The invitation...

We had more than 20 members on the previous Snorkel with the Seals in April 08 and the universal response was that it was fantastic. And why not? - to be in the water with these graceful and playful mammals is an unforgettable experience.

Many people have delighted in seeing the seals basking on the rocks at Montague, but that is nothing compared to being in the water with them. Their effortless acrobatics are amazing as they zip around and up and down, one second coming close to you, the next disappearing in a stream of bubbles. While they are wild animals and should be treated with respect, the seals are not at all aggressive and seem as keen on having fun as their human visitors.

The plan is to leave the Narooma Town Wharf at around 9.30 on Sunday 18 January, returning around 1.30 or 2.00. We are intending to go with Narooma Charters, who are experienced at doing this and who looked after us last time. The cost would be $77 per person for adults and $55 per child 15 years and under. Payment is made on boarding and can be made by cash or credit card. This is a discount on their usual price, which has gone up to $88.

It is about a 30 minute trip to the island. We would then get in the water for two or three snorkels, including probably two with the seals, for 45 minutes to 1 hour at a time.

People participating should be able to swim and feel generally comfortable in the water. Entry to and exit from the water will be from the boat and people will generally stay close to the boat. People participating will need mask, snorkels, fins and wetsuits (of whatever kind).

If people don't have their own they can be hired from the Ocean Hut, Narooma, or Indepth Scuba at Batemans Bay. In addition, Narooma Charters has masks, snorkels and fins on the boat, but anyone planning on this would need to check in advance. People can snorkel without a wetsuit, of course, but they might get cold quickly and the wetsuit provides addtional buoyancy as well. The usual hats, sunscreen, water, warm jacket, towel and camera (underwater if possible) should also be brought. The boat operator provides some basic refreshments (tea, coffee etc). I will provide a briefing and snorkeling tips.

If you are interested in this great trip, please contact us as soon as possible. The boat is fairly big but if there is a lot of interest it will be 'first in, best dressed'.

Any trip like this is weather dependent, of course. The seals are in a generally sheltered location and the island offers several other sites.