News
8 great places to go snorkeling with seals and sea lions
Snorkeling with seals is one of the most fun underwater experiences of all. These charismatic and curious animals are renowned for coming close to snorkelers, nibbling their fins and creating perfect photographic opportunities. Whether you want to snorkel in Antarctica’s brisk waters with leopard seals, relax in Mexico’s warm waters with sea lions, or take a road trip along Australia’s eastern coast to several top seal swim destinations, you can. Whatever your preference or location, there is a seal or sea lion hotspot just right for you. Read on to find out more.
1) Baja California, Mexico
The Sea of Cortez in Baja California is renowned for its fantastic snorkeling, with thriving marine life and vibrant coral reefs in sheltered waters. La Paz, the tranquil capital of Baja California, is fringed by the Sea of Cortez and has a colony of over 200 California sea lions at Los Islotes. It is one of the most popular places to go swimming with sea lions in Mexico. You can also swim with these charming animals at Cabo Pulmo’s Isla San Pedro. Either way, the sea lions are present all year, though you can spot playful pups if you visit in September.
Species: California sea lions.
2) Kaikoura, New Zealand
Backed by snow-capped mountains in winter and washed by bright azure waters in summer, Kaikoura is a stunning place to snorkel with seals. Kaikoura’s lush kelp forests are busy with diverse marine life, including plenty of New Zealand fur seals. The nearby continental shelf has created a biodiversity hotspot, where whales, dolphins, sharks and fish life also thrive; making Kaikoura very popular for snorkeling and diving in New Zealand.
Species: New Zealand fur seals.
3) Antarctica
If you want to explore the world’s last untouched wilderness and swim with an iconic apex predator, visit Antarctica. Hop on a cruise boat, wrap up warm, and you will discover a world of clear blue waters with jaw-dropping underwater ice formations. There is an abundance of marine life to see, including impressive leopard seals and up to five other species of seal: Ross, Weddell, crabeater, fur and elephant seals.
Species: Leopard seals.
4) United Kingdom
Visit the United Kingdom and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to swimming with seals. This easily-accessible destination is home to some of the best-known places to snorkel with seals and is perfect for a summer getaway.
The Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast are renowned for their puffins and have a population of around 5000 Atlantic grey seals, which you can snorkel with. Sitting in the Bristol Channel off Devon, Lundy Island is a Marine Conservation Zone with a thriving grey seal population and offers summer snorkeling safaris with these beautiful seals. If you want to spend your days lazing on soft white sand beaches and snorkeling with seals, don’t miss a trip to St Martin’s in the Isles of Scilly.
Species: Atlantic grey seals.
5) Western Cape, South Africa
False Bay in the Western Cape, with its rich waters and curving coastline, is a paradise for marine life large and small. It is frequented by numerous whales, sharks, dolphins, orca, thousands of seabirds, and tens of thousands of Cape fur seals. Take a 20-minute boat ride to storm-washed Seal Island to watch the seals frolicking in the water, leaping in the waves and evading the clutches of broadnose sevengill sharks.
If you want to snorkel with these acrobatic animals, you can do so at Duiker Island in Hout Bay and from Simon’s Town in False Bay. These seals are known for coming close to snorkelers, checking you out as they pass by, so make sure you take your camera. Afterwards, you can enjoy the fantastic food, wine and culture that Cape Town is known for.
Species: Cape fur seals.
6) Hornby Island, Canada
People flock to Hornby Island’s shores every winter to go swimming with Steller sea lions. These huge sea lions can weigh up to 2,500 pounds and are an impressive sight in the clear cool waters off Hornby Island. Stay on Hornby Island and you can swim with these sea lions, as well as California sea lions during winter and Harbour seals year-round. Known as the ‘Little Hawaii’ of Canada, Hornby Island is also known for its glorious white sand beaches and excellent diving.
Species: Steller sea lions, Harbour seals, California sea lions.
7) Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Galapagos diving is a bucket list activity for any underwater naturalist, but you don’t need to be a certified diver to make the most of this incredible destination. There are countless wildlife spotting opportunities above water and these remote islands offer world-class snorkeling as well.
Rich in nutrients, the waters off these famous oceanic islands are teeming with life and offer an experience like no other. You can snorkel with both Galapagos sea lions and seals there, plus huge shoals of fish, sea turtles, sharks and more.
Species: Galapagos fur seals, Galapagos sea lions.
8) Australia
When it comes to year-round sunshine destinations with wildlife experiences for the whole family, it’s hard to beat Australia. There are idyllic destinations strewn along the eastern coast, where you can swim with seals and enjoy world-class snorkeling, so plan a road trip and enjoy!
Montague Island in New South Wales hosts both Australian and New Zealand fur seals and has a colony of little penguins as well. Take a trip to the island to explore the lighthouse, visit the island’s significant Aboriginal sites, and snorkel with fur seals in clear turquoise waters.
Head north to Jervis Bay to swim with Australian fur seals and humpback whales in sheltered waters. September to October is the peak season for swimming with the whales and the fur seals are resident all year.
Continue on to Sydney to enjoy the surf culture and beaches of this famous Australian city, then hop on a flight to Cairns to snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef. This enormous reef system might not have seals, but with over 1500 fish species and one-third of the world’s soft corals, it is an unmissable highlight of any Australia vacation.
Species: Australian fur seals, New Zealand fur seals.
Kathryn Curzon, a shark conservationist and dive travel writer for Scuba Schools International (SSI), wrote this article.
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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