Responsible Wildlife Viewing

sea lions resting on a jetty while kayakers are seen in the distance — When recreating on the water, follow the guidelines and give wildlife plenty of space to prevent disturbance. Photo: Amity Wood/NOAA

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is one of the best places in the world to see marine life—you can experience seals, sea otters, whales, dolphins, and seabirds any time of year! Explore seasons in the sanctuary to find out what wildlife you might see while visiting the sanctuary, and check out the pages featured below to learn some great tips on recreating responsibly and respecting wildlife.

Wildlife Viewing Guidelines

Whether on land or on the water, always follow responsible wildlife viewing practices and maintain your distance to keep you and wildlife safe.

People on a charter vessel peer out at the backs of two humpback whales visible above the ocean surface

Whale Watching Guidelines

If viewing whales by boat or kayak on the water, be sure to follow all whale watching guidelines.

person looking at intertidal life with care

Tidepooling Tips

During low tides, an amazing array of intertidal life can be discovered while you explore tide pools with care.

Any time you are out in the sanctuary, be the eyes on the water and report an emergency or violation to the appropriate agency.

Want to get more involved in stewardship of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary? There are many ways for you to help beyond following responsible wildlife viewing guidelines. You can volunteer with one of our interpretive or monitoring programs or participate in events like beach cleanups that help to reduce the risk of animals ingesting or becoming entangled in trash.