Tenth Island is located about 3 kilometres off shore from the Tasmanian mainland. It is approximately one hectare (2 acres) in size and up to 4 metres high. About half of the island is a breeding colony and the rest is a haul out, resulting in a range of age groups amongst the seals.

In 1923, Australian fur seals were protected from commercial harvesting and since then the population on Tenth Island has risen to around 500 to 600 seals.

The Tasmanian Government's Parks and Wildlife Division carries out regular trips to Tenth Island to count seal numbers and check on the health of the seal population.

Our tours out to the colony take about 3 to 4 hours and we travel about 65 kilometres (40 miles).

The seals often think that your trip out there is for their entertainment, and they come right up to the boat to check you out.

There is also a variety of bird life which can be seen, especially cormorants, which use the island as a base. With a bit of luck, we may even see some dolphins.

If time permits, we can call in at the fascinating Pilot Station Museum on the way back to George Town. This museum offers an absorbing insight into the history of the region and its maritime connections.

Trips out to the seal colony are weather dependent, so it's a good idea to try and book your trip in the earlier part of your visit to Tasmania. This way, if the weather is not good enough, you will still have time available to do the trip later in your stay.

Tour Features

• Tenth Island is one of Tasmania's most accessible seal breeding colonies.
• The island is a haul out area as well as a breeding colony.
• We only take up to eight people per boat, thereby offering you a very personal service.
• See some of our wildlife close-up in their natural habitat.
• View some of Tasmania's picturesque coastline on the way out to the Island.

Click here to view our photo gallery