California sea lions hunting a sardine bait ball, offshore Mexico, Pacific Ocean

California sea lions, offshore Mexico, Pacific Ocean

A day at the beach is rarely quiet when California sea lions are around. With their booming barks, playful personalities and a knack for stealing the spotlight, these marine mammals know how to put on a show.

Found along the Pacific coast from British Columbia to Mexico, California sea lions are among the few animals that seem just as comfortable on land as they are in the water. Adult males are easy to spot thanks to the distinctive forehead bump, or sagittal crest. Unlike true seals, they rotate their hind flippers forward, allowing them to 'walk' or even run on all fours. In the ocean, they power through the water with their large front flippers, reaching speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour. They're also famous for jugging—floating upright with their flippers raised above the surface to help regulate their body temperature.

Whether lounging on shore or gliding through the waves, California sea lions are among the most charismatic animals along the Pacific coast.