Shining a light on sea lions

A new book by Luke Inman shines a light on the lives of sea lions who live off the Pacific coast near California.

‘Sea Lions of Los Islotes – The Jewel of Espiritu Santo Island’ takes us into the world of these most charismatic marine mammals.

It may not be on many European divers’ bucket lists, but Los Islotes is almost nirvana when it comes to wild animal encounters.

Few places so close to a city can truly offer such a convenient and accessible opportunity to interact with Mother Nature in her untamed state.

California sea lions are the main residents, strangely thriving in a place so accessible to tourists.

Initial introductions begin at the surface; encounters are then formalized below the water as Poseidon’s ocean ambassadors exuberantly whiz towards and around diver and snorkeler alike.

Author Luke Inman has included information such as how to tell different sea lions apart; what their lifestyle is like; their lifecycle; how to have safe interactions; the challenges sea lions face; other visitors to the area; and how to photograph sea lions.

Luke is an award-winning scuba Instructor Trainer, natural history filmmaker, photographer, writer and explorer. His work includes the BBC’s Planet Earth 3, Netflix’s Our Planet and advertising campaigns.

The book publishes on 25 October by Dived Up Publications, priced £25 RRP.