Diving with Sea Lions, Santa Barbara Island, California, USA

SANTA BARBARA ISLAND, SEA LION NATURE PRESERVE, CALIFORNIA, USA

Santa Barbara Island Sea Lion Nature Preserve

61 kilometers (38 miles) off the coast of Southern California, Santa Barbara Island is a nature preserve and the smallest of the California Channel Islands. With very limited boat access, it is a special treat to dive with the sea lions here.

GOPRO 60P VIDEO: Upon arrival we were immediately greeted by dozens of friendly and curious sea lions who swam close, bumping into us once in a while. Needless to say we thoroughly enjoyed the experience! Listen closely and you'll hear the faint sound sea lions make underwater.

GOPRO 60P VIDEO: One young sea lion kept circling us on the calm ocean surface. Sea lions are also known as sea dogs because they behave so much like canines - playful and friendly. Taking photos and videos at the same time, shutter sound from our NEX-5R can be heard in two of the clips. Some of the photos are posted below.

Santa Barbara Island Sea Lion

As soon as we arrived, the locals came out to greet us.

Santa Barbara Island Kelp Forest

California Giant Kelp Forests are these sea lions' underwater domain. The water temperature is quite cold year-round so divers always cover themselves from head to toe.

Santa Barbara Island Sea Lion

A small youngling kept circling us and was not afraid to come close.

Santa Barbara Island Sea Lion

This cutie liked to settle on the sea floor nearby, watching us slowly swimming by.

Santa Barbara Island Sea Lion

Chasing our air bubbles was his or her favorite activity.

Santa Barbara Island Sea Lion

Blocked by the giant kelps and water column, light level diminished quickly in the kelp forest. Photographing fast-moving sea lions under low-light condition was very challenging.

Santa Barbara Island Sea Lion

This is my favorite photo from that day.

Santa Barbara Island Sea Lion

Thank you for posing for us the whole dive!