Embraced by some of northern California’s most beautiful shoreline,
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the largest protected
marine areas in the world. Millions of visitors are drawn to the otters,
harbor seals, and birds that splash along its beaches—but it is
the sanctuary’s blue expanse of water that teems with an unsurpassed
explosion of life.
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Twenty-six species of marine mammals live in the sanctuary. Besides the seals and otters, bottlenose dolphins and two species of porpoises live there year-round. And each year a variety of sea lions, dolphins, and whales drop by. All told, the sanctuary is home to 26 species of marine mammals, 94 species of seabirds, 345 species of fish, 4 species of turtles, 31 types of invertebrates, and 450 species of large marine algae. |
Monterey Bay Highlights:
Steamers Lane, located at Light House Point in Santa Cruz is perhaps one of the best all around surfing spots on the central coast. It is a classic point break with powerful, juicy waves, easy entry into the water and a beautiful walking path along the point for your family and friends to watch you take the drop on a classic wave. Steamers breaks best on medium to low tides and will take all direction swells.
Steamer’s Lane in Santa Cruz California is the venue for the Worlds 2001 kayak surfing finals. It is absolutely one of the worlds best and cleanest breaks.
Steamers Lane, located along West Cliff Drive, is home of the Mark Abbot Memorial Lighthouse Surfing Museum.
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Almost an hour’s drive south and you’ll arrive at Monterey, California.
Sometimes known as Steinbeck Country for it’s famous author and historical
landmark, Cannery Row. Monterey is also home to the world famous Monterey
Bay Marine Aquarium, a must on any traveler’s itinerary.
Carmel, California is nestled between the world famous Pebble Beach
golf course to the north and the spectacular Big Sur coast to the South.
By carefully guarding the natural beauty of the area, Carmel has created
a European style retreat away from all the headaches of everyday life.
Going south, the landscape of Carmel gives way to the beauty of the
Big Sur coastline. From beaches to mountains… Hike along the streams
in the cool, tree lined valleys. Climb up on the high ridges for a spectacular
view of the coastline on the western slope and gaze into three million
acres of wilderness in the Los Padres National Forest on the eastern
slope. Not technically part of the Monterey Bay, it’s well worth the
stretch.
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