California Sea Lion

California sea lions are charismatic pinnipeds commonly encountered at shallow rocky reefs and kelp forests along the Pacific coast. Males are larger and darker than females, with a pronounced sagittal crest on the head that becomes more prominent with age. They are highly vocal and social animals, often hauling out in noisy colonies on rocks and jetties. Divers typically see them hunting fish and squid in open water or investigating divers with curious, playful behaviour.