Marine Life of Monterey Bay
One of the richest marine ecosystems on Earth, fed by the deepest underwater canyon on the West Coast.
Whales
Humpback, blue, gray, and orca. Four iconic species that share the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Explore whales →
Dolphins
Risso's, Pacific White-Sided, Long-Beaked Common, and Northern Right Whale dolphins — sometimes in superpods of thousands.
Explore dolphins →
Seabirds
Albatross, shearwaters, murres, and pelicans. The same upwelling that feeds the whales draws spectacular seabird aggregations.
Explore seabirds →
Pinnipeds & Sea Otters
Sea otters, harbor seals, California sea lions, and elephant seals — all year-round residents of the bay.
Explore pinnipeds & sea otters →
Other Marine Life
Sea turtles, sharks, rays, and the strange mola mola. From leatherback turtles to great whites, discover the bay's other remarkable inhabitants.
Explore other marine life →Beyond whales and dolphins
The Monterey Bay Submarine Canyon plunges nearly two miles deep right off our shore. That dramatic geography fuels a year-round upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water — and a food chain that supports an extraordinary cast of animals.
- Sea otters & harbor seals
- California sea lions
- Mola mola (ocean sunfish)
- Leatherback sea turtles
- Albatross & shearwaters
- Pulsating jellies
- Great white sharks (June–July)
- Blue sharks & makos