Few underwater encounters match the thrill of having an Australian Fur Seal rocket toward you, twist at the last moment, and blow a stream of bubbles in your face before spinning away to do it again. Playful, curious, and extraordinarily agile, fur seals are among the most engaging marine animals you can dive with in Australian waters. Melbourne divers are fortunate to have reliable seal encounters available within a short boat ride or even at certain shore dive sites.
Australian Fur Seals Around Melbourne
The Australian Fur Seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) is the most common seal species in Victorian waters. They are the world's fourth-rarest seal species, with a total population estimated at around 120,000, the majority of which breed on islands in Bass Strait. Despite the word "rare," their numbers have recovered significantly since the end of commercial sealing in the early 20th century, and they are now a regular and welcome sight around Melbourne's coastline.
Adult males can weigh up to 360 kilograms and reach 2.2 metres in length, making them imposing animals. Females are considerably smaller at around 70-120 kilograms. Both sexes are powerful swimmers capable of diving to over 200 metres, though the encounters divers enjoy typically occur in much shallower water where the seals come to play, rest, and feed.
When to See Seals
Seal encounters around Melbourne follow a seasonal pattern tied to the animals' breeding cycle and foraging behaviour.
Summer (December to February)
Summer is the peak season for seal encounters around Melbourne. After the breeding season (which occurs in November and December at offshore colonies), non-breeding individuals and juveniles disperse more widely, including into Port Phillip Bay and around the bay's entrance at The Heads. Warmer water temperatures also bring more fish into nearshore areas, drawing seals closer to popular dive sites. This is the most likely time to encounter a seal at a pier dive.
Autumn (March to May)
Autumn remains productive for seal sightings. The animals are well-fed after summer and young of the year are becoming more independent and curious. Water temperatures are still comfortable, and conditions are often calmer than in summer.
Winter and Spring
Seals are present year-round at their haul-out sites near The Heads, but they venture less frequently into the bay and nearshore areas during the cooler months. Dedicated boat dives to seal colonies remain possible throughout the year, weather permitting.
Where to Encounter Seals
Pope's Eye and The Annulus (Boat Dive)
Pope's Eye is a partially completed circular fort structure near the entrance to Port Phillip Bay, and it hosts a permanent colony of Australian Fur Seals. The adjacent reef known as The Annulus provides excellent diving in 6-12 metres with abundant marine life, and the resident seals frequently approach divers. This is the most reliable seal dive accessible from Melbourne and is offered by several charter operators departing from Queenscliff and Sorrento.
The combination of interesting reef structure, colourful marine life, and almost-guaranteed seal interaction makes Pope's Eye one of Melbourne's signature dive experiences. Seals here are habituated to divers and are often remarkably playful, approaching within arm's reach and performing acrobatic displays.
Chinaman's Hat (Boat Dive)
Located near The Heads, Chinaman's Hat is a rocky reef that seals use as a haul-out site. Boat dives here offer encounters in slightly more exposed conditions than Pope's Eye, with the reward of larger marine life including occasional grey nurse sharks during winter. For more on what Melbourne's boat diving has to offer, see our guide to wreck diving around Melbourne. The seals at Chinaman's Hat tend to be slightly less habituated than at Pope's Eye, making the encounters feel more natural and wild.
Portsea Pier and The Heads Area (Shore/Boat)
Individual seals occasionally visit Portsea Pier, particularly during summer. These encounters are unpredictable but exciting when they happen. A seal appearing during a routine pier dive is always a highlight. The rocky coastline around The Heads also supports transient seals that may be encountered during shore dives at nearby sites on calm days.
Unexpected Shore Dive Encounters
While less common, seals have been encountered at various pier dive sites around the bay, including Rye, Blairgowrie, and even Mornington. These are usually young, curious individuals exploring the bay. You cannot plan for these encounters, but they are a wonderful bonus when they happen.
What to Expect Underwater
Seal behaviour underwater varies considerably depending on the individual, the site, and the season. Knowing what to expect helps you enjoy the encounter safely.
Juvenile Seals
Young seals (1-3 years old) are the most playful and interactive. They approach divers closely, often within centimetres, and engage in games — blowing bubbles, mouthing fins, spinning, and making direct eye contact. Their curiosity seems genuine and insatiable. A group of juvenile seals can keep a diver entertained for an entire tank. They are the subjects of most seal diving photographs because they approach so willingly.
Adult Females
Adult females are generally curious but more reserved than juveniles. They may approach to investigate but tend to keep a greater distance. During breeding season, females with pups can be protective and should be given extra space.
Adult Males
Large bull seals are impressive but should be treated with caution. During breeding season, territorial males can be aggressive toward anything perceived as a threat or competitor. Even outside breeding season, large males deserve a respectful distance. If a large male approaches you aggressively — head back, mouth open, making a barking sound — back away slowly and give it space. Aggressive encounters with divers are rare but not unknown.
Safe Interaction Guidelines
Diving with seals is generally safe if you follow sensible guidelines. Seals are wild animals with powerful jaws and the potential to cause injury, so respectful distance and awareness are important.
Do
- Let the seals come to you. Position yourself on the reef and stay still. Curious seals will approach on their own terms. Chasing seals achieves nothing — they are far faster than any diver.
- Maintain neutral buoyancy. Flailing or crashing into the reef startles seals and damages the environment they live in.
- Keep your hands close to your body. Dangling fingers and trailing equipment attract nips from playful juveniles. Tuck in your console, octopus regulator, and any loose gear.
- Make eye contact. Seals respond to eye contact and seem to engage more with divers who look at them directly. It also signals that you are aware of their presence, which the seals seem to prefer.
- Stay low on the reef. Seals are more comfortable interacting with divers who are at or below their level rather than hovering above them.
Don't
- Don't touch or grab seals. This should be obvious, but some divers cannot resist reaching out. Touching stresses the animal, risks a defensive bite, and may violate wildlife protection regulations.
- Don't corner or surround seals. Always leave the animal a clear escape route. If a seal swims away from you, do not follow.
- Don't feed seals. Feeding habituates them to associate divers with food, which changes their natural behaviour and can lead to aggressive food-seeking interactions.
- Don't approach haul-out sites too closely. Seals resting on rocks at the surface should not be disturbed. Keep a distance of at least 20 metres from haul-out platforms.
Planning a Seal Dive
Boat Dives
For a reliable seal encounter, book a boat dive to Pope's Eye through one of the charter operators based at Queenscliff or Sorrento. Trips typically last 3-4 hours including travel time, with one or two dives at the site. Most operators run summer schedules (November to March) with reduced frequency during winter. Book ahead during peak summer weekends as trips fill quickly.
Shore Dives
You cannot guarantee a seal encounter on a shore dive, but diving the southern bay sites (Portsea, Sorrento, Point Nepean) during summer gives you the best odds. Check the Boat Dives page for current information on charter operators and dive sites near seal colonies.
What to Bring
A wide-angle lens or action camera captures seal encounters far better than a macro setup — seals move fast and get close. Ensure all your gear is streamlined with nothing dangling that a playful seal might grab or bite. A reef hook can be useful at Pope's Eye to anchor yourself on the reef while seals play around you, though not all operators permit their use.
Conservation
Australian Fur Seals are protected under Australian and Victorian law. The population has recovered well from historic exploitation, but they face ongoing threats from entanglement in fishing gear and marine debris, competition with commercial fisheries, and disturbance at breeding colonies. Marine debris is a particular concern — seals are curious animals that investigate floating plastic, rope, and fishing line, sometimes becoming fatally entangled.
As divers, we can help by removing marine debris when we encounter it (Dive Against Debris), keeping a respectful distance from haul-out and breeding sites, and following responsible interaction guidelines that minimise stress on the animals.
An Unforgettable Experience
A seal dive at Pope's Eye or an unexpected encounter at a pier site ranks among Melbourne's greatest diving experiences. The combination of intelligence, playfulness, and sheer physical grace makes Australian Fur Seals utterly captivating companions underwater. If you have not yet dived with seals, summer is your opportunity.
Check the Boat Dives and Shore Dives pages for current conditions and dive site information near seal habitats.