Pinniped
Galápagos sea lion
Zalophus wollebaeki
IUCN status: EndangeredBucket-list species
The endemic Galápagos sea lion, the most interactive large animal for central-island divers — curious and fast, often buzzing divers at rocky sites and reef edges. The only sea lion the IUCN lists as endangered.
- Max size
- Males to ~2.5m and ~250kg
- Habitat
- Coastal rookeries and shallow reefs throughout the archipelago
Best places to dive with Galápagos sea lion
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Galápagos
| 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 |
Resident year-round; pups are most numerous after the August–November breeding peak.
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.
- Iconic Animals of the Galápagos — Oceanic Society