Decide on a time and a location to snorkel. While it is possible to view sea lions year-round, you will have to know where to find them throughout the year. For example: California sea lions (which are also found year-round in the Galapagos, Peru and Japan) spend their summer in Southern California and Mexico, then move to northern California and even Canada around September. The Stellar sea lion (an Arctic species) spends its summer in northern California, then moves back to the colder waters off the coast of Alaska and British Columbia, Canada.
Organize your trip with a tour company that will take you out on a boat to where sea lions hang out. By choosing a reputable snorkeling tour, you will be more likely to enjoy a safe dive where you will see plenty of sea lions.
Rent the gear you need. The company you've booked your tour with may have gear to rent, or it can give you a list of what you need and where you can get it.
Bring a waterproof camera. Some disposable cameras have waterproof varieties.
Put on your life vest, goggles and snorkel and enter the water. Put on a wet suit if the water is too cold for you to swim comfortably.
Find sea lions. If you're diving with a tour group, you will be taken to the most common habitats of sea lions, but they're quick swimmers and often on the move. The best place to look is the ocean floor, where they like to play in patches of seaweed.
