Best seal beach in Seattle, Washington
- Discovery Park. 5.3 mi. 441 reviews.
- Alki Beach Park. 4.6 mi. 363 reviews.
- Myrtle Edwards Park. 1.2 mi. 80 reviews.
- Olympic Sculpture Park. 1.1 mi. 505 reviews.
- Golden Gardens Park. 5.6 mi. 332 reviews.
- Fremont Troll. 1.8 mi. 768 reviews.
- Saltwater State Park. 17.3 mi.
- Marina Beach Park. 12.7 mi.
Does Seattle have seals?
Harbor seals are a familiar sight in the Puget Sound region. Their heads pop out of the water while we walk along the shore, cross the Sound by ferry, sit in a waterfront restaurant, or gaze out over Elliott Bay when visiting the Aquarium’s harbor seal exhibit!
Where can I watch sea lions in Seattle?
Over the last few months, sea lions can be seen and heard in Shilshole Bay. People will line the dock next to Ray’s Boathouse to watch the plump pinnipeds.
Where can you see seals in WA?
Harbor seals are found throughout the nearshore waters of Washington including Hood Canal, Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca out to Cape Flattery.
Are there seals in Puget Sound?
Harbor Seals are the most commonly seen marine mammal in Puget Sound. They float at the surface with only the upper part of their head visible, showing the big brown eyes, nostrils flaring to take a breath, and sensitive “whiskers” (vibrissae) on either side of their snout.
Where can I see sea lions in Washington?
The California sea lion is the most frequently sighted otariid found in Washington waters and uses haulout sites along the outer coast, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and in Puget Sound. Haulout sites are located on jetties, offshore rocks and islands, logbooms, marina docks, and navigation buoys.
How many seals are in Puget Sound?
Some harbor seals population are thought to be at carrying capacity. In the 1990s, the population was around 32,000 and now it’s closer to 40,000.
What is the difference between seal and sea lion?
To summarize, the main difference between sea lions and seals is that sea lions are considered eared seals, with small external ear flaps and long front flippers. Sea lions are also generally much larger than seals, with bigger bodies that can stand up and walk on land.
Are there elephant seals in Puget Sound?
Northern elephant seals are a rare sight in the Puget Sound, so when Eloise was born here this past March, she was a welcome addition to the Whidbey Island shoreline. Eloise is the third offspring of her mother Ellie, who was first sighted on Whidbey in 2010.
Where are the sea lions in Ballard?
It’s a little over a mile from the sea lions to the park. Head south on the Burke-Gilman and you’ll come to the Ballard Locks about three-quarters of a mile away. Watch the boats pass through the locks and see if you can spot anything through the fish-viewing windows.
Do sea lions live in Puget Sound?
Sea lions are a consistent presence in Puget Sound, especially in winter, when males stray north in search of food while females remain with their pups in southern breeding grounds.
Are there sea lions in Washington?
California sea lions are one of two species of sea lions found in Washington state waters, the other being Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubata), which are larger in size.
Are there seals in Lake Washington?
Yes, Harbor Seal. I can recognize them well from my previous Scuba Diving encounters. I did photograph underwater Steller Sea Lions, River Otters & Harbor Seals in Puget Sound but I did not expect to see Harbor Seal in Lake Washington.
Where are the seals on Whidbey Island?
The Langley Marina is a great place to spot a harbor seal. Whether you’re on a kayak tour or relaxing on the beach, seals can often be seen in the surrounding water, curiously checking out what’s going on around them.
Are there dolphins in Puget Sound?
Harbor porpoise returned to the Puget Sound around 2000, and sightings of several dolphin species have been increasing since 2010. Sightings of common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins have increased considerably since 2016 and Pacific white-sided dolphins are seen from time to time.
Do elephant seals live in Washington State?
Northern elephant seals spend most of the year, about 9 months, in the ocean and can only be seen on land during pupping season. In Washington, it is rare to see them ashore.
Are seals like dogs?
“Dogs and seals are not in the same family, however, and are not closely related. The family that compromises seals, Pinnipedia, split from other caniforms around 50 million years ago.” Upon further inspection, there are some pretty obvious phenotypical distinctions between seals and dogs.
What is the state seal of Washington state?
The Seal of the State of Washington contains a portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States, as painted by Gilbert Stuart. The outer ring contains the text “The Seal of the State of Washington” and “1889”, the year Washington state was admitted to the Union.
Where are the sea lions in the Olympic Peninsula?
A Steller’s sea lion swims offshore near Cape Flattery, the northwesternmost corner of the Olympic Peninsula.
Do orcas eat harbor seals?
They primarily eat marine mammals including seals, sea lions, walruses, baleen whales, other toothed whales, and occasionally sea otters.
Why do seals slap the water?
Under water, males vocalize as part of a mating display. In addition to vocal communication, harbor seals communicate visually by slapping the water with their bodies or pectoral flippers to show aggression. Males may also use this maneuver during courtship.