I did both, Scuba Diving and Snorkeling, many years ago and I can tell you that were awesome experiences! The younger sea lions are friendly and playful animals, while the older are not that friendly, they are not dangerous but a hit could hurt you if they decide to ‘play’ with you, considering the size of this animals, length 8’ 6” and weight 1000 lbs.
As scuba divers, sometimes we look for some kind of interactivity while diving, this is the perfect time to try to do something and get a response. If you have nightmares about sharks biting you, try scuba diving with sea lions! These animals, as I mentioned like to play with the new element in the water, you, the scuba diver. So, don’t be scared if you see one of them coming at lightning speed, for sure he wants to play with you. As a side note, they eat fish, squid, and octopus mainly; and will bite only if provoked. Never try to approach a beached sea lion.
There are many places in the world where you can try this. I did scuba diving and snorkeling during some day trips to Palomino Islands and San Lorenzo Island, the largest island in front of the coast of Lima, Peru’s capital.
My recommendation is that if you are going to practice scuba diving for the first time around this animals or any animal (except crabs, starfishes and seahorsesJ) always, always go with somebody that is familiar with the area and the behavior of the animals.
San Lorenzo Island and Palomino islands location: Lima, Peru
Latitude = -12.1092, Longitude = -77.1927
Lat = 12 degrees, 6.5 minutes South
Long = 77 degrees, 11.6 minutes West
If you are interested, once you are in Lima, Peru you can call or visit some travel agencies in the financial District of San Isidro or in the touristic district of Miraflores, for sure they will help you to book guided tours or boats with scuba diving equipment. If you know very well the Callao port area, you can go directly to the Callao port or La Punta and try to get a boat, I do not recommend this option, but it is up to you.
Do you have any similar scuba diving or snorkeling experiences with animals?
