Meet the site
Jurien Bay is the only major breeding area for Australian sea lions on the west coast of Australia, and the sea lion snorkel at the islands and rocks off the town is the region's signature marine experience. Essex Rocks is one of the sanctuary zones of the Jurien Bay Marine Park, established in 2003, and one of the colonies visited by the local tour operators.
Australian sea lions are endangered, with only around 12,000 left, some 6,500 of them in Western Australia. They are endemic to WA and SA and breed on an unusual 17-18-month cycle. At the haul-outs off Jurien, young animals and females returning from feeding frequently approach snorkellers, twisting and somersaulting around them over the sandy bottom and seagrass in a few metres of clear water.
In-water encounters are only conducted by licensed operators under strict guidelines – snorkellers stay at least 50 m from the shore, never touch the animals and remain passive, and time with the animals is limited. Jurien Bay Oceanic Experience, operating since 1996 with marine-science-trained guides, supplies wetsuits and snorkel gear and provides GoPro footage; Sea Lion Charters uses custom-built boats to visit several colonies.
Beyond the sea lions, the surrounding reef has limestone ledges with sponges and a mix of temperate and tropical fish thanks to the Leeuwin Current, and dolphins are often seen on the way. The experience suits any confident swimmer, including children aged six and over with some snorkelling experience. It is a snorkel, not a scuba dive.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Essex Rocks Sea Lions (Jurien Bay) is recorded as Island in Turquoise Coast. The listed access is boat (day trip). Confirm the actual meeting point, route and permission to visit; a map pin does not establish any of these.
Historical access notes exist for this record, but have not been independently verified for current use. Request current directions from the operator or site manager rather than following an old entry description.
Questions, answered
Is Essex Rocks Sea Lions (Jurien Bay) suitable for my certification?
The record lists Snorkel/Any. That does not establish suitability for every route or day. Share your training, recent experience and equipment needs with the operator and ask about the specific proposed dive.
Can I book Essex Rocks Sea Lions (Jurien Bay) through YouDive?
YouDive is an independent research directory. Contact an operator directly to confirm whether it currently runs the trip, the inclusions and the booking terms.
What you might see
Australian sea lions, bottlenose dolphins, buffalo bream, western king wrasse, sweep, herring, seagrass, sponges
Location
Low rocky islets off Jurien Bay inside a Jurien Bay Marine Park sanctuary zone, with an Australian sea lion haul-out visited on guided snorkel tours.
Before you make plans
Conditions, access and operator schedules can change. This is a location guide, not a dive plan. Ask a local operator about current conditions and suitability for your training and experience.
Sources & further reading
jurienbayoceanic.com.ausealioncharters.com.auen.wikipedia.orgweareexplorers.covisitpinnaclescountry.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.