Underwater Safaris
Underwater Safaris
4.9
Scuba & SnorkellingShark DivingBoat ToursDolphin & Whale WatchingNature & Wildlife Tours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
The only dedicated diving and snorkelling boat in Narooma! *Scuba Dive *Instructors/Dive Masters on every trip *snorkel with seals * Learn to dive-PADI Courses * Whale watching * Grey Nurse shark Dives* Free-Diving * Wreck Dives * 'Squid Squad' kids snorkelling school
Narooma, New South Wales, Australia
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.9
276 reviews
Excellent
268
Very good
5
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Kelly O
4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
I talk about this tour all the time and it's been two months and two holidays since. It was a lot of fun - the crew (and I forget their names which is terrible) made things enjoyable and relaxed. You can snorkel or dive on these boats and on my trip most people did diving which actually was ideal - those few of us who did snorkel had more space and got to chat a bit while the divers were setting up. For the most part it seems like they attract a pretty low key clientele too.
We went to two spots and I personally liked the second one better for snorkel you could see a lot more. From the sounds of it I felt like the snorkel was better overall but to each their own!
Bonus (and the biggest sell, which I didn't even know about in advance!!!) is they have a hot water hose on board (which they said was new) so you get to warm up between dive spots. For someone like me who is constantly cold this was amazing - I was chattering even with the suit and feet on but dropped the hot hose in my wetting and ahhhhh
To the point of the guides being really lovely and laid back, we had a snorkeler who didn't realise you could dive and wanted to change and then when the guides called the office and got the price she was haggling with them all day. It was annoying even for me to listen to (because clearly it's not their call on how much it is and they were still open to making a day of change for you) but they handled it really well and were even chatting with her about where to sell her surf board afterwards.
We went to two spots and I personally liked the second one better for snorkel you could see a lot more. From the sounds of it I felt like the snorkel was better overall but to each their own!
Bonus (and the biggest sell, which I didn't even know about in advance!!!) is they have a hot water hose on board (which they said was new) so you get to warm up between dive spots. For someone like me who is constantly cold this was amazing - I was chattering even with the suit and feet on but dropped the hot hose in my wetting and ahhhhh
To the point of the guides being really lovely and laid back, we had a snorkeler who didn't realise you could dive and wanted to change and then when the guides called the office and got the price she was haggling with them all day. It was annoying even for me to listen to (because clearly it's not their call on how much it is and they were still open to making a day of change for you) but they handled it really well and were even chatting with her about where to sell her surf board afterwards.
Written 27 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick B
2 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Coming from Victoria, we joined the safari over the Melbourne Cup long weekend. It really was an awesome trip, very professionally run and operated and exceeded any expectations we might have had. In addition to snorkelling with the sealions, some whales were observed from the boat on the way out to the island. A really memorable experience. Our two boys (9 and 12) enjoyed it just as much as the parents. While my partner and I snorkelled in close proximity to our children at all times, a guide from the company also stayed close to our boys the whole time they were in the water which was appreciated.
Written 7 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Climber31980325435
7 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
We were initially supposed to go on a two dive but it was canceled because of the weather.. something they can't control. But what they can control is customer service, and it far exceeded our expectations.
Underwater Safari worked with us to the best of their abilities and our vacation time schedule. They immediately offered a solution and followed through with an amazing adventure.
From picking out gear, to the boat ride, to the dive master, the whole experience was fantastic. Clean, friendly, safe, knowledgeable, and such a gorgeous area! It was a great adventure and would 110% do it again / recommend to anyone traveling to Australia.
Underwater Safari worked with us to the best of their abilities and our vacation time schedule. They immediately offered a solution and followed through with an amazing adventure.
From picking out gear, to the boat ride, to the dive master, the whole experience was fantastic. Clean, friendly, safe, knowledgeable, and such a gorgeous area! It was a great adventure and would 110% do it again / recommend to anyone traveling to Australia.
Written 4 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Region X
Batemans Bay3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Business
These guys are seriously the best!
Can't believe that they are soooo hidden on Trip Advisor, they should be on the front page as it's seriously one of the best things to do on the South Coast of NSW.
The service is great, best and safest boat that visits the island and they know the weather patterns to put you in the best snorkel spots.
The owner is a legend, really friendly and great communicating all the way through our booking and swim process.
The staff onboard were also amazing, they can really snorkel well, all the way to the bottom.
I know these guys are the best, don't miss out on this trip to Montague island!
Can't believe that they are soooo hidden on Trip Advisor, they should be on the front page as it's seriously one of the best things to do on the South Coast of NSW.
The service is great, best and safest boat that visits the island and they know the weather patterns to put you in the best snorkel spots.
The owner is a legend, really friendly and great communicating all the way through our booking and swim process.
The staff onboard were also amazing, they can really snorkel well, all the way to the bottom.
I know these guys are the best, don't miss out on this trip to Montague island!
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy
1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Family
Super fun and insightful. Run by locals who know the area and fauna like the back of their hands.
The young assistants (Max and Milo) were incredible with our 4 young children (3,5,8 and 10) making them feel safe and adventurous in the water. They are now viewed as heroes in our home.
captain Frank managed his crew and the clients so well. Always available to answer any of our eager kids questions. He offered us all a lovely cuppa and afternoon tea once out of the water. The equipment was current and comfortable and I observed the crew demonstrating COVID safe procedures.
My kids claimed our afternoon with the boys from underwater safaris was the best of their holiday. I highly recommend joining them for your own adventure if your in the area. We look forward to joining them again during next years summer break 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The young assistants (Max and Milo) were incredible with our 4 young children (3,5,8 and 10) making them feel safe and adventurous in the water. They are now viewed as heroes in our home.
captain Frank managed his crew and the clients so well. Always available to answer any of our eager kids questions. He offered us all a lovely cuppa and afternoon tea once out of the water. The equipment was current and comfortable and I observed the crew demonstrating COVID safe procedures.
My kids claimed our afternoon with the boys from underwater safaris was the best of their holiday. I highly recommend joining them for your own adventure if your in the area. We look forward to joining them again during next years summer break 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Written 23 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NoniLL
sydney siders4 contributions
Apr 2022
A day trip to Montague Island by powerful watercraft for half day snorkelling/scuba diving with Seals was the highlight of our trip to Narooma. We travelled to Narooma for the purpose of a Seal encounter and we could not have chosen a better operator to provide such a well organised, safe, exciting, hygienic, comfortable, and supported environment. We are a family of diverse ability, one of us scuba dived and had a wonderful couple of dives, and the others were amateur snorkellers. We were helped into our (great quality, clean) gear, care was taken to ensure we were comfortable and capable and a spotter kept an eye on all the divers and swimmers in the water the whole time.
Of course we saw many many seals and had an amazing experience.
Many thanks to Francois for excellent communication and skippering (and tea and cookies), Odette for her care and organising our snorkelling and Brett who led great scuba dives.
Of course we saw many many seals and had an amazing experience.
Many thanks to Francois for excellent communication and skippering (and tea and cookies), Odette for her care and organising our snorkelling and Brett who led great scuba dives.
Written 17 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JojoS
1 contribution
Dec 2020 • Family
This was most the most incredible experience. Francois and Pugs were the best hosts. We were 4 families with 10 kids between us (aged from 7 to 13) and they took such great care of them, making sure their equipment fitted right and telling them interesting information about the animals and the island. It was a quick, fun ride to the island and once there we had plenty of time to snorkel with the seals and fish. They came right up to us and we were so curious and playful. When the younger kids had had enough and got back in the boat Pugs was so great in making sure they were warm, safe and entertained while the adults finished snorkelling. The younger kids had swim noodles if needed so age and experience was not an issue.
I’ve been coming to Narooma for 8 years on holiday and this is by far the best thing we have ever done here. Highly recommended for all ages and abilities.
I’ve been coming to Narooma for 8 years on holiday and this is by far the best thing we have ever done here. Highly recommended for all ages and abilities.
Written 4 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Claire L
3 contributions
Sept 2020
I can not recommend this experience more highly.
My husband and I, along with our 4 children (4,8,10,12years) did an afternoon seal snorkel over the weekend. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
Not long after crossing the bar the boat was surrounded by dolphins. We could hear their playful calls to each other. As we headed out towards Montague, whales where spotted. We were able to spend time watching them breach and slap the water with their fins not to far from the boat.
Montague Islands sheltered bays and calm clear waters were the perfect place for an up-close play with the seals.
We saw dolphins, whales, many types of birds and fish, urchins, a penguin, a stingray, seals and seal pups.
Francois's knowledge of the area and wildlife, as well as his obvious experience on the water made it easy for us to feel confident with our children on and in the water. For us, the attention to detail and the care we were shown is what made the experience so memorable and special. These guys really are making peoples dreams come true.
Thanks, Underwater Safaris!
My husband and I, along with our 4 children (4,8,10,12years) did an afternoon seal snorkel over the weekend. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
Not long after crossing the bar the boat was surrounded by dolphins. We could hear their playful calls to each other. As we headed out towards Montague, whales where spotted. We were able to spend time watching them breach and slap the water with their fins not to far from the boat.
Montague Islands sheltered bays and calm clear waters were the perfect place for an up-close play with the seals.
We saw dolphins, whales, many types of birds and fish, urchins, a penguin, a stingray, seals and seal pups.
Francois's knowledge of the area and wildlife, as well as his obvious experience on the water made it easy for us to feel confident with our children on and in the water. For us, the attention to detail and the care we were shown is what made the experience so memorable and special. These guys really are making peoples dreams come true.
Thanks, Underwater Safaris!
Written 6 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris B
2 contributions
Feb 2020
I booked with Underwater Safaris so that me and my partner could snorkel with the seals as it's been on her bucket list for a long time. I wasn't quite sure what to expect because you have no control over wildlife or weather on these tours, and Narooma was hit hard by the recent bushfires in NSW.
What we ended up experiencing was beyond expectation.
We started the day with a warm welcome and briefing from Francois and his crew (Robin and skipper Brendan). They got us kitted up with wet suits and flippers, and told us what we could expect to see that day. As previously mentioned you're at the mercy of mother nature but Francois was well on the ball and knew the conditions we would likely encounter once we reached the island. It's the little details and care like this that show you how professional these guys are. The boat isn't very large either which means you have an intimate tour. Less people not only means more personal space in the water but you feel like you get more attention from the crew.
The tour consisted of two anchor points. The first was just off shore from a very large colony of seal. The waters around Narooma and Montague Island are crystal clear and the seals and very curious. There were heaps in the water! The more animated you are, the more inquisitive they become. We spent close to 2 hours diving and spinning with them, which was more than enough time for me. After some morning tea we dropped anchor at our second spot for 1 hour. This spot as some small coves where the seal pups can be found playing.
If you're a lover of wildlife and want to see them up close in their natural habitat, or are keen to see the diversity Australia has to offer then do this tour and book with Underwater Safaris. I can't thank these guys enough, you made the 5 hour drive from Sydney well worth it and have helped someone fulfil a huge dream of theirs in the most epic way!
What we ended up experiencing was beyond expectation.
We started the day with a warm welcome and briefing from Francois and his crew (Robin and skipper Brendan). They got us kitted up with wet suits and flippers, and told us what we could expect to see that day. As previously mentioned you're at the mercy of mother nature but Francois was well on the ball and knew the conditions we would likely encounter once we reached the island. It's the little details and care like this that show you how professional these guys are. The boat isn't very large either which means you have an intimate tour. Less people not only means more personal space in the water but you feel like you get more attention from the crew.
The tour consisted of two anchor points. The first was just off shore from a very large colony of seal. The waters around Narooma and Montague Island are crystal clear and the seals and very curious. There were heaps in the water! The more animated you are, the more inquisitive they become. We spent close to 2 hours diving and spinning with them, which was more than enough time for me. After some morning tea we dropped anchor at our second spot for 1 hour. This spot as some small coves where the seal pups can be found playing.
If you're a lover of wildlife and want to see them up close in their natural habitat, or are keen to see the diversity Australia has to offer then do this tour and book with Underwater Safaris. I can't thank these guys enough, you made the 5 hour drive from Sydney well worth it and have helped someone fulfil a huge dream of theirs in the most epic way!
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Funkygirl
5 contributions
Jan 2023
We did the early morning snorkel trip and it was just amazing!. There were mostly divers on our trip so just 4 snorkellers... we had a guide to assist and at a couple of points we had the entire place to ourselves - it was almost like a private tour.
The whole team were professional and extremely competent and knowledgeable but totally friendly and fun as well. They were on time, organized and they made sure we were safe, well-equipped and did their utmost to ensure we had a fantastic day!
The experience itself was magic! Swimming close up with these wild and curious creatures was something my teenagers and I won't soon forget.
Highly recommend this experience with this company.
The whole team were professional and extremely competent and knowledgeable but totally friendly and fun as well. They were on time, organized and they made sure we were safe, well-equipped and did their utmost to ensure we had a fantastic day!
The experience itself was magic! Swimming close up with these wild and curious creatures was something my teenagers and I won't soon forget.
Highly recommend this experience with this company.
Written 4 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, does the snorkelling tours require participants to be able to swim?
Written 27 December 2021
Hi
Can anybody tell me how long the seal & snorkelling tour lasts and at what times these tours leave?
I've tried twice to send a mail to Underwater Safaris, but no reply yet, maybe the e-mailadress isn't right?
Thanks
Ann
Written 23 April 2017
Hi ours was about 4 hours as well. A lot will depend on ocean conditions - going out took 10 minutes coming back was 1/2 hour as seas became choppy. We meet them at the warf at 7am
Written 24 April 2017
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