Read about Zalophus californianus (California sea lion) on the Animal Diversity Web. Use this guide to the 17-Mile Drive which includes photos, stops, tips, how to get there, and what you should stop to see. California Sea Lion The breeding season for California sea lions lasts from May - July. The winter months are excellent for tidepooling because afternoon low tides expose marine algae and invertebrates (November-February). California’s coast-hugging Highway 1 is what dream drives are made of. 1993. The need to return to land to breed and molt at two particular times a year constrains their migration. Enjoy one of the world’s most picturesque oceanfront drives as you head north, stopping first at Santa Barbara to visit its … ... Sea otters float in the kelp beds - and you might spot a sea lion having a noisy territorial dispute with a cormorant. Plaza del Cavalier - 250 San Simeon Ave. • San Simeon, CA 93452. Explore the incredible scenery and fascinating history along the Southern and Central California coast on this 12-hour day trip from Los Angeles. California sea lion males bark like a dog to communicate with other males and females. It is mostly male California sea lions that spend from September to May here since the females usually stay all year in California and Oregon. California sea lion males are larger than females. California sea lion females are receptive to mating about three weeks after giving birth to a calf. The combination of air and sea viewing is something NO other whale watching operator in Baja is able to offer. They are friendly animals often seen doing a variety of tricks in various locations while in captivity. Over the two migrations, northern elephant seals travel linear distances of at least ~21,000 km for males and ~18,000 km for females during 250 (males)- 300 (females) days at sea [31]. Double-migration: They come back to land twice a year - once to give birth and mate, and another time to shed their outer skin and fur in a process called molting. California Sea Lion – one most familiar sea lions. DIRECTIONS: From Southern California To the viewing area, take US Highway 101 north to San Luis Obispo.Exit at Highway 1 and continue north 46 miles through the towns of Cambria and San Simeon, past Hearst Castle State Historical Monument. Sea Lion Vocalizations Any one that has spent time observing Sea Lions will tell you that they are very active when it comes to communication. The number of California sea lion pups born each year has almost tripled since 1975!