Pinniped
California sea lion
Zalophus californianus
IUCN status: Least concernBucket-list species
A social pinniped breeding around Gulf of California islands. Adult males become territorial during breeding season, which drives seasonal visitor restrictions.
- Max size
- Males up to about 2.4m
- Habitat
- Eastern North Pacific coasts and islands
Best places to dive with California sea lion
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
La Paz & Espíritu Santo
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Individual encounters are never assured.
Los Cabos & Gordo Banks
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Possible in suitable habitat; no unsupported peak is applied.
Sources & last checked
Checked September 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.