Dolphins Plus offers a Sea Lion Encounter
program twice daily at 9:00 AM and 1:15 PM. The sea
lion experience is an excellent blend of education and
exciting interaction with a California sea lion.
The swim portion of the program is preceded by a 20-30
minute educational briefing, during which participants
learn about various topics including: California sea
lion habitat, feeding habits, predation, reproductive
biology, threats to longevity, and conservation. Swimmers
also receive information about our own California sea
lions’ life histories and personalities, as well
as important guidelines for conduct during the session.
The briefing concludes with a feeding and a short demonstration
of behaviors by Sugar, one of our two sea lions.
Following the briefing, participants have the opportunity
to meet Wono, our energetic and rambunctious California
sea lion. Participants will complete a series of trained
behaviors with Wono during a session mediated by one
of our professional marine mammal trainers. This interaction
portion of the program takes part in three stages: on
a floating platform, from an underwater bench, and completely
in the water. The combination of behaviors varies but
may include activities such as flipper tows, kisses,
hugs, high fives, jumps, splash fights, and body rubs.
The Sea Lion Encounter is a personalized program dedicated
to one on one interaction with Wono. The experience
is limited to two participants per session and is offered
twice daily, seven days a week. To complete the in-water
portion of this program, participants must be comfortable
in water approximately 10-15 feet deep. Wono does enjoy
interacting with her new human friends from the floating
platform or bench, so accommodations may be made (with
advance notice) for individuals who are uncomfortable
in the water. Participants must be seven years of age
or older and speak English.
Sea Lion Swim Program Prices
$100*
per swimmer
*Add a Sea Lion Swim in combination
with any Dolphin Swim for only $80.
