Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

  • image of a surfer contemplating the swell at Lighthouse Point in MBNMS

    Get In Your Sanctuary 2018!

  • map of the MBNMS

    The Sanctuary protects 6,094 square statute miles (4,601 nmi2) of ocean

  • sea otter at the surface

    36 species of marine mammals are found in the Sanctuary

  • Shorebird walking on slough

    The Sanctuary boundary includes the Elkhorn Slough

  • Volunteers working at shoreline

    Volunteers assist the Sanctuary in many ways

  • Dolphins jumping

    Short-beak Common Dolphin

News & Upcoming Events

Davidson Seamount Expedition 2018
From July 15-24, MBNMS scientists and partners will be heading out on a research expedition to the Davidson Seamount.! (7/9/18)

Annual Get Into Your Sanctuary is coming August 4, 2018
Join events at sanctuary visitor centers and enter the GIYS photo contest! (5/4/18)

Spring 2018 Recruitment for Sanctuary Advisory Council College Seats Applications due no later than 5/31/18 close of business. (4/10/18)
visit our visitor center icon
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.
faceBook icon   twitter icon   mobile app icon   tv icon
URL: http://montereybay.noaa.gov/includes-interface/footertop.html    Reviewed: November 20, 2017
Web Site Owner: National Ocean Service

Take Our Survey | Privacy Statement | Site Disclaimer
National Marine Sanctuaries | National Ocean Service | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | USA.gov