Antarctic Fur seal checking out my zodiac from his rock

This big guy was hauled out on some rocks on Spurt Island on the Antarctic Peninsula. We got up really, really early to be on the water exploring at 530am, which is pretty early. It was 100% worth it though with seals hauled out on the coast, beautiful light & calm seas. This big guy is known as an Antarctic Fur Seal, which is an Ottarid - "eared-seal". If you look closely you can see his little ear lobes on the side of his head. He has the ability to prop himself up on his forelimbs and scout around his surroundings. This is also how he propels himself in the water by using those large forelimbs to flap like a bird under the water.

For more pictures and stories of my travels check out my Instagram feed: https://www.instagram.com/thomas_mitchell2912/