Our ocean view decks offer a great vantage point to spot wildlife. More than 30 species of marine mammals live in or pass through Monterey Bay.
The wealth and diversity of marine life in Monterey Bay led to its designation as the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Scan the bay waters for the bobbing heads of harbor seals or sea otters floating on the surface of the bay, wrapped in ribbons of kelp.
Local vendors offer whale watching trips all year. Summer means the arrival of humpback and blue whales. Winter and spring brings gray whales.
In our Marine Mammal Gallery, you'll find life-size models of whales and dolphins swimming overhead, and learn about life on the bay.
You'll also find bare bones that once were a whale. This skeleton is what was left of a young gray whale that washed onto a Monterey Beach in 1980.
Our summer "Science Under Sail" program lets you work with aquarium naturalists in a science expedition on Monterey Bay. (Additional fee)
