Diving With Sea Lions in the Sea of Cortez
The Allure of Baja:
Baja California Sur, with its rugged coastline and diverse marine ecosystems, is a haven for underwater enthusiasts. From towering kelp forests to vibrant coral reefs, the region teems with marine life, earning it a reputation as one of the world's premier diving destinations.
Nestled between the Baja California and mainland Mexico lies the Sea of Cortez, hailed as the "Aquarium of the World" by Jacques Cousteau. Its warm, nutrient-rich waters foster a staggering array of marine biodiversity, making it an ideal habitat for a myriad of species, including the charismatic California sea lion.
Encountering Sea Lions Underwater:
One of the many exhilarating experiences for divers in Baja is the chance to dive with and interact with curious and playful sea lions in their natural environment. There are several dive sites along the Baja coast that offer opportunities to dive with these sociable creatures. However, Espiritu Santo Island and Los Islotes are a short boat ride from La Paz, and are particularly renowned for their sea lion colonies.
Descending beneath the surface, divers are greeted by crystal-clear waters teeming with life. There are schools of colorful fish, brightly colored sea stars, and the occasional sea turtle passing through. It’s not long before the sea lions' natural curiosity takes over, and they eagerly approach, inviting divers to join in their underwater games. From somersaults to high speed swim-bys, these marine acrobats showcase their agility in an amazing display.
If you are lucky enough to engage with these gentle giants, the experience is nothing short of magical. Interactions can include playful nibbles on fins and snorkel, tugging on the zipper pull to your wet suit, and even swimming up and checking out their reflection in the dome of your underwater camera. They really do earn their reputation of being the puppy dogs of the sea.
Conservation and Responsible Tourism:
While diving with sea lions in Baja is undeniably an amazingly cool experience, it's essential to prioritize responsible and sustainable practices to ensure the protection of these magnificent animals and their habitat. Respectful behavior, such as maintaining a safe distance (let the sea lions come to you), never chasing or touching the sea lions, and minimizing disturbances to their natural behavior, is crucial to fostering positive interactions and preserving the integrity of the ecosystem.
Additionally, supporting local conservation efforts and choosing licensed dive operators committed to sustainable practices can help ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the beauty of Baja's underwater world for years to come.
Photography tips:
Use a camera with a wide-angle lens and a strobe light.
If you don’t have a strobe, shoot with as fast of a shutter speed as you can get away with
.
Shoot in manual or shutter priority mode.
Use continuous auto-focus - sea lions move incredibly fast.
Pay attention to the lighting conditions and shoot with the sun behind your back if possible.
Be patient and wait for the right moment to take a photo. Sea lions are naturally curious creatures, and they will generally come up and check you out.
They are extremely playful and generally will put on quite a show, providing multiple opportunities to capture an amazing shot. (If at first you don’t succeed, adjust your settings and try again.)
Never chase or attempt to touch or feed the sea lions. (It is illegal in Baja, Mexico.)
