Diving with sea lions

Unique experience in the world!

Just like snorkeling with sea lions in Punta Loma Nature Reserve, the option of diving with sea lions is also a must for being unique in the world. There, a stable population of approximately 600 wild and free animals resides. After a beautiful twenty-minute navigation to the Reserve, we will enter the water to experience this unique event, as there is no other recorded colony of sea lions where the animals can approach and interact with people as they do here. This unique characteristic is due to three factors: the subspecies of the sea lion, the South American sea lion, Otaria Flavescens, known for its high friendliness; the fact that most of the colony resides permanently in the area; and the absolute absence of predators.

What makes this activity an unforgettable moment is that the animals are not manipulated or forced in any way, as they are in an absolutely wild state. They will always be the ones to decide the approaches and forms of interaction. Accordingly, we will depend on their will.

• Maximum allowed time in the Reserve: 40 minutes
• Number of people allowed in the water: 24 people
• Number of boats allowed in the Reserve: 3 boats
• Maximum approach distance: 50 meters
• Group size: maximum of 6 people plus instructors
• Season: all year round
• Difficulty: Medium/low

Discovering Scuba Diving: First Experience of DIVING WITH SEA LIONS

To carry out this experience, it is necessary to have a diving certification or a diving training for those who are not certified. This training, called Discovering Scuba Diving, consists of a theoretical part and a practical part, enabling us to have our first diving experience. During this diving immersion, we will have the opportunity to observe these wonderful marine mammals in their natural habitat, always under the supervision of our instructors who will help you live this experience in a relaxed and safe way.

The Punta Loma Provincial Natural Reserve

It was created in 1967 with the aim of protecting the only permanent colony of South American sea lions. It has strict regulations for snorkeling or diving with these marine mammals. Constantly monitored by its wildlife rangers, these practices must adhere to the rules designed to not generate a negative impact on their habitat. For this reason, no more than 24 people can be in the water at the same time, nor more than three boats within the Reserve. Moreover, those conducting the excursion must stay behind the perfectly marked buoy line installed at 50 meters, indicating the prohibition of passing.

During our stay, the wildlife rangers will be observing us from the cliffs to ensure that all these rules are followed. Thus, the animals approach of their own free will, generated by their high friendliness and curiosity, and not because we impose the approaches. In this protected area, there is also a colony of rock cormorants and South American terns, among other marine and terrestrial birds, reptiles, and mammals. For all these characteristics, the setting in which we will carry out our adventure delights us with an imposing beauty that exceeds the already invaluable experience of having the possibility of interacting with wild animals.