Sea Lion Rookery
The Sea Lion Haulout lies along The Wall in Breakwater Cove. The haulout is where sea lions warm up, socialize and sleep and there are often sea lions swimming close by. These animals give birth in Southern California and the Channel Islands and they'll tend to disappear around mid June.
Quick Info
| Coordinates | 36.60881, -121.89088[1] |
| Depth | 45ft |
| Skill Level | Beginner |
| Access Method | Surface swim |
Attractions & Wildlife
Surf perches and lingcod are abundant among the large rocks and kelp stipes and sea lions and harbor seals are nearly omnipresent. You'll often find them swimming around and dive bombing you -- for the most part, as long as you don't attempt to touch or bother them and stay sufficiently deep and far away from the wall, they're more playful than scary.
The large rocks of the wall are also densely encrusted with sponges, anemones and mobile invertebrates.
Entry & Access
Enter the water from the southern end of San Carlos Beach. Surfacing near the rookery seems to be the most disruptive to sea lion behavior so surface swim out along the Wall and pass the haulout while submerged. Staying near the bottom and looking up will nearly guarantee a sighting, even at night when the harbor seals hunt by your flashlight.
Skill Level & Hazards
The abundant wildlife of the The Wall attracts divers and fishermen alike. Especially closer to the pier you will find monofilament line, hooks and lead sinkers in and around the rocks which can be an entanglement hazard. Make sure you have your cutting implement accessible and in good shape.
Now the sea lions. Sea lion etiquette is similar to how we should treat all wildlife: with a healthy respect for their safety and well-being. This means staying calm, slow and deliberate when they approach you and backing away if they appear agitated. Sea lions, like whales and seals and otters, are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and harassment as well as feeding are prosecutable offense. They're also biteable offenses and sea lions have hefty teeth to dole out justice. They're playful by nature but will defend their territory if threatened. If you feel uncomfortable, descend and swim further away from the wall. Don't be a jerk and you'll be perfectly fine.
Notes
- ↑ Andrew Middleton/Bathyscope map ref. data from Dr. Rikk Kvitek, CSU Monterey Seafloor Mapping Lab
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