Wildlife

Sea Lion Island abounds with wildlife. Visitors to the island will encounter a wide range of species all within easy reach from the Lodge.

Beautiful plantations of tussac grass cover much of the island and provide a perfect habitat for elephant seals and sea lions. They are also alive with thrushes, finches, tussacbirds and Megallenic penguins. Elephant seals and sea lions can also be found on many of the island’s spectacular beaches.

Pods of orcas (killer whales) can be seen off shore as can leopard seals. Peale's dolphins are commonly seen here.

The island's southern giant petrels, with a wingspan of two metres, act as a welcoming party to ships as they approach Sea Lion Island.

Rockhopper, gentoo and Magellanic penguins come to Sea Lion Island to breed. Macaroni and king penguins as well as Striated and Crested Caracaras are also common sights on the island.

The wetlands on the island support populations of Chiloë wigeon, speckled and silver teal and Patagonian crested duck, as well as wading birds such as the rufous-crested dotterel, two-banded plover and the white-rumped sandpiper, a non-breeding visitor from Arctic Canada.