About Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the most spectacular marine protected areas. This sanctuary also has one of the largest underwater canyons and closest-to-shore deep ocean environments. By balancing activities and commercial uses with protection of natural resources, the vast area of waters provides some of the best wildlife viewing, as well as a variety of marine life, including several species of marine mammals, seabirds and shorebirds, invertebrates, and algae. Visitors can enjoy these waters by surfing, diving, snorkeling, whale watching, and tidepooling. Out of the water, the stunning coastline can be enjoyed by hiking, biking, or just simply driving along the coastline. To learn more about this sanctuary, visitors should stop by either the Coastal Discovery Center in San Simeon, California or the Sanctuary Exploration Center in Santa Cruz, California.
How to Get There
Located on the Central California coast, from the City of Marin in the north to San Simeon in the south.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Heading to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary?
No central reservation system listed for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/3074) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary?
Located on the Central California coast, from the City of Marin in the north to San Simeon in the south.
How do I contact Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary?
You can reach the park at phone: (831) 647-4201 or email: montereybay@noaa.gov.
References & Official Resources
