National marine sanctuary offices and visitor centers closed to the public; waters remain open

NOAA's national marine sanctuary offices and visitor centers are closed to the public while the waters remain open for responsible use in accordance with CDC guidance and local regulations. More information on the response from NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries can be found on sanctuaries.noaa.gov/coronavirus/.

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

  • image of a humpback whale breaching

    A humpback whale breaching in MBNMS

  • image of Deep-sea octopus along the seafloor near Davidson Seamount

    Deep-sea octopus along the seafloor near Davidson Seamount

  • image showing a map of both MBNMS and Davidson Seamount.

    Map of MBNMS with Davidson Seamount in the front

  • image of water fall at Julia Pfieffer Burns State Beach

    Julia Pfieffer Burns State Beach

  • image of Deep-sea octopuses discovered near Davidson Seamount at 3300 meters below

    Deep-sea octopuses discovered near Davidson Seamount at 3300 meters below

News & Upcoming Events

Sanctuary Offices & Visitor Centers Are Now Closed to the Public.
We are following local and departmental guidance, and will continue to monitor the situation. (10/29/2020)

Attention Teachers! Explore MBNMS through our new Distance Learning Programs for your students! (11/2/2020)

MBNMS Virtual Dives and Feature Film “One Breath” are now available! Watch the stunning 18 minute film highlighting the sanctuary from filmmaker Bob Talbot (10/29/2020)

Climate Change Impacts: Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
This report explores how MBNMS is being, and is projected to be, affected by climate change (7/24/2020)
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Welcome to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary! One of our nation's most spectacular marine protected areas, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world! This "Serengeti of the Sea" stretches along the central coast from San Francisco to Cambria and includes pristine beaches, jewel-like tide pools, lush kelp forests, steep canyons and an offshore seamount teeming with life—from tiny shrimp to giant blue whales. The National Marine Sanctuary System promotes environmental protection, stewardship and ocean research. We invite you to explore and help protect this national undersea treasure.
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