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It’s rare to snorkel alongside fur seals in the Galapagos. The Galapagos sea lion is a more common species than fur seals, the second most frequent pinniped in the archipelago, and belongs to the famous BIG15 group of iconic species. However, fur seals are found on a limited number of islands, making them a less well-known species. One of the locations where this indigenous species is typically found is Genovesa Island. This island is included in our itinerary for the Northern Islands of the Galapagos. If you’re lucky, you may even have the opportunity to snorkel in the Galapagos alongside fur seals, as we did on this occasion!
Snorkeling With Fur Seals in Galapagos: The Least Known Species of Pinniped in Galapagos
The Galapagos sea lions and the fur seals are closely related. Size and fur are the primary distinctions between sea lions and fur seals. Sea lions can weigh up to 300 kg (660 lb), but fur seals are more minor, only reaching 80 kg (175 lb). Because fur seals are not found throughout the archipelago and prefer calmer waters, they have a thicker fur coat.
In contrast to sea lions, fur seals are nocturnal animals that hunt squid at night for food. Their large eyes, an evolutionary trait that improves their vision in the dark and deeper waters, are another essential characteristic that sets them apart from their cousins, the sea lions. The South American fur seals are the closest relatives and ancestors of the Galapagos fur seals, even though they are not seals.
An Unexpected Swimmer
We knew there was a reasonable probability of sighting a fur seal once we arrived at Genovesa Island. Still, we were not prepared for the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions in the Galapagos on this unique occasion! Upon learning about their nocturnal habits and tendency to sleep during the day, the guides initially gave us the impression that our chances of spending time with these adorable tiny animals were slim.
We saw a few fur seals snoozing further back in the rocks, close to the cliff walls, as we prepared for our snorkeling excursion. We dove into the water with no expectation of swimming with these creatures. One fur seal, in particular, was awake and swimming toward the ocean after watching the diversity of reef fish swimming about by the rocks. The fur seal finally entered the water in front of us after we waited nervously near its intended destination for a few minutes
A Fur Seal Refreshing from the Sun
The objective of the fur seal’s specific visit became evident as soon as it entered the water. The fur seal began to circle in the water, feeling revitalized. It was boiling outside, and the sun was shining. Because of its thick fur coat, the fur seal probably felt too hot outside the water, so it chose to cool off by bathing. And what about the mystical part? The fur seal was utterly unaffected by our presence! Below, at 0:25, you can see the fur seal we snorkeled with! Click here to download the file.
We had to content ourselves with watching it from a distance, laughing as the seal submerged itself, turned over, and floated above the water’s surface to rehydrate. Snorkeling with fur seals in the Galapagos was an incredibly great experience for both me and our guests! It’s particularly noteworthy because fur seals are one of the Galapagos Islands’ rarest pinnipeds!
Why not join us and experience the wonders of the archipelago by scheduling your tour onboard the Santa Cruz II Galapagos cruise right now?
