Beachgoers at one of Perth's most popular stretches of sand were treated to an unforgettable wildlife experience this week, when a remarkably friendly seal decided to join them for a morning swim.
A Surprise Visitor at City Beach
The charming incident unfolded on Monday morning, 13 January 2026, at Perth's iconic City Beach. Under a classic brilliant blue Western Australian sky, the scene shifted from ordinary sunbathing to pure magic as a curious Australian sea lion entered the shallows. The entire interaction was captured on video and later shared by the popular local Instagram page, @perthisok.
In the crystal-clear water, the seal was seen frolicking with apparent joy. The footage shows the marine mammal gently approaching a man who was holding a young child, bobbing its head above the surface in what looked like a friendly greeting. Far from being alarmed, the swimmers and onlookers were captivated, with several venturing closer to share the water with their unexpected guest.
Public Reaction and a Previous Summer Encounter
The video quickly sparked a wave of affectionate responses online. "Awwwwww," wrote one commenter, summing up the general sentiment of delight. Another user remarked "Madness," likely in reference to the seal's boldness in approaching humans so closely.
This is not the first notable seal encounter in the Perth area this summer. Earlier in the season, beachgoers at Cottesloe Beach witnessed a more dramatic display of nature when a seal leaped into the shark net enclosure. In that instance, the seal was seen attacking and tearing apart a suspected stingray, an event captured by Harry Reiffer. That video was jokingly captioned as the seal "taking revenge for Steve Irwin," while the nearby swimmer watched on, seemingly unperturbed by the raw natural spectacle.
A Reminder of Our Shared Coastline
The heartwarming encounter at City Beach serves as a beautiful reminder of the vibrant marine life that shares Western Australia's stunning coastline. While authorities always advise the public to maintain a safe and respectful distance from wildlife, this particular seal initiated a rare and gentle interaction. It provided those present with a memorable story, highlighting the simple joys and surprises that a day at the beach in Perth can bring.
Such positive interactions underscore the importance of protecting our coastal environments, ensuring that these incredible creatures continue to thrive and, on occasion, choose to say hello.
