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Long Beach California Sea Lion Watching |
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 Southern California Sea Lion Description
The California Sea Lion is an 8-foot, 600-lb land and ocean dweller of the California coastlines. As a matter of fact, the California Sea Lion is one of the few animals who have succeeded in adapting to man-made environments. Sea Lions earned their name from the resemblance of their hair to a lion’s mane. But, while other types of sea lions, like the American Sea Lion, or the Stellar Sea Lion tend to have thick, coarse manes, the California Sea Lion does not. It has also been said that the heads and muzzles of sea lions are similarly-shaped like a dog’s. Along with these unique features, the California Sea also has several unique abilities. For one, like dolphins, they are also highly intelligent creatures who like to interact with humans. Equally as fascinating, California Sea Lions have worked both as trained circus animals and as sea guards that protected Navy ships and its divers. Another peculiar fact about sea lions is that, unlike other animals of the sea, they actually have a better survival rate living in captivity versus the wild.
Southern California Sea Lion Population
Today, the California Sea Lion population is progressively gaining in numbers. With estimates of around 188,000 sea lions in existence, research also shows that this species has seen a five percent growth in their population every year for the last decade. This is a much celebrated feat considering that, during the late 1920s, there was only about 1,200 California Sea Lions accounted for off their native coast. At the time, commercial harvesting was to blame for this severe decline of these creatures. But with the enactment of sanctions against commercial harvesting, in the 1940s, the California Sea Lions were saved from the brink of extinction and continuing to thrive today.
Southern California Sea Lion Feeding Habits
The California Sea Lion is known to feast on a diverse buffet of sea life including market squid and an assortment of fish. It particularly enjoys anchovies, herring, rock fish, and salmon. In a single year, an adult male California Sea Lion will consume as much as 7,500 pounds of food; while an adult female California Sea Lion will consume about 3,000 pounds annually. The California Sea Lion will commonly migrate to fresh water and reside there as long as there is an abundant food supply. There are several rivers that the California Sea Lion has often been seen at, specifically the Columbia River, the Willamette River and the Puget Sound area.
Long Beach Whale Watching conducts whale, dolphin and sea lion watching cruises seven days a week with tours at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. It is a good idea to arrive early as these cruises do fill up quickly. Tours usually last from two to two and a half hours. Ticket prices are as follows:
Individual Ticket Prices – Two Hour to 2 ½ Hour Cruise
Adults $30
Seniors (62 and over) $25
Children (11 and under) $18
Children (2 and under) FREE!
Ticket Prices for groups of 25 or more.
Adults $22
Seniors (62 and over) $18
Children (11 and under) $12
Children (2 and under) FREE!
You can order your tickets online by clicking the button, or calling 562-432-4900. If you have a discount coupon, please present it at the ticket booth.
We look forward to seeing you and continuing to make Long Beach Sea Lion Watching your choice for whale watching in southern California. We offer convenient parking and are located near many area attractions such as The Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach Lighthouse and Queen Mary as well as excellent shopping and restaurant so you can make a day of it. Whale watching is a wonderful experience regardless of age. We can’t wait to provide the best sea lion watching in southern California experience possible.
For more information on Southern California Sea Lions, Whales and Dolphins, please click on the link below:
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