1. Coastal Waters:
- Sealions are commonly observed in coastal regions near continental shores and islands, where they have access to abundant food sources such as fish and squid.
- Some species prefer rocky shorelines, while others thrive in sandy beaches or estuaries.
2. Temperate and Subtropical Regions:
- Sealions primarily occupy temperate and subtropical waters.
- They are prevalent along the coasts of North America, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Africa.
3. Estuaries and Bays:
- Certain species, like the California sea lion, frequent estuaries and bays where they can find shelter, breed, and procure food.
4. Subarctic and Arctic Regions:
- Some sealions, like the Steller sea lion, inhabit subarctic and arctic environments.
- These regions offer access to rich feeding grounds and suitable breeding sites.
5. Open Oceans:
- While many sealion species remain near the coastline, certain populations travel far into open oceans for feeding or migration purposes.
6. Deep-diving Habitats:
- Species such as the Australian sea lion are well-adapted to diving deep into the ocean to find prey.
7. River Systems:
- Some South American sea lions, such as the South American fur seal, may enter river systems to feed and breed.
It's important to note that different sea lion species have specific habitat preferences and adaptations suited to their respective environments.