Invitation to the Sanctuary

Welcome to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary! Endless opportunities to experience this incredible natural environment await those who live next to, or visit, the nation's largest national marine sanctuary. The marine environment off the central California coast was designated as a national marine sanctuary because its unique biological, geological, and oceanographic features make it one of the richest marine environments in the world. Without even stepping foot on a boat you can witness its incredible marine life from shore -- whales, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, pelicans, and a variety of marine life abound! Slip under the surface of the water and you can glide through stunning kelp forests, home to many species of fish, sea stars, urchins, and nudibranchs. A curious sea otter, harbor seal or sea lion may approach you!

The Sanctuary runs along one quarter of the California coastline from Cambria to Marin, encompassing a shoreline length of 276 miles, and 5,322 square miles of ocean, extending an average distance of 30 miles from shore. The Sanctuary protects a diversity of habitats, including wave-swept beaches, dramatic rocky shorelines, lush kelp forests, and the unique Monterey Submarine Canyon, which meanders over 60 miles of seafloor and descends two miles into the oceanic abyss. Whether you observe the Sanctuary from shore, out on the water, or in the water, you will certainly be awed by this special place.