Swimming With Sea Lions

Swimming With Sea Lions

Of all the ocean animals I’ve photographed, sea lions never fail to make me smile. They’re anything but shy, charging in as if they’ve been waiting just for me, buzzing with energy, brimming with personality, and often eager to play.

Loud, Curious, and Impossible Not to Love!

An Underwater Photographer’s Sea Lion Encounters

By William Drumm, underwater photographer and ocean ambassador

Out of all the ocean creatures I’ve photographed, sea lions are the ones that truly surprise me. They’re not shy. They don’t cruise past quietly. They show up like they’ve been waiting for me all day full of opinions, full of energy, and always ready to play.

When you’re underwater with sea lions, you’re not just observing wildlife. You’re basically in their playground. And if you’ve never had one swim up, bark at your camera, do a barrel roll, then disappear into a wall of kelp… well, you’re missing out on one of the ocean’s most chaotic joys.

Let’s talk about them. The good, the loud, and the ridiculously entertaining.

What It’s Like to Swim With Sea Lions

Swimming with sea lions is unpredictable in the best way.

One minute they’re relaxing on the surface or doing lazy circles around you, the next they’re darting past your head like furry torpedoes. Sometimes they just float beside you, looking you straight in the eye, completely unbothered. Sometimes they get bold and grab your fins, then vanish into the blue like it never happened.

And if you happen to be holding a camera, get ready. More often than not they zip away before you get a chance to frame up a nice image. Other times they will come right up to camera, blowing bubbles, opening their mouths, sometimes even having a taste. 

They’re usually not too scared of you. You’re the weird guest in their living room, and they’re deciding if they like your energy.

So, What Are Sea Lions, Really?

People mix them up sea lions with seals all the time, which is totally fair for the land-lubber types. But once you’re up close, the difference is obvious. Sea lions have visible ear flaps, they walk on land with a kind of confident swagger, and they are way more vocal and social.

Seals don’t have external ears and mostly just flop around like sleepy beach slugs. Still lovable, just not as…dramatic.

So the next time you’re wondering about the seal and sea lion differences, just look at the ears and the attitude.

How Long Can Sea Lions Hold Their Breath?

Longer than you’d expect. Sea lions can dive and stay underwater for up to 20 minutes. I’ve watched them vanish into the deep like ghosts, only to pop up beside me minutes later like, “What’s up? You still here?”

They’re built for it. Like all marine mammals, sea lion’s slow down their heart rate, save oxygen, and have other physiological adaptations for breathing air but living much of their lives underwater. 

What Do Sea Lions Eat?

If it moves and fits in their mouth, it’s probably on the menu. Sea lions eat fish, squid, octopus, and whatever’s fast and slippery. Watching them hunt is something else, like watching acrobats perform at full speed underwater. They’ll twist and chase and outswim just about anything chasing them.

They’re not picky, but they are precise.

Sea lions are opportunistic and will take advantage of as much easy food as they can. One time while I was in Monterey Bay, a giant shoal of sardines came in close to the shore. The sea lions gorged on the fish until they were so fat and full of fish that they couldn’t even haul out of the water. So a raft of hundreds of them just floated in the sun with fat full tummys to let the sun warm them and help them digest all that fish.  

Where to See Them in the Wild

You don’t have to go halfway around the world to find sea lions, though that’s fun too. Some of the best spots are closer than you think:

• La Jolla, California – These sea lions basically run the beach. You’ll find them lounging on the cliffs or swimming right up to divers. The La Jolla sea lions are a local attraction for a reason.
• Sea Lion Caves, Oregon – This place is wild. Literally. An enormous coastal cave system packed with sea lion barks echoing off the stone walls.
• The Galápagos Islands – The Galapagos is home to a unique species of sea lion that only lives in these islands. 
• New Zealand and South Australia – Remote, beautiful, and full of some of the cutest sea lions around.
• Vancouver Island, BC – One of the best places in the world to swim with the massive Steller sea lions, which can weigh a staggering 2,500 lbs.
• La Paz, Baja California, Mexico – A popular destination for scuba divers who want to see sea lions in warmer and somtimes very clear water.
• Chile, Peru, Argentina – These South American sea lions form massive colonies and you can watch them take over harbors and rocky coasts.

Every place has a different vibe, but sea lions bring the same energy everywhere, confident, curious, and louder than expected.

Sea Lion Sounds. They’re Loud. Really Loud.

People think ocean animals are peaceful. Sea lions didn’t get the memo. They bark, yell, argue, and sing constantly. It’s like walking into a crowded street market full of gruff sailors who speak a different language.

Visit the Sea Lion Caves in Oregon and you’ll know exactly what I mean. The sound bounces off the cave walls like it’s an amphitheater.

Not Ready to Swim with Sea Lions?

That’s okay. Sea lions are just as fascinating from a distance. I’ve captured them in fine art prints  their movement, power, and personality frozen in black and white. It’s a quieter way to bring their wild energy into your life.

But if you ever do get the chance to meet them in the wild? Don’t hesitate. Jump in. Let them take the lead.

And bring a camera. You’re going to want to remember it.

Frequently asked questions about swimming with sea lions

Is it safe to swim with sea lions?

Yes, swimming with sea lions can be safe when done responsibly and with proper guidance. It is important to respect their space and follow local wildlife regulations.

Are sea lions friendly to humans?

Sea lions are often curious and playful, but they are still wild animals. While they may approach humans, interactions should always remain respectful and non-intrusive.

Where can you swim with sea lions?

You can swim with sea lions in locations such as the Galápagos Islands, Baja California, and other coastal regions where sea lion populations are common.

What should you do when swimming near sea lions?

Stay calm, avoid sudden movements, do not touch or chase them, and allow the sea lions to approach you on their own terms.

What do sea lions eat in the wild?

Sea lions primarily eat fish, squid, and other small marine animals, hunting actively in the ocean.

Can sea lions bite humans?

Yes, sea lions can bite if they feel threatened or provoked, which is why maintaining a safe distance is important during any interaction.

Why are sea lions so playful in the water?

Sea lions are naturally agile and social animals, and their playful behavior helps them develop hunting skills and interact with others in their group.

Do you need a guide to swim with sea lions?

In many locations, guided tours are recommended or required to ensure safety for both humans and sea lions, as well as to follow conservation guidelines.

Learn More About William

Thanks for reading. To learn more about my mission visit my about page. To see my favorite images visit my portfolio, and if you are interested in purchasing prints (a portion of each sale goes to marine conservation efforts) then take a look at my fine art prints. Plus, to see even more of my images and to connect with me, make sure to follow me on Instagram!