© LJFS and Liesl Schindler

Seal Viewing Tips

The best time to see the seals depends on the season.

In the warmer months, usually July-October, seals are in the water most of the day. The best time to see them is early morning or in the evening. During cooler months, usually November-June, seals will be on the beach most of the day. If you want to see newly born pups, come during February - April, the pupping season. You may be lucky enough to see an actual birth! Do not become alarmed if you see a pup that seems to be abandoned. A mother may leave her pup on land for a brief period while she searches for food. Look for harbor seals silently watching you from the water. Seals will magically appear with just their heads poking up from the water for a few moments and then slip away before you know it. During mating season you may observe flipping behavior in the water when the male tries to attract the attention of the female.

Harbor seals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is a federal offense to harass them in any way.

Copyright © 2001-2008 La Jolla Friends of the Seals
P.O. Box 2016, La Jolla, CA 92038
For more information please call (619) 687-3588 or email us.