narooma charters

We went out to Montague Island with Nick and Johno. There were 12 of us on the boat. 10 of us did the Island and Lighthouse tour with Kel from National Parks. We all thoroughly enjoyed the Island tour, well worth the price. While we were on the Island Nick and Johno took 2 young guys snorkelling. When we were all back on the boat we had a close look at the seals before heading back. The boys enjoyed their snorkelling and the rest of us enjoyed the tour. Would definitely recommend this company.

Been twice with these guys - outstanding trips both times. Nick and Johno are terrific. Looking to book again soon.

We found nick and johnno fantastic tour guides they advised us before hand of everything to expect. They were attentive gave us clear instructions and had us ready to leave early. The exit from the harbour us always a task but nick made it smoother than expected.mthe trip was quick and the tour of the seal colonies was informative and non obtrusive. They are extremely knowledgable and handed us over to a very informative guide. Enjoyed the afternoon more than expected and will travel with them again next time we are here. Hoping to come in a different season to enjoy the ever changing wildlife. Will bring friends down next time and will definitely recommend to anyone I speak to. Well done and hope to see you again next visit

Here is a tour operator who should no longer be in the tourism industry. This is one of those places where you feel like you're an inconvenience and you should apologise for being a paying customer.The skipper comes across as sarcastic, rude and lazy.The boat holds 27 people. Some dive, some snorkel and the rest get off for a tour around Montague island.If you have limited experience snorkelling, you will not receive any professional tuition, flotation device or even a safety rope from the back of the boat. You'll be lucky if you even get helped back on to the boat. In fact the crew will gloat and whinge about how snorkellers will bob around at the surface and then whinge about not seeing any seals, but it's no wonder when your left to your own devices - while the skipper sleeps in the wheel house and the deck hand does not much at all.During our trip one of the snorkellers got pulled around a corner in current. No one noticed until another boat radioed to let the skipper know they had picked her up.Divers, you will need to be very comfortable with yourself as a diver. Check that the correct gear has been taken to the boat by the skipper initially, we were 4 tanks short, but luckily we noticed and the issue was rectified before departure.You will be given a very brief briefing. 1st dive is maximum 40min - or else - as the other passengers will get dropped off on to the island after this dive. The 2nd dive is an hour and 15min maximum. You will not have a dive guide.You will also not need to sign a log once you're out of the water, so take a safety sausage with you, just in case.During your surface interval, go and get your own soup because The skipper is not a waitress.In saying all that, this was my first time swimming with seals. The vis was about 10m which the crew said was unusual and very bad, usually it's 30+. The seals were amazing, and wanted to play at around 7m. They don't stick around long, they just come and go. But there are also plenty of fish, wobbys and rays to see as well.My best experience was snorkelling after everyone else had given up and gotten out of the water. I have 15yrs dive experience up my sleeve and am very comfortable in the water by myself. I snorkelled over to the seals and they stuck around and entertained me for quite a while, which was a beautiful experience. It was just a shame that everyone else missed out due to the fact that they gave up because their tour operator was not helpful in any way! So in conclusion, if you want to tour the island, these guys would be good enough.If you are very experienced snorkelling/diving and don't mind putting up with lazy crew, these guys would be good enough.If you are less experienced or want to get the most out of your tour, go with someone else.At arrival back at the dock, the skipper thanked everyone for coming along and asked that if we enjoyed our trip, to tell our friends and family. He also said if we didn't enjoy it, or had any problems we should tell someone else, he didn't want to hear about it. So that's what I'm doing, telling someone else...I know I will certainly be going with someone else next time!

Our first attempt was on a Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately the weather turned and the wind whipped up so our tour had to be cancelled. It was definitely not a case of too few numbers as there was at least a dozen people booked on the tour. Norm pointed out to us that it was just too dangerous to get out through the Narooma bar (entrance). We could quite clearly see that from the lookout that the entrance looked very rough. His judgement was right as NSWPS actually closed Montague Island that afternoon so it would have been a waste trying. We rebooked for the next morning and had a very pleasant tour. We saw plenty of seals on the rocks and did some snorkeling with them. This part could have been a bit longer though. We then landed on Montague Island for quite an informative and lengthy (walking) tour of the island. We also went up the lighthouse. Nice views and interesting history. Knowing the weather here at this time of year on the NSW coast, I would try for a morning tour, given how frequent the wind tends to pick up in the afternoon. Staff very helpful and would recommend this tour.

We are sorry you feel let down by this tour. However we did not do the booking direct. Your booking came through an agent, one which we believed would have fully explained all tours and likely wildlife encounters. The penguin viewing is only available on the night tour, as the only time they are able to be viewed is when they return to shore after dusk. The booking agent you used is fully aware of this so I am at a loss to understand how the confusion over penguin viewing has arisen. In regards to the snorkelling we were unaware that you did not know how to snorkel as once again your booking was through an agent. If you had made us aware before entering the water we would have ensured you were given some instruction as to how to use a snorkel. We had many participants on this tour that day who all appeared to fully enjoy themselves with the seals.

I really enjoyed every moment of this charter. We have been to Montague island. There was a 2 hour guided tour. Then the charter stopped at the shore of the island where we have done snorkeling with the seals. We have watched a lot of seals (a total seal community). I have never seen too many seals together. Then we came back to narooma shore. This was a total 4 hour journey. Kids can join too. My kid enjoyed a lot.

Congratulations Nick and John from Narooma Charters for the best time out snorkelling with the seals. We were originally booked in for the snorkel session yesterday at 1pm but it was cancelled due to waves and getting across the bar, but we were offered an 8am tour this morning. Definitely worth the drive back again from Moruya where we were staying. These guys were very knowledgable abour the seals and other marine life such as wobbby gongs, sting eays and the different variety of fish. The water was clear as crystal. All snorkel gear was supplied including wetsuits if wanted. My husband and 13 year old son spent plenty of extra time in the water while the other passengers explored Montague island. This is a great experience, make sure if you are ever in beautiful Narooma, book this tour you will not be disappointed! Great price for such an incredible experience! Good on you Narooma Charters.

We went on the 1pm charter to Montague Island. Our aim was to snorkel with the seals which we certainly did. The people doing the tour of the island while we snorkeled had the option to do some snorkeling too after their island tour.The reason we didn't go on the island? We had been there already with an operator who didn't allow for both activities by the same people.Our skipper Nick and his crew Jono were fun and friendly and informative. BTW the wet suits were part of the deal. Most other boats don't have this. The water was cold so we were sure glad to have them.Jeanette

We were met at the wharf by 2 very friendly gentlemen, Nick and Jono, that took us to Montague Island where we went on an excellent 1 1/2 hour guided tour with Ranger Brent. Then off we went to snorkel with the seals. All the equipment was provided. It was amazing and we were fully informed of what to expect from the seals and what areas to avoid. I fully recommend this adventure.

First some obvious warnings. This trip is in a relatively open and powerful boat - you will get sea spray. You also have to cross the second most dangerous harbour bar in Australia - it takes skill and time even when conditions allow the trips to run. Thirdly, getting on and off the boat at the island requires timing your stegtp to the swell. But fear not, the crew warned about the first, safely negotiated the second, and ably assisted those of us not in the first flush of youth with the third. Worth checking in advance on sailing conditions and, of course, what nature is up to. I was lucky, we got the tail end of the whale migration. Two Southern Rights heading south together, albeit not in the mood to perform, and a school of dolphins.

We were advised to do the evening tour to Montague Island and booked it the day before. When we arrived at our b&b the owners thought it would quite likely be too rough for the trip to proceed. Narooma Charters then told us that they would have to make a late decision and fortunately they decided to proceed. It was a wonderful trip but the sea was certainly quite rough going over to the island. We saw whales and then all the wonderful wildlife on the island, finishing up with the parade of little penguins. It is just an amazing place.We so enjoyed the trip that we did a whale watching trip the following day and by then the seas had dropped a lot.Obviously sea conditions change very dramatically in a short time. I live on the coast and observe this constantly. i felt safe with Narooma Charters and would trust them to make a proper decision regarding proceeding with a tour.

Had a very pleasant afternoon visiting Montague Island where we saw colonies of seals and sea birds and climbed the lighthouse, and then sailed on to see whales and dolphin. The crew on the boat and the ranger on the island were very informative.

In response to Ravishing RR When we spoke in the morning you were made aware that the tour may be cancelled due to the sea conditions but we would make a call a bit closer to departure, We actually cancelled two tours that day due to the fact that we deemed the sea conditions and the bar too unsafe to cross if another operator went than that is their call. We have been operating charters out of Narooma for well over 25 years and know when a tour should be cancelled. I am very sorry that you feel like we were unreliable but I do not have control over the weather.

Had a wonderful afternoon on the water spotting whales, dolphins and seals. Although the whales were not as plentiful as we had hoped, the trip was great and the crew of the Dreamtime were very helpful and informative. We learned heaps about whales! Views of Montague Island up close were quite spectacular - couldn't stop clicking the shutter! A most enjoyable and worthwhile trip.