Seal

Pinnipeds, commonly called seals, are a diverse clade of carnivorous, fin-footed, semiaquatic mammals that include the families Odobenidae (walrus), Otariidae (eared seals: sea lions and fur seals) and Phocidae (earless or true seals). There are 34 extant species. They have streamlined bodies, four limbs modified into flippers, a layer of blubber for insulation, and fur (except the walrus). Senses are well developed for both air and water, and whiskers (vibrissae) provide an advanced tactile system. Species vary greatly in size and in diving capability. Otariids primarily propel with their front limbs and can use hind limbs as legs on land; phocids and walruses primarily use their hind limbs for propulsion and are more cumbersome on land. Most species spend most of their lives in water but come ashore to mate, give birth, molt, or avoid predators.

Once heavily hunted for meat, blubber and skins, pinnipeds are now protected by international law; some species remain endangered or have gone extinct, and threats include hunting, accidental trapping, pollution, climate change and human conflict.

Otariids primarily propel through water using their front limbs and can pull hind limbs under the body to move on land; phocids and walruses primarily use hind limbs for swimming and are less agile on land.

The strongest linked planning options currently surface around destinations such as Monterey Bay, Cape Town, Koh Lanta and countries such as United States of America, Greece, United Kingdom for divers building trips around seals.