing and Divemaster supervision.
A small group snorkelling or freediving experience at a site selected for the conditions.

Getting ready

Make your own way to Port Kembla; transport from Sydney is not included.
Bring swimwear, a towel and something warm for after the swim. Follow your booking instructions for meeting time and equipment fitting.
If you weigh under 45 kg, bring your own suitable wetsuit.

Planning to freedive? Come with a buddy and follow freediving safety procedures. Children under 15 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If you are unsure whether the trip suits your swimming ability, ask the Abyss team before booking.

Give the seals space

The best wildlife encounter lets the seals carry on with their normal behaviour. Watch quietly, follow your guide and never touch, chase, feed or block a seal.

NSW rules require people in the water to stay at least 10 metres from a seal and 80 metres from a seal pup. Keep at least 40 metres from seals resting on land. If a seal approaches, remain calm and move away slowly to restore the required distance. Read the NSW seal approach guidance before your trip.

Questions before you book

Do I need a scuba certification?

No certification is needed to join the snorkelling option. If you want to scuba dive with seals, book a separate seal scuba dive and check its diver requirements.

Is the trip available every day from June to October?

June to October is the main seal season, not a promise of daily departures. Check the current scheduled dates when booking. The skipper may change the site or cancel a trip if conditions are unsuitable.

Are close encounters guaranteed?

No. The seals are wild, and NSW approach rules apply even if one swims toward the group. The trip is an opportunity to observe them in their habitat, with no guaranteed sighting or interaction.

Where does the trip leave from?

The boat departs from Port Kembla, near Wollongong. Arrange your own transport and follow the meeting and check-in instructions in your booking confirmation.