Experience This Spectacular National Treasure

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is a federally protected marine area that transcends the Californian Pacific Coast from Marin to Cambria. Covering an impressive 276 miles of coastline and 5,322 square miles of ocean The Marine Sanctuary supports a diverse marine ecosystem and is home to numerous mammals, seabirds, fishes, invertebrates and plants. On average the Marine Sanctuary extends the distance of 30 miles from shore and at its deepest point reaches an impressive 10,663 feet (more than 2 miles).  The Sanctuary Beach Resort offers a spectacular setting on this pristine National Treasure.

The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary additionally boasts North America's largest underwater canyons and is home to our country's largest kelp forest. It is our nation's eleventh and largest marine sanctuary and is a part of a total of 13 operated by The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. For the visitor to put the expanse of this vibrant national treasure into perspective the size of the area covered by the sanctuary is larger than Yosemite or Yellowstone National Parks! Some of the permanent residents of the sanctuary include 33 species of marine mammals, 94 species of seabirds, 345 species of fish, plus numerous invertebrates and plants, considered by many to be the most varied known in the world. To further enhance its appeal the sanctuary is surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery, including sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, rolling hills and steep mountains.

The variety of visitor activities in the Sanctuary region range from the more active kayaking, boating, diving and whale watching experiences or a more relaxed such as visiting one of the region's many coastal parks, or simply marveling at the stunning coastline.