The California Sea Lion is the most familiar pinniped on the Pacific Coast and the species most commonly seen in aquariums and marine parks, valued for its trainability and intelligence. Males are darker and larger than females and develop a distinct sagittal crest on top of the skull with age. Sea lions are fast swimmers capable of reaching 25 mph and can rotate their hind flippers forward to move with agility on land.
Best time to see a California Sea Lion
The best time to see a California Sea Lion is January–July, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 32,725 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a California Sea Lion? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent California Sea Lion sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a California Sea Lion?
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