Stellar Sea Lion Encounter by Kayak
Encountering the unexpected defines our offshore kayaking trips departing from Moss Landing. Today, we encountered a rarer species to Monterey Bay, the Stellar Sea Lion. It was awesome, trashing its massive head as it tore apart a salmon while several species of birds enjoyed the action. We noted the large size, lack of a sagittal crest and pale whiskers indicating a Stellar sea lion rather than the smaller and ubiquitous California Sea Lion. Our hope was to find the humpback whales, Gray whales and Orcas that have been cruising Monterey Bay over the last few weeks. Next time!
Male Stellar sea lions can reach a length of 11 feet and weigh 2400 pounds, 3 times the weight of our more common male California Sea Lions. Ano Nuevo marks their southern breeding range, where stellar sea lion pups are born each summer.
Our next offshore paddle in search of whales and wildlife departing from Moss Landing is May 16th, 2021 but we also offer private tours among the giants at www.bluewaterventures.org