The Aquarium sits perched on the edge of Monterey Bay. Our ocean-view decks offer a great vantage point to spot wildlife, from sea otters to humpback whales. In the Marine Mammal Gallery, you'll find life-size models of whales and dolphins swimming overhead, and learn about life on the bay.
Animals Found in Monterey Bay
These charismatic critters are among the most easily observed marine mammals in the bay. They’re often spotted floating and foraging among kelp forests along the outer coves and bays but can sometimes be seen off sandy beaches—and even local harbors. Sea otters are a frequent sight off the Aquarium’s ocean-view decks and occasionally even pay a visit to our Great Tide Pool. They’re also found in Elkhorn Slough.
More Monterey Bay Animals
- Monterey Bay is part of a National Marine Sanctuary stretching from Marin County to Cambria—encompassing a shoreline length of 276 miles (444 km) and 6,094 square miles (15,783 km2) of ocean. Learn more about Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
- More than 30 species of marine mammals live in or pass through the bay, ranging in size from the four-foot-long sea otter to the hundred-foot-long blue whale.
- Ever-popular harbor seals and sea otters are year-round residents of Monterey Bay and are visible right from the Aquarium decks.
- There are 94 kinds of seabirds found locally, including the California brown pelican and the western snowy plover.
- Life on the Bay Teacher Curriculum
- Humpback Whale Wallpaper
- Monterey Bay Aquarium Wallpaper
- Humpback Whale Tail Wallpaper
- Southern Sea Otters Wallpaper
- Southern Sea Otter Mother and Pup Wallpaper
- Southern Sea Otter Wallpaper
- Underwater Kelp Forest and Rocky Reef Wallpaper
- White Shark Wallpaper
- Pelagic Red Crabs Wallpaper
- Gray Whale Wallpaper
- Northern Elephant Seal Wallpaper
- Sunrise Over the Aquarium Wallpaper