What Divers Should Know About
California Sea Lions

The California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) is a captivating resident across a vast stretch of western North America, with its natural habitat ranging from southeast Alaska down to central Mexico, including the rich waters of the Gulf of California. These intelligent pinnipeds exhibit notable sexual dimorphism; males are considerably larger than females, often growing up to 2.7 meters long and weighing around 350 kilograms, characterized by a thicker neck and a prominent sagittal crest. Recognized by the IUCN as a species of 'Least Concern' due to their abundance, their barks are a familiar sound along many coastlines.

As divers, you'll find these active animals frequenting various coastal environments. While they typically haul out on sandy or rocky beaches for rest and molting, non-breeding individuals are commonly encountered in bustling marinas, around wharves, or resting on navigational buoys. When spending time at sea, these agile predators actively pursue a diet of fish and squid. Notably, California sea lions are known to display limited fear of humans when accustomed to our presence, often leading to curious and engaging encounters in the water.