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Monterey Bay

Articles: Monterey Bay: Santa Cruz County's Protected Habitat

One of Santa Cruz County's most exquisite points of interest is an underwater world rich in biological resources. Santa Cruz County proudly serves as the gateway to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary, designated by the Federal Government under the authority of the National Marine Sanctuary Act, is one of only 14 federally protected national marine sanctuaries in the country. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the second largest in the United States, and covers 5,322-square miles of ocean, nearly a quarter of the California Coastline. The sanctuary was established to increase awareness, understanding and stewardship of the Monterey Bay.

The sanctuary features an underwater canyon that stretches out over 60 miles from the coast and plunges to depths of over 10,000 feet - more than twice the depth of Arizona's Grand Canyon. The constant upwelling of nutrients from the canyon sustains the world's most diverse collection of marine plants and animals.

Beneath its deceptively passive surface, an unparalleled diversity and abundance of sea life flourishes. Otters pluck abalone from the rocks while sea lions search for fish. Expansive kelp forests serve as a safe haven for sea creatures hiding among the foliage. The sanctuary is home to several threatened and endangered marine species.

From the water or the shore, there are countless ways to enjoy the natural treasures of the bay.

Venturing out by boat affords some of the best views of sea life. Dolphins swim in the bow's wake, while jellyfish glide and pulse just below the water's surface. In the winter months, massive gray whales pass through the sanctuary on their annual migration from Alaska to Mexico. In the spring, humpback whales frequent the bay as a feeding ground. In addition to whale watching tours, you can test your angling ability aboard a fishing boat, or take a sailing charter on a luxury yacht. Most charters journey out from Santa Cruz Harbor, while boat rentals are available at the harbor and the Santa Cruz and Capitola wharfs.

Get a closer look at the bay in a kayak where a multitude of birds, seals, sea otters, fish and other wildlife call this area home. Kayak rentals and lessons are available at the Santa Cruz Harbor and the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf.

Divers can explore the lush kelp forests and rocky reefs of the sanctuary's underwater marine environment. Or have fun while exploring the sanctuary by boogie boarding, surfing, windsurfing or kiteboarding.

Back on shore, the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail welcomes pedestrians and bicyclists to experience the Monterey Bay from vantage points on land. Interpretive displays dot eight points of significance along the trail, which travels from Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz south to Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. The scenic trail is also a great way to explore Santa Cruz County's coastside towns.

Tidepools along the rocky sections of the beach reveal a fascinating microcosm of sea stars, tiny fish and crabs, sea anemones and barnacles. And perched on the edge of the Monterey Bay, the Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Lab invites visitors to examine marine life at seawater tables and aquariums, and interact with marine exhibits illustrating the work of resident scientists. Part of UC Santa Cruz, the Center is part of the nation's third largest marine research and education facility. Docent-led tours offer a behind-the-scenes peek at the lab's facilities and Younger Lagoon Natural Reserve. "Ms. Blue," one of the world's largest displayed blue whale skeleton, once a living 87-foot mammal, rests outside the center.

For more marine life viewing, stroll to the end of the Santa Cruz Wharf and watch the lumbering sea lions suddenly acquire a ballerina's grace the moment they hit the water. From December to March, make reservations for a naturalist-led tour of Año Nuevo State Reserve, the largest elephant seal breeding ground in North America. You can also spend the day at any one of Santa Cruz County's public beaches and watch marine life pass by off shore.

The Santa Cruz Harbor features outdoor art, dining on the Monterey Bay, educational displays about marine life and special events year round.

The gifts of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary unfold before us as an aquatic museum, created by nature for us to enjoy and care for.

Protect the Treasures of the Sanctuary
The deep underwater canyons and majestic kelp forests of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary sustain an abundance and diversity of marine life found in few other places on the planet. And while the sanctuary invites exploration and enjoyment, we must do our part to protect this national treasure for future generations. We are able to enjoy a clean and beautiful marine sanctuary thanks to the many individuals - both residents and visitors - who care for it and use it wisely.

Here are a few ways to help:

  • Please do not throw solid or liquid trash into the ocean, down storm drains or on the beach.
  • Do not feed or attempt to attract marine wildlife.
  • For safety, stay at least 50 feet away from all marine animals, including seals, sea lions, and sea otters.
  • Do not remove animals from beaches or tide pools.
  • If you see an injured or abandoned animal, contact the nearest park ranger for help. Don't touch the animal.
  • Report anyone who is harming marine animals or destroying the ocean environment by calling 1.800.853.1964.
  • Keep pets away from areas frequented by wildlife.
  • Pick up your trash and help keep our Sanctuary clean.
  • Learn more about sea animals and their environment by visiting educational research centers.

Fun, educational opportunities also abound at the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, the O'Neill Sea Odyssey, Santa Cruz City Museum of Natural History, Santa Cruz Harbor, Capitola Wharf, and interpretative and visitor centers at several state beaches.