Meet the site
Swimming with Australian sea lions at Hopkins Island is one of Port Lincoln's signature experiences. The Marine Life Society describes the island as a relatively small rock with smooth slabs of stone along sandy beaches and a tiny protected bay, Seal Cove, where sea lions enter the water and come over when divers arrive. Landing is prohibited, but that does not matter: as the boat anchors, the animals slide off the rocks and into the water to investigate. Australian sea lions are an endangered species found only in South and Western Australia, and they are famously curious. In the clear, shallow water of the cove, juveniles in particular twist and spin around snorkellers, blow bubbles, mouth fins and mimic swimmers' movements – behaviour that has earned them the nickname 'puppy dogs of the sea'. The bay floor is sand and seagrass with granite boulders, and small reef fish and rays are seen alongside the sea lions. For scuba divers, the island has more to offer. A pinnacle off the south-west tip rises from about 30 m to 4 m, with boulders and numerous caves and a variety of marine life, making a fine deeper dive when conditions allow. The sea lion swim suits everyone who can snorkel, including families, and tours supply wetsuits and gear. It is often combined with a Neptune Islands shark trip. Best practice is to let the animals come to you and never to touch them, and bull sea lions should be given space. Water temperatures around 14-19°C mean even summer swimmers appreciate the thick wetsuits supplied on tours.
Research this site before booking Stored site notes may be historical. These questions highlight gaps without turning old instructions into a current dive plan.
Hopkins Island – Australian Sea Lions is recorded as Island in Eyre Peninsula. 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.
Topics flagged by the stored research
These are questions prompted by the existing notes, not a verified or complete hazard assessment.
- Other water users
- Ask about vessel activity, exclusion areas and the agreed surface arrangements.
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 Hopkins Island – Australian Sea Lions suitable for my certification?
The record lists Advanced Open Water. 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 Hopkins Island – Australian Sea Lions 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 (endangered), bottlenose dolphins, rays, sweep, wrasse, western blue groper (pinnacle), sponges and gorgonians (pinnacle), seagrass
Location
Small granite island south of Port Lincoln with a tiny protected bay (Seal Cove) where Australian sea lions enter the water to play with snorkellers; a pinnacle off the south-west tip rises from 30 m to 4 m.
Facilities nearby
Lincoln Cove Marina, Port Lincoln; tour vessels provide wetsuits and snorkelling gear.
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
southaustralia.commarinelife.org.ausharkcagediving.com.ausharkcagediving.com.auRecord updated 27 Sept 2026. Source claims are being reviewed.