Swimming with sea lions

Sea lions are one of the few mammals found on the Galapagos Islands. Intelligent and enchanting though the fully grown sea lions are, it is their adorable pups that steal the show, winning hearts with their cute faces and inquisitive and often mischievous nature. The Galapagos pups are remarkably comfortable around humans and even seem to enjoy their company, often approaching swimmers and snorkelers in the waters around the islands. As sea lions breed for a rather lengthy period (from May through to January), pups can normally be found scampered about no matter when you choose to embark on your luxury tour of the Galapagos Islands.

Galapagos sea lions are particularly abundant on the islands of San Cristobál and Española and are similar in size and stature to Californian sea lions. On average, they grow to around eight foot and weigh up to 250 pounds. On shore, they can come across a little ungainly, but once they lumber into the water, their movements become fluid and they are as graceful as a ballerina. Swimming alongside a pirouetting sea lion is a special experience and one that many vacationers to the Galapagos Islands can hope to experience.