With its fun and inquisitive nature and at times, comical behavior, the Galapagos sea lion is often a creature that brings much amusement and joy to visitors to the Galapagos Islands. A special highlight for those that experience it is swimming and snorkeling among the sea lions. These nimble creatures will swim seemingly right up to a snorkeler’s face before darting away at the last minute and they love to play with people in the water in this way. Yet there is much more to know about the Galapagos sea lion, so let us find out more!
So, what do Galapagos sea lions look like? Adult sea lions have fur that is either brown or gray. They look smooth. When pups are newly born they are a chestnut brown color. Males often have a darker fur tone and females are usually a bit paler in color.
Males are usually much larger and heavier than females – sometimes four times bigger. Females are usually around 5 feet (approximately 1.5 meters) in length, on average, while the average male length is 6.5 feet (2 meters)
Sea lions have frontal fins, which allow them to move quickly on land. They also have external ears.
Galapagos sea lions are thought to have evolved from California sea lions several million years ago. Despite being very similar to Californian sea lions they are still a different species.
Both sea lions and Galapagos fur seals can be found in the Galapagos Islands. Sometimes it can be hard for visitors to know the difference. Some of the differences are physical and others can be seen in the behavior of the different species. For example, the Galapagos fur seal has a shorter snout than the sea lion, and sea lions’ eyes are positioned further back on their heads. Size is another difference. Sea lions are usually substantially bigger. A mature Galapagos sea lion female is likely to be about 165 pounds (75kg) and a male, at the largest may be as much as 440 pounds (200kg) while a fur seal averages at 140 pounds (64kg). Sea lions prefer beaches and docks, happily sunning themselves for hours, while generally speaking, fur seals prefer being in shady areas, often around rocks. There are other differences between sea lions and fur seals, but these are some of the main ones. Your guide will be able to advise you which is which.
Galapagos sea lions are fairly ubiquitous throughout the archipelago and can be seen in many locations and at numerous visitor sites. You will see them whether you are on a Galapagos Islands cruise or a Galapagos land-based trip. It is extremely unlikely that visitors would not see sea lions on their visit. On many occasions you may see them as soon as when you arrive at the dock to board your cruise. They are often hanging around the port in Puerto Ayora. There are many colonies dispersed all over the Galapagos Islands on beaches and you are sure to see plenty of them during your visit.
Sea lions can be found on all of the major islands, including on Santa Cruz, Bartolome, North Seymour, San Cristobal, Espanola, Isabela and Fernandina.
It is worth noting that despite the fact that you can see Galapagos sea lions more or less everywhere in the archipelago, they are still classified as an endangered species. One threat faced by Galapagos sea lions is the weather effect known as El Nino. During El Nino years (every 2-7 years) the waters get a little warmer, which changes the ecosystem leading to fewer nutrients and hunger for some species, including sea lions. They can also be affected by fishing, such as by getting tangled up in fishing nets.
Galapagos sea lions live in colonies. In harem colonies there will be one alpha male (called a bull) who takes care of each colony. Harem colonies usually include anything from five to 25 females but sometimes can be much larger.
Ahead of breeding season, males will fight to dominate harem colonies with one male winning each colony and getting to breed. The fighting can be quite aggressive with chasing, pushing and biting all part of the action. The unlucky males who miss out live with one another in all-male colonies / bachelor colonies. However, domination of a harem colony usually does not last long because the males tire themselves out with all the fighting and defending and become weakened.
Breeding season typically runs between May and January, and female sea lions (cows) will birth just one pup. The mothers take care of the pups for a full year, though pups do gain some capabilities to hunt and feed within that time. During the first week after birth, the mothers spend time intensively bonding with their young. They will go out to fish during the day and provide milk for their pup in the evening.
Galapagos sea lions eat a diet comprised of fish, including sardines, tuna and squid, among others. They are outstanding divers, able to get to significant depths to find their prey, and to stay there for up to 10 minutes. Meanwhile, predators of sea lions include sharks and whales.
As well as playing with people in the water, young sea lions love to play with one another too. Meanwhile, sea lions of all ages love to bathe in the sunshine on the beach.
Sea lions usually mature by the age of 5 years old. They live until the age of between 15 and 24 years old.
Sea lions can be observed both on the islands and in the water and they are often very friendly and curious. Your naturalist guide will advise on the distance you should keep from them. Do listen and pay attention to this advice. Adult male sea lions can be a bit boisterous and even a little aggressive during breeding season, protecting their colonies, so keeping an appropriate distance away is important for your safety, whether this is on the land or in the water!
You must also never touch a Galapagos sea lion. In the case of touching a pup, the smell of a person on a pup can result in rejection by the mother, which will ultimately affect the pup’s likely survival.
In summary, it would be very unlikely that a visitor would not get to see Galapagos sea lions on either a Galapagos cruise or a Galapagos land-based trip due to their presence all over the islands. While their playful nature is fun and captivating it is important to remember that they are wild animals, and large ones at that, so keeping a healthy distance is important.
