Diving with Sea Lions

Youngster Dan · #1 11-10-2011, 02:05 PM

Went diving the other day with sea lions at Race Rocks ecological reserve, just outside of Victoria.

It was definitely a unique life experience. My dive buddy got some amazing photos, so I figured I might as well share!

Waiting for slack tide, as the current really, really rips through here.

Going down in the kelp forests...

I felt my first lion before I saw one, it came up from behind me and nibbled my fins. But typically you would see them come out from the depths and then join us to play.

This guy snuck out of nowhere and gave me a little surprise (hence a lot of bubbles!)

I had the video camera going, so once that is all edited I might as well share as well! Thanks for looking

Delphinus · #2 11-10-2011, 03:13 PM

Wicked man.. that's awesome!

sphelps · #3 11-10-2011, 03:35 PM

Man that water looks cold! Really cool though

babyreef · #4 11-10-2011, 03:40 PM

BLANK

RCFA · #5 11-10-2011, 03:42 PM

Wow nice pics! Vis looks great! They sure seem bigger when they are right in your face hey, you have to keep reminding yourself that a lot of it is due to refraction, but they are big animals and very at home underwater! Good Job!

fishoholic · #6 11-10-2011, 06:29 PM

saltcreep · #7 11-10-2011, 06:49 PM

It is an awesome experience. I can't for this weekend on Hornby Island with them.

lastlight · #8 11-10-2011, 07:01 PM

I'd be worried they'd mess with the tank or something... wow they really get personal.

Youngster Dan · #9 11-10-2011, 10:21 PM

Thanks for the comments everyone

I would be lying to say that I was cool as a cucumber down there. I don't think I will ever forget the experience of jumping in the water, and being at the surface knowing that they are right bellow and around you. That and you can hear them on their rock (and smell them, they stink!)

I found they were very similar to dogs. Granted, they are gigantic fast moving dogs. Every one had a different personality, and the same group kept on checking us out throughout the whole dive. All we did, was get to the bottom and wait for the lions to come to us (which took no time at all!).

My dive buddy had one grab her snorkel on a previous trip and rip her whole mask off. Needless to say, we didn't wear snorkels this time. Mostly they were interested in my fins, and occasionally the cameras.

Lance · #10 11-10-2011, 10:30 PM

That's so cool! Thanks for that.