Diving with Sea Lions

Unforgetable experience in Patagonia Argentina

Navigating to the natural reserve of Punta Loma takes no longer than 25 minutes, and close to the diving area you begin to spot the local birds nesting over the cliffy shores of the Patagonia. As this is a touristic hot-spot the diving area is located far aside from the viewpoints on top of the cliffs in order not to disturb the picture that visitors expect.

Taking a moment on the boat before we dive in is very useful to check out some of their behavior patterns. Their reaction towards humans is very different on shore compared to the sea, where they move freely and much easier. Any human presence on the beach will scare them using the sea as a safe exit.

Es útil antes de hacer una inmersión de este tipo realizar algun avistaje fuera del agua, para ver y comprobar la diferencia de comportamiento en la tierra y en el mar.

Obviamente su forma de moverse es otra. Cualquier presencia humana en la restinga o en la playa los hace ir al mar, pero en el agua sucede lo contrario.

The group will take no more than 6 divers per trip.

You can now enjoy NOW the incredible experience of diving with sea lions, 1t's safe, fun and exciting!...

As soon as we start the dive, which is not deeper than 8 meters (26 feet), the curious and restless sea lions start to gather around the divers. The key is to stay kneeling on the bottom letting them come to us in order to impose the conditions for the encounter. Gradually they will come closer giving small bites or nibbles to our wetsuit and fins. Some animals will stand face to face against your mask and throw out some bubbles as imitating the regulator’s flow. As they seem to be comfortable and enjoy the divers’ presence there is no need to fear them, they never been aggressive, turning this dive into a peaceful and harmless game. Given the depth, the dive usually lasts about 45 minutes and the presence of the animals is almost constant. As we begin the ascent they will follow us till we get on the boat.

The South American sea lion (Lobo marino de un pelo; Otaria flavescens) is a species widely distributed along the coast of the Patagonia. Adult males can grow over 2.7 m (9 ft) and weigh up to 350 kg (770 Lb), double the weight an length of the males. Their distinctive feature among the pinnipeds is that their rear flippers, primary means to move underwater, can turn forward so that they can walk on all fours on land.

Their fore flippers are larger than those of the seals and are used as a primary source of maneuverability in the water. During the breeding season males gather harems with several females, which gestate for 12 moths and milk their pups till the next pup arrives.

Requirements of the excursion "Buceo con Lobos Marinos"

The only requisite for this dive is to be a certified diver and book 24 hs in advanced.

Come and join us in this unique opportunity.

Includes:

1. full scuba diver gear
2. Transfer to the sea lions reserve
3. PADI professional guide/instructor
4. Briefing of special diving techniques
5. Snack and drinks onboard
6. Estimated length: 3 – 4 hs.