Swim with Seals and Sea Lions:  Top 5 Destinations

 by Linnea

March 21, 2023

Do you want to swim with seals?  We have the perfect guide to the top destinations for seal encounters around the world

While there are many differences among the species, all seals have feet shaped like fins.  In fact, the word pinniped means “fin-footed” in Latin.  Those fin-shaped feet make them supreme swimmers, and all pinnipeds are considered semi-aquatic marine mammals.

Fun Fact:

Of course! With respect for the seals and their environment, it is a truly special experience to witness the way seals move underwater.

Can you swim with Seals?

Where to swim with seals?

Have a look at these locations and let us know which is your dream holiday location to swim with seals!

Duiker island

Duiker Island in Hout Bay is home to about 5 000 seals and lies within the Karbonkelberg marine protected area, part of Table Mountain National Park, Cape Town.

Baja California

The best time to interact with the California Sea Lions in Baja California Sur is off the breeding season, which takes place during the hot months of June, July and August 

Kaikoura

You can see fur seals sleeping, playing and swimming at Wellington’s Red Rocks, Kaikōura in the South Island

Galapagos islands

The Galapagos pups are remarkably comfortable around humans and even seem to enjoy their company, often approaching swimmers and snorkelers in the waters around the islands.

Farne Islands

The Farne Islands are located between Bamburgh and Seahouses on the Northumberland coast and are home to one of the largest seal colonies in the UK with around 1,000 seal pups born each year.

Summary on Seals

There are 33 species of pinnipeds alive today, most of which are known as seals.  Pinnipedia is made up of three main groups: The walrus, the eared seals, including numerous kinds of fur seal and sea lion; and the earless seals, known as true seals.

Seals mainly inhabit polar and subpolar regions, particularly the North Atlantic, the North Pacific and the Southern Ocean.

Distribution

Swipe up to read the full article!

Learn more about seals!

Leopard Seal Teeth

The Walrus