We did three of our certification dives at San Pedro, which is a very popular destination with dive operators due to its proximity and the sheltered coves and easy anchorage on its east side. We were accompanied almost continuously by curious and playful sea lions, which are delightful companions for new divers. The sea lions would zoom in and out and through our group, barking underwater continuously. They make quite a racket. Once the novelty of having them around wears off, they can actually get to be somewhat of an annoyance.
Most fish are properly wary of sea lions and keep their distance when sea lions are around.
Once a sea lion decides it's going to play tag with you, there's no escaping it. This can be extremely exasperating when you're trying to operate in stealth mode while stalking a fish with a spear gun or camera. I have spent five minutes creeping up obliquely on a fish only to have a sea lion come crashing in on the whole scene in the last seconds, barking like crazy and wheeling around playfully, scaring off my dinner and nearly everything else in sight. I have had them sneak up and unexpectedly nudge me in the back, which can be a very disquieting experience after you've recently spotted sharks in an area. Even when they're being a royal pain in the ass, you can't help but admire these graceful and free-spirited animals as they cavort in the water around you.