Kayaking with Sea Lions

If you want to meet sea lions without getting into cold water, a sea kayak is an excellent option. This guided paddle, rated 5.0 by more than twenty travellers, starts with a briefing, equipment fitting and a short lesson on paddling technique and safety. The group then sets out along the sheltered coast of Golfo Nuevo, hugging the shoreline and cliffs while the guide points out birds, rock formations and signs of sea life. The highlight is the sea lion colony, which you approach quietly from the water, staying at a respectful distance. Because you are low and silent in the kayak, the animals often behave naturally, resting on the beach, sliding into the water or porpoising alongside the boats. Young sea lions sometimes come very close to investigate, and a swirl of whiskers and bubbles beside the paddle is a wonderful moment. The route is gentle, with stable double or single kayaks, and no previous experience is needed, although you should be comfortable around water. The outing lasts a couple of hours and is suitable for a wide range of ages and fitness levels, with the guide leading from the front and watching the group closely.

The gulf is generally calm in the morning, with wind picking up in the afternoon, so operators choose departure times to give the best conditions. Even so, Patagonian weather changes quickly, and the guide may shorten or change the route if the wind rises. Safety is taken seriously: life jackets are provided, the guide keeps the group together, and a support vehicle or boat may follow. If you are nervous, say so, and the guide will help you choose a stable kayak and an easy paddling partner.

Wildlife viewing from a kayak is different from a boat or a platform. You are at water level, so every movement of a sea lion is visible, and you hear the splash and the exhale of an animal surfacing. Seabirds such as cormorants and gulls sit on the rocks, and you may see fish or crabs in the clear shallows. Respect distance rules: if an animal approaches, stop paddling and let it pass, and never try to touch or feed it.

Wear quick-drying clothes, a hat and sunglasses with a strap, and sun cream. Some operators provide spray jackets or wetsuits, but a warm layer for afterwards is useful. Avoid carrying valuables, and use a waterproof bag for phones and cameras. This experience is popular with couples and small groups of friends, and it works well for people who prefer to avoid the cold-water plunge of snorkelling.

If you can, combine it with a visit to the Punta Loma reserve to see the same animals from above, and you will have a rounded picture of the local sea lions.

Before you go, check the tide and wind with your guide, and arrive a few minutes early so that equipment can be fitted without rush. Paddling in step with your partner makes the kayak glide more smoothly, and a relaxed rhythm is more effective than strong strokes. Take a moment, now and then, to stop paddling and simply listen: the sound of sea lions barking from the rocks carries over the water.