Seal Forms Unlikely Friendship with Diver in Laguna Beach

A charming white seal has been winning hearts after striking up a friendship with Rusty Hunter, a diver from Southern California. The duo often crosses paths off Laguna Beach, and Hunter estimates that he has met the friendly seal, affectionately named Waffle by others, around ten times in recent months.

Waffle, it seems, grows more playful with each encounter. During their meetings, she often nudges Hunter’s face with her nose or lays her head gently on him. It’s a behavior that reflects a certain curiosity seals have toward humans who swim in their habitats.

“There’s definitely a connection when seals act like this, and it’s even more palpable when you’re in the water with them,” Hunter shared. To him, the bond resembles that of a pet owner and their dog, though he acknowledges that the true depth of their connection remains a mystery.

Hunter has a background in skimboarding, surfing, and photography. He started capturing his underwater experiences with a camera, revealing how approachable seals can be. “They’re quite curious; some just want to see what you’re up to,” he remarked.

Although other divers have dubbed the seal “Waffle,” Hunter prefers not to refer to her by that name. “Naming her might strip away some mystery. It’s not that I dislike the name. I just think it’s important to let her be herself,” he explained.

While capturing videos of seals might be tempting, Hunter and his fellow divers are cautious about sharing such content on social media. They worry it could lead to people chasing the seals. Hunter hopes his photographs instead serve as a reminder of the natural world that surrounds us, a beauty that often goes unnoticed in today’s fast-paced life.

“With how easy it is to connect over the phone, we sometimes forget about the raw, natural beauty outside,” he said.