BC Underwater

Off the coast of Hornby island, thousands of sea lions flock to the rich waters of the pacific north west in anticipation for the spring herring spawning event.

While you’re not allowed to go up to the sea lions because they are protected, there is nothing you can do about it if they come up to you. They are the most curious underwater animals I’ve ever interacted with. At times, hundreds of sea lions might be swarming around you, chewing on your equipment, blowing bubbles in your face, etc. It can get pretty overwhelming if you’re not experienced underwater.

On a different dive with sea lions a few years ago, I had one playfully chewing on my right arm, another doing the same on my left, one was hugging both my legs so I couldn’t move, and one had my entire head in it’s mouth… all at the same time. The sea lion chewing on my right arm ended up popping a hole in my drysuit which flooded my whole arm with January’s freezing cold sea water.