Planet Earth III Filming Locations: Episode 2 - Oceans
Are you feeling inspired to explore the oceans after watching Planet Earth Three?
The ocean covers seven tenths of the planet yet much of it remains unexplored. In the Oceans episode, we join David Attenborough on a journey through the vast and changing ocean to reveal the extraordinary behaviours and remarkable adaptations required for life to survive.
The ocean covers seven tenths of the planet yet much of it remains unexplored. In the Oceans episode, we join David Attenborough on a journey through the vast and changing ocean to reveal the extraordinary behaviours and remarkable adaptations required for life to survive.
Things you need to know about South American Sea Lions
- Sea lions live both on land and in the sea.
- They rest and mate on rocky shores or sandy beaches, and they hunt and cool off in the ocean during warm weather.
- Unlike seals, sea lions don’t live in polar regions.
- Sea lions feed on a variety of foods; fish (anchovies, herring, salmon, rockfish, and hake), squid and octopus.
- They are also prey, however, and serve as an important food source for large animals like great white sharks, hammerhead sharks, blue sharks, and killer whales.
Habitats of South America Sea Lions
South American sea lions, Otaria flavescens, are found along the coasts and off-shore islands of South America from Zorritos in northern Peru to Ilha dos Lobos in southern Brazil, also they have been found as far north as Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
The total population is estimated at 265,000; spread across Peru, Uruguay, Argentina, all the way to the Falkland Islands, and a few hundred in Brazil originating from the Uruguayan and Argentinean colonies. The populations in Uruguay and the Falkland Islands are decreasing while those in Argentina and Chile are increasing by 3% annually. The main reasons are competition with fishing fleets and victims of bycatch and climate change on sea currents which impacts fish abundance.
The total population is estimated at 265,000; spread across Peru, Uruguay, Argentina, all the way to the Falkland Islands, and a few hundred in Brazil originating from the Uruguayan and Argentinean colonies. The populations in Uruguay and the Falkland Islands are decreasing while those in Argentina and Chile are increasing by 3% annually. The main reasons are competition with fishing fleets and victims of bycatch and climate change on sea currents which impacts fish abundance.
Where to see large colonies of sea lions in South America
By far the biggest population of 128,500 sea lions is in Chile. However Peru has good viewing and the Galapagos has warm diving and the most habituated sea lions.
Watching sea lions Mejillones, Chile
The Planet 3 crew filmed sea lions on an anchovy feeding frenzy off the coast however there is easier access on the beaches. La Rinconada Beach is a quiet beach, located 65 km north of Antofagasta and 4 km west of Mejillones, just beside Cerro San Luciano. It is suitable for fishing and sports, and you can also take excursions in the surrounding areas to see the local fauna and flora, such as seagulls, crabs and sea-lions.
Watching sea lions Mejillones, Chile
The Planet 3 crew filmed sea lions on an anchovy feeding frenzy off the coast however there is easier access on the beaches. La Rinconada Beach is a quiet beach, located 65 km north of Antofagasta and 4 km west of Mejillones, just beside Cerro San Luciano. It is suitable for fishing and sports, and you can also take excursions in the surrounding areas to see the local fauna and flora, such as seagulls, crabs and sea-lions.
Atacama Desert, Chile
Where To Stay: Awasi Atacama
With just 12 beautiful suites, each with its own private guide and 4x4, Awasi Atacama is the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding desert at your own pace, and to indulge your interests.
Gardner Bay, Isla Espanola, Galapagos
Reached with a wet boat landing at the north-east end of a beautiful white sand beach with good swimming, there is a large sealion colony peppered on the beach. The advantage of viewing them here is that sea lions are less afraid of humans. Also you can scuba dive with sea lions underwater.
Galapagos Islands
Join the Aqua Mare yacht
Let Journeysmiths take you on a breathtaking voyage of discovery aboard this luxury superyacht in search of iguanas, whales and flamingos. Unique Aqua Mare will take you through the spectacular volcanic islands of the Galapagos in utmost luxury. Complete with sun deck, outdoor barbeque areas, jacuzzi and panoramic lounge area, this is the ultimate Galapagos experience.
Watching sea lions in Paracas, Peru
Paracas Nature Reserve, Peru is known for amazing wildlife, including Humboldt penguins, dolphins and large colonies of sea lions, which can be viewed on a tour of the nearby Islas Ballestas. Also, you can view numerous sea birds and pelicans perched on the rocky outcrops.
Calving and breeding season in Paracas is from January to March for sea lions and from October to December for fur seals.
Calving and breeding season in Paracas is from January to March for sea lions and from October to December for fur seals.
Ica, Paracas and Nazca, Peru
Where To Stay: Hotel Paracas
Facing Paracas National Reserve and with its own private pier from which you can take cruises to the Ballestas Islands, this hotel is far more than just a base for experiencing the Nazca Lines.
Private Journeys Unique to You
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 25 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made holidays to megadiverse Latin America. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 25 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made holidays to megadiverse Latin America. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.
Who Are Journeysmiths?
An experienced team of well-travelled individuals, passionate about crafting journeys that are as exceptional as they are personal, while maximising our positive impact on the places in which we work.
Why Travel With Us?
While the evolution of travel and technology has seen much change at Journeysmiths over the years, our fundamental beliefs about the perfect holiday have not.
Positive Impact Mission
Journeysmiths mission is to inspire and expand peoples horizons through exceptional travel experiences, while preserving the natural world for future generations.
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