Up close and personal with sea lions in Dubai

Guests can experience a range of behaviours with South African fur seals, including kisses, cuddles, hugs and rubs. Wading into a waist pool, specialists there will also educate guests about the marine mammals.

The sea lions also show off their dance moves, clapping skills, handstands, seal mimicry — sea lions are sometimes mistaken for seals — and ability to follow a range of cues from trainers.

The term fur seals and sea lions are traditionally used for 15 different species, including the South African fur seal. These mammals are anatomically different from the species referred to as seals. Sea lions have external ear flaps and their flippers are much longer, which assist with movement on land.

The attraction opened recently at the luxury destination on the Palm Jumeirah manmade island, and follows the earlier opening there of Sea Lion Point, which allowed visitors a more limited and “dry” on-ground experience with sea lions.