Kayaking in the Monterey Bay NMS

As you paddle through the kelp forest, you may see brown pelicans, cormorants, loons, grebes, and other fish eating birds that search the kelp forest for prey. Even sea gulls are common visitors to the kelp forest; they are often seen near sea otters, waiting to grab a few tidbits the otter may drop while eating. During your explorations of the Sanctuary please try to remember that many of the animals you will encounter are easily frightened by your presence. Enjoy these animals from a distance and be aware of your impact on their habitats.

HELP KEEP SANCTUARY WATERS CLEAN
The Sanctuary has some of the cleanest coastal waters in the world. You can help keep the Sanctuary a beautiful place by stowing your trash for disposal in port and picking up any plastic you see floating in the water. Birds, fish, mammals, and sea turtles can get entangled in plastic items or mistake them for food. Participate in beach clean-ups and leave the beach clean after your kayak trip. Please help remove plastics from the ocean!

MARINE MAMMALS AND YOU
You are most likely to see seals, sea lions, or sea otters on your kayak trips in the Sanctuary. Curious animals may even swim up to you. Although it may be tempting to approach them for a closer look, remember that these animal are wild and are protected by federal law. For your sake and theirs, observe mammals from a distance. If they start to look in your direction and fidget, you are much too close and should quietly back away. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends you stay 50 to 100 yards away from all animals, whether in the water or on shore. In addition, please do not feed marine mammals. It could be dangerous to you and is not healthy for the animals.

Sea otters must rest about half the day to stay healthy. Each time a sleeping otter is disturbed, it wakes up, rolls in the water, and wets its fur. After this, otters must groom themselves and dry off before going back to sleep. Otter mothers and pups need more rest time than other animals. Please respect an otter's need for sleep, and keep your distance.

IF YOU SEE A PUP ON THE BEACH
A seal or sea lion pup found alone on the beach is generally not an abandoned animal. Please leave the pup alone. Any attempt to move it may cause you or the pup to get hurt, or cause the mother to abandon the pup. If you see a seal or sea lion you think needs care, leave it alone and call the Marine Mammal Center Hotline at 831-633-6298 or 415-289-7350. If you see a sea otter pup you think is abandoned, leave it alone and call the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Sea Otter Rescue and Care Program at 831-648-4829. They will determine the best course of action for the animal.

KAYAK ACCESS POINTS
Listed below are a few launch areas within the Sanctuary that provide access for kayakers. Access points located near kelp forests are highlighted with an asterisk (*). Hazardous sea conditions may exist, especially at the open beaches highlighted with a pound sign (#). Check with local kayak shops for current ocean conditions.

THINK SAFETY
Consider the skill limits of your group. Plan your routes and be aware of changing weather. You may encounter fog, wind, strong currents, and large surf. Suggested safety equipment includes a lifejacket, pump, paddle float, wet-quit, flotation bags for decked boats, and a safety kit.