Hooded Seal

Named for their hooded nasal cavities, these territorial pinnipeds tend to defend their homes more forcefully than others of their family

Hooded Seal

Region: Arctic

Destinations: Svalbard, Jan Mayen

Name: Hooded Seal, Bladder-nosed Seal (Cystophora cristata)

Length: 2 to 2.5 metres.

Weight: 200 to 300 kg.

Location: North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. They can migrate as far south as the Caribbean outside of the breeding season.

Conservation status: Vulnerable.

Diet: Crustaceans, squid, fish, starfish, mussels.

Appearance: Blue grey with lighter undersides. Black face. Hooded nasal cavity. Clawed flippers.

How do Hooded Seals feed?

Hooded Seals generally dive to depths of around 100 to 600 metres for up to 15 minutes at a time. However they have been recorded going as deep as 1000 metres for an hour.

Are Hooded Seals social?

Hooded Seals are solitary and will chase other seals out of their territory. They only come together during mating season.

How fast do Hooded Seals swim?

Hooded Seals can burst up to speeds approaching 27 km per hour.

What are Hooded Seals birthing rituals like?

Hooded Seal males become sexually mature at around 6 years of age while females mature anywhere from 3 to 6 years.

Breeding season is during the spring. The Seals are generally only at their breeding grounds for 2 or 3 weeks during which time pregnant females deliver (after an 11 month pregnancy) and new mating occurs. They will linger long enough to molt and then they head off to their annual migration.

Hooded Seal males display their sexual availability by inflating their hood (located at the nose and extending up to the top of their head when inflated) that resembles a pinkish balloon. It’s also an aggressive signal to other males to back off.

Hooded Seal pups measure about 1 metre long and 25 kg at birth. They are weaned after only 3 to 5 days, having gone from 25 kg to up to 45 kg in that span of time thanks to their mother’s milk.

How long do Hooded Seals live?

Hooded Seals live up to 35 years.

How many Hooded Seals are there today?

Rough estimates place the Hooded Seal worldwide population at about 592,100 (as of 2006).

Do Hooded Seals have any natural predators?

Hooded Seals are prey for Killer Whales and Polar Bears.

7 Super Hooded Seal Facts

  • Hooded Seals have the shortest weaning period of any mammal.
  • Hooded Seals get their name from their unique hooded nasal cavities.
  • Hooded Seals are generally more territorial than other seal species and can become aggressive when in defense mode.
  • Hooded Seal pups are referred to as “Blue-backs” due to their blue-black colouring which is shed for their adult colouring at around 14 months of age.
  • The genera name Cystophora comes from a Greek word meaning “bladder-bearer”, referring of course to the Hooded Seal’s hood.
  • Hooded Seals are found in four main areas:
    1. Off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada
    2. The Gulf of St. Lawrence
    3. The Davis Strait (off the west coast of Greenland)
    4. Near Jan Mayen Island (northeast of Iceland)
  • The males’ hood is also used underwater as a kind of noisemaker – when vibrated it sends out sounds warning other seals away from the territory.

Related cruises

North Spitsbergen Explorer – Polar Bears , Bowhead Whales & more
$1000 discount | code ARCTIC2024

North Spitsbergen Explorer – Polar Bears , Bowhead Whales & more

This expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen's visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and the many opportunities to spot wildlife like whales, polar bears, seabirds, and walruses.

HDS03-24 This expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen's visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and the many opportunities to spot wildlife like whales, polar bears, seabirds, and walruses.

m/v Hondius

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

10 Jun - 17 Jun, 2024

Berths start from:

8250 USD

East Greenland - Scoresby Sund - Iceland, Aurora Borealis, Fly & Sail

Experience the northern lights on Earth’s largest fjord

RVR15-24 Sail through Earth’s largest fjord system on a historic three-masted vessel, getting the chance to encounter exotic Arctic wildlife like musk oxen and Arctic hares under the enchanting aurora borealis. Greenland whales may also appear between landing...

s/v Rembrandt Van Rijn

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

28 Sep - 9 Oct, 2024

Berths start from:

5350 USD

North Spitsbergen Explorer - Polar Bears, Bowhead Whales & more

This expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen's visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and the many opportunities to spot wildlife like whales, polar bears, seabirds, and walruses.

PLA03-25 This expedition focuses on the versatility of north Spitsbergen's visually stunning landscapes, vast spans of sea ice, and the many opportunities to spot wildlife like whales, polar bears, seabirds, and walruses.

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

10 Jun - 17 Jun, 2025

Berths start from:

4300 USD

East Greenland - Scoresby Sund - Iceland, Aurora Borealis, Fly & Sail

Experience the northern lights on Earth’s largest fjord

RVR15-25 Sail through Earth’s largest fjord system on a historic three-masted vessel, getting the chance to encounter exotic Arctic wildlife like musk oxen and Arctic hares under the enchanting aurora borealis. Greenland whales may also appear between landing...

s/v Rembrandt Van Rijn

s/v Rembrandt van Rijn

Cruise date:

1 Oct - 12 Oct, 2025

Berths start from:

5900 USD

Loading