Jurien Bay Sea Lions
We had a wonderful time swimming with Australian Sea Lions at Essex Rocks, then snorkelling around the Underwater Pinnacles near Boullanger Island.
Sea Lions vs Seals
- Both sea lions and seals are types of marine mammals called pinnipeds.
- Sea lions belong to the eared seal family (Otariidae), characterized by visible ear flaps, the ability to walk on land using their hind flippers, and noisy behavior.
- True seals (Phocidae) lack external ear flaps, and move by wiggling on their bellies.
- The Australian sea lion is the only seal species endemic to Australia and one of the world’s rarest.
- These endangered “puppy dogs of the sea” are, known for their curiosity, can walk on all four flippers, and use their whiskers to hunt in dark water
Essex Rocks
It took less than an hour to travel by boat from Jurien Bay harbour to Essex Rocks. We thought we saw penguins on the beach with the sea lions, but they were Pied Cormorants.
We waited in the water until the sea lions came out to check us out. They seemed to take turns in coming out to play, then going back to the island.
A compilation of our videos, put together by Tim.
Underwater Pinnacles near Boullanger Island.
Cheers til next time
Helen & Tim