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The Cabo Sea Lion Colony
If you’re looking for a unique experience during your visit to Cabo San Lucas, the Sea Lion Colony is a must-see.
Located in the Cabo San Lucas Marine Reserve, just in front of the arch and opposite Lands End tip, this unique spot is home to sea lions and other ocean creatures.
Cabo San Lucas Sea Lions underwater
The video beautifully demonstrates why they named the Sea of Cortez wall “The Aquarium of the World.”
Video: Cabo Private Guide
What Are Sea Lions?
Sea lions are aquatic mammals known for their playful behavior, social nature, and loud barks. They are part of the Otariidae family, which includes fur seals and sea lions.
Sea lions are excellent swimmers who use their flippers to “walk” on land. Sea lions are also known for their intelligence; trainers often train them to perform in shows and aquariums.
Understanding the Sea Lions of Cabo San Lucas
The sea lions at the Cabo San Lucas Colony are fascinating creatures with intriguing behaviors and social structures. These mammals are known for their playful nature, often seen frolicking in the water or basking in the sun on the rocks.
Behavior: Sea lions are highly social animals, often found in large groups. They communicate with various vocalizations, from barks to roars, especially during mating season. Playfulness is a key trait, with sea lions engaging in activities like surfing in waves or playing ‘tag’ with each other in the water.
Diet: Their diet mainly consists of fish and squid. They are skilled hunters, diving deep into the ocean to catch their prey. Their whiskers help them detect movement in the water, making them efficient hunters.
Social Structure: A dominant male sea lion, the ‘bull,’ structures the colony. He oversees a group of females and juveniles, protecting the territory and the group.
Location of the Colony
The colony is in the Marine Reserve, a protected water area covering over 3,000 hectares.
You can reach the sea lion colony on the rocky outcroppings near Land’s End, the southernmost tip of the Baja California Peninsula, by taking a boat tour from the marina or Médano Beach.
Click/tap zoom out once or twice. After clicking, look to the very right. The location is where the point says “Reserva de Lobos Marinos” (Sea Lion Reserve).
Visiting the colony
A trip to visit is an experience you won’t soon forget. Most tours last about two hours, during which you’ll have the opportunity to see the sea lions up close in their natural habitat.
You can even go snorkeling with them if you’re feeling adventurous!
Tours typically include a knowledgeable guide sharing interesting information about the colony and the surrounding marine life.
Conservation Efforts
The Cabo San Lucas Marine Reserve was established in 1973 to protect the area’s rich aquatic life, including the colony.
The reserve is home to over 800 species of marine animals. It makes it one of the most biodiverse areas in the world.
Organizations such as the Cabo Pulmo National Park and the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas work tirelessly to protect the reserve and ensure its inhabitants remain safe and healthy.
Sea Lion Colony Cabo San Lucas by Water Taxi?
Yes, you can also reach the Sea Lion Colony by water taxi. This is an excellent option for those who want to avoid crowds and have a more personalized experience.
You can hire water taxis and glass bottom boats at the marina or Médano Beach, and most operators will take you on a customized tour of the area.
This is a great way to explore sea lions and creatures at your own pace.
The colony in Cabo Bay is one of the best places in the world to see these fascinating creatures up close. Not only will you have the opportunity to see the sea lions in their natural habitat, but you’ll also be supporting conservation efforts to protect this incredible area of the world.
So what are you waiting for? Book your visit to Los Cabos today!
