The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is Teeming with Life!

The central California coast has been designated as a national marine sanctuary because its unique biological, geological, and oceanographic features make it one of the richest marine environments in the world. On any given day you can enjoy unsurpassed sea life – whales, sea otters, pelicans, and a variety of marine life abound on the Santa Cruz County coast! The Sanctuary runs along one quarter of the California coastline – from Cambria to just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. It is the third largest marine protected area in the world, and as large as the state of Connecticut. The Sanctuary protects a diversity of habitats, including wave-swept beaches, lush kelp forests, and the unique Monterey Submarine Canyon, which meanders over 60 miles of seafloor and descends two miles into the oceanic abyss. The National Marine Sanctuary System, operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), promotes environmental stewardship and protection of our ocean resources. Harmful activities such as oil drilling and ocean dumping are prohibited in the Sanctuary. Other activities, such as fishing, boating, and diving are allowed. We are able to enjoy a clean and beautiful Marine Sanctuary thanks to the many individuals – both residents and visitors – who care for it and use it wisely. Together we can continue to protect this national treasure. Please:

Map of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary

Marine Sanctuary Recreation

SCUBA Diving

Adventure Sports
SCUBA classes, join our dive club through e-groups, kayak diving.
(831) 458-DOIT (3648),
303 Potrero St., Santa Cruz.
www.asudoit.com
Aqua Safaris Scuba Center
SCUBA classes, equipment
rental & sales, dive vacations. (831) 479-4FUN (4368),
6896-A Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. www.aquasafaris.com
Ocean Odyssey Dive Center
SCUBA classes, equipment rental & sales, charter trips.
(831) 475-3483,
860 17th Ave., Santa Cruz. www.oceanodyssey.com

Sea Kayaking

Kayak Connection
Sea kayak tours, rentals, classes, sales. Beginners welcome!
(831) 479-1121,
413 Lake Ave. at the
Santa Cruz Harbor.
www.kayakconnection.com
Venture Quest Kayaking
Sea kayak tours & rentals from the Santa Cruz Wharf.
(831) 427-2267,
125 Beach St., Santa Cruz.
www.kayaksantacruz.com
Boating, Fishing & Whale Watching

Capitola Boat and Bait
Small boat rental (16 foot skiffs with 8 HP motor), fishing gear.
(831) 462-2208,
on the Capitola Wharf.
Chardonnay Sailing Charters
70 ft. luxury yacht offers a
regular schedule of Ecology trips, Sunset sails, & more.
(831) 423-1213,
www.chardonnay.com
Pacific Yachting
Sailing School & Charters
Sailing instruction for all levels, charters, corporate team building, tropical sailing vacations.
(831) 423-SAIL (7245),
790 Mariner Pk. Wy., Santa Cruz.
www.pacificsail.com
Park Place Excursions
40 ft. sport fishing pleasure vessel offers private charter trips on the Monterey Bay.
(800) 486-1085,
www.parkplaceexcursions.com
Pleasure Point Charters
Specializing in sport fishing trips
on the Monterey Bay.
(831) 464-3045
Santa Cruz Boat Rentals
Small boat rental (16 foot skiffs with 8 HP motor), fishing gear.
(831) 423-1739,
on the Santa Cruz Wharf.

Santa Cruz Sportfishing
Ocean fishing trips for salmon, rockcod, albacore. Short nature cruises with naturalist.
(831) 426-4690,
www.santacruzsportfishing.com
Shamrock Charters & Fishermans Supply
Monterey Bay Sanctuary tours, sport fishing, whale watching, charters, fishing gear.
(831) 476-2648,
in the Santa Cruz Harbor.
www.scurfslanding.com
Stagnaro Fishing Trips
Monterey Bay Sanctuary tours, sport fishing trips.
(831) 427-2334,
on the Santa Cruz Wharf.
www.stagnaros.com

Surfing Lessons & Surfboard Rental
Arrow Surf Shop
Surfboard rental & sales.
(831) 423-8286,
2324 Mission St., Santa Cruz or (831) 475-8960,
312 Capitola Ave., Capitola.
Club Ed Surf School & Camps
Surfing lessons private & group, surfboard & wetsuit rentals, 7-day surfing camps. Open year round on Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz.
(800) 287-7873,
www.club-ed.com

Cowell’s Beach ‘n Bikini Surf Shop
Surfboard rental, surfing lessons.
(831) 427-2355,
109 Beach St., Santa Cruz.
Freeline Design Surfboards
Surfboard rental & sales.
(831) 476-2950,
821 41st Ave., Capitola.
O’Neill Surf Shop
Surfboard rental & sales.
(831) 475-4151,
1115 41st Ave., Capitola.
www.oneill.com
Richard Schmidt Surf School, Inc.
Santa Cruz’s original surf school.
(831) 423-0928,
www.richardschmidt.com
Santa Cruz Surf Shop
Surfboard rental & sales, surfing lessons.
(831) 464-3233,
753 41st Ave., Capitola.
www.santacruzsurf.com
Shoreline Volley Sports
Surfboard rental.
(831) 458-1380,
125 Beach St., Santa Cruz.
www.shorelinesurf.com

Bicycle Rental
Aptos Bike Trail
Bike rentals & sales.
(831) 688-8650,
7556 Soquel Dr.,
in Aptos Center, Aptos.
Bicycle Rental & Tour Center
Hourly/daily/long-term rentals, tours available.
(831) 426-8687,
131 Center St., Santa Cruz. www.bikeandtour.com

 
Family Cycling Center
Leisure & mountain bike
rentals & sales.
(800) 590-3883,
912 41st Ave., Capitola. www.familycycling.com
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Historic seaside amusement park. Open daily Memorial Day
to Labor Day, plus most winter weekends.
(831) 426-7433,
www.beachboardwalk.com

Schedule of Activities for Santa Cruz County

Summer Activities and Events
May to October 2001

Sunny, dry weather is perfect for sea kayaking, SCUBA diving, boating and surfing.

Humpback whales and blue whales visit the Marine Sanctuary May through October.

Guided tidepool field trips at Natural Bridges State Park, weekends from March through September, call for times.
(831) 423-4609.

Enjoy a guided natural history walk at one of our coastal State Parks. Nature walks are available every weekend and subjects range from fossils to birding to dune ecology. For details call Seacliff State Beach (831) 685-6444, Sunset State Beach (763-7063), Wilder Ranch State Park (426-0505), and Rancho del Oso State Park (427-2288).

Guided tours of the Wilder Ranch State Park historic ranch buildings, every Sat & Sun 1 pm, and living history demonstrations every Sat & Sun 11–3.

Evening campfire programs are available to campers at Manresa State Beach (761-1795), New Brighton State Beach (464-6329), and Sunset State Beach (763-7063). Summer weekend evenings only. Subjects vary.

Free Santa Cruz Harbor water taxi operates weekends & holidays 10–6, and Thursday evenings 5–9, May through September. Call (831) 475-6161 for information.

The Santa Cruz Wharf sponsors many weekend public festivities throughout the year. For information call (831) 420-5273 or visit www.santacruzwharf.com/events.html

June 2/Cement Ship Festival,
at Seacliff State Beach. Celebrate the history of this unique 1930’s-era coastal relic with dances, children’s games, and guided walks. (831) 685-6444

Aug. 25/Clean Water Day,
at Cowell Beach next to the Santa Cruz Wharf. Celebrate the clean water of our Marine Sanctuary with music and food, and learn what you can do to keep our ocean clean. (831) 426-9012

Aug. 26/Aloha Races & Polynesian Festival,
at the Santa Cruz Wharf. Outrigger novice races and Polynesian cultural event with food, dance, music and more. (831) 420-5273

Sep. 15/Coastal Cleanup Day
Join this nationwide effort to clean trash from beaches and streams. To sign up in Santa Cruz County, call (831) 426-5925 x11. Elsewhere, 1-800-COAST4U www.coastal.ca.gov/publiced

Sep. 30/Shark Festival & Sanctuary Celebration, at the Santa Cruz Wharf. A birthday party for the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and a celebration of our ocean environment including hands-on activities for kids, music, information, and live sharks! (831) 420-5273
 

Winter Activities and Events
November 2001 to April 2002

Gray whales can be seen from the cliffs as they migrate through the Sanctuary, January through May.

Northern elephant seals return to Año Nuevo State Reserve for their breeding and pupping season. Learn all about these amazing animals on a guided tour to the rookery, $4 per person + $2 to park, advance reservations highly recommended. December 15 through March 30. (650) 879-2025.

Enjoy the wintering groves of monarch butterflies on a guided walk at Natural Bridges State Park, Sat and Sun 11 am and 2 pm, October through February. (831) 423-4609.

Join a guided natural history walk at one of our coastal State Parks. Nature walks are available most weekends. For details call Seacliff State Beach (831) 685-6444, Sunset State Beach (763-7063), Wilder Ranch State Park (426-0505), and Rancho del Oso State Park (427-2288).

Dec. 1/Lighted Boat Parade,
at the Santa Cruz Harbor.
5:30 pm, rain or shine. Kick off the holiday season with the festive sight of 50 decorated boats parading through the harbor. (831) 475-6161

Feb. 9/Migration Festival, Natural Bridges State Park. This hands-on educational event for kids celebrates the many animals that travel through the Marine Sanctuary, including whales, birds, and monarch butterflies. (831) 423-4609.

March 16/Sanctuary Currents Research Symposium. Learn about current local marine research at this free symposium for scientists and the public. (831) 647-4255

Sanctuary Education Opportunities

Seymour Marine Discovery Center at Long Marine Laboratory
End of Delaware,west side Santa Cruz • (831) 459-3800 •
http://seymourcenter.ucsc.edu • Admission $5; discounts for kids/seniors • Open Tues–Sat 10–5, Sun noon–5 • Visit a working marine laboratory. Exhibits, aquaria, the Ocean Discovery Shop, daily afternoon tours.

Save Our Shores Marine Sanctuary Center
2222 East Cliff Dr., on the beach at the Santa Cruz Harbor •
(831) 462-5660 • www.saveourshores.org • Free • Open daily • Explore exhibits on Sanctuary habitats, view marine-related videos, or purchase a NOAA Sanctuary chart. Call for information about public beach cleanups and ongoing programs.

Santa Cruz City Museum of Natural History
1305 East Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz • (831) 420-6115 • www.santacruzmuseums.org • Free • Open Tues–Sun 10–5 • Family fun: Tidepool touch tank, live beehive, and a life-size whale sculpture to climb on!

Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Mark Abbot Lighthouse, West Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz • (831) 420-6289 • www.santacruzmuseums.org • Free • Open Thurs–Mon 12–4 • Exhibits trace over 100 years of local surfing history. See old photos, vintage boards, and what a shark attack can do to a surfboard.

Natural Bridges State Beach Visitor Center
End of West Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz • (831) 423-4609 • $3 to park • Park open daily 8 am–sunset, Visitor Center open Fri–Mon 10–4 • Sandy beach, natural rock arch, tidepools, monarch butterfly wintering grove. Visitor Center features educational exhibits and gift shop. Call for a schedule of programs and tours.

Seacliff State Beach Visitor Center
201 State Park Dr., Aptos • (831) 685-6500 • $3 to park • Park open daily sunrise–sunset, Visitor Center open Wed 12–4, Thurs–Sun 10–4 • Large sandy beach, historical cement-ship fishing pier, Visitor Center with educational exhibits and bookstore, RV camping by reservation. Call for a schedule of programs and tours.

Wilder Ranch State Park
2 miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1 • (831) 426-0505 • $3 to park • Park open daily sunrise–sunset, historical buildings & Visitor Center open Fri–Sun 10–4 • Living history ranch activities every weekend. Extensive coastal and upland trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Call for a schedule of programs and tours.

Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center
16 miles north of Santa Cruz on Highway 1 • (831) 427-2288 • Sat & Sun noon–4 • Interpretive exhibits on local wildlife and cultural history, hiking trails, guided nature walks. Call for details.

Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf
Intersection of West Cliff Dr. and Beach St. • Hourly charge for parking • Open daily 5 am–2 am • For information on events call (831) 420-5273 • Enjoy educational displays along the half-mile pier, watch the sea lions, and stop by the Santa Cruz office of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary at 55-D, Upper Level.

BayNet Volunteers
Look for volunteers with the bright blue BayNet jackets at Lighthouse Point on West Cliff Drive. They will share their binoculars and answer your questions about local wildlife and ecology of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Santa Cruz Harbor Interpretive Walk
Learn about wildlife, fishing, and local nautical history on this two-mile self-guided path around the harbor.

Beaches in Santa Cruz County
 

Beaches with Lifeguard Service in summer:
(hours vary from beach to beach)

Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz
Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz
Main Beach, Santa Cruz
Seabright State Beach, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Harbor Beach, Santa Cruz
Twin Lakes State Beach, Santa Cruz
Capitola City Beach, Capitola
Seacliff State Beach, Aptos
Rio Del Mar State Beach, Aptos
Manresa State Beach, Watsonville
Sand Dollar State Beach, Watsonville
Sunset State Beach, Watsonville
Palm Beach, Watsonville

Beaches without Lifeguard Service:
Swimmers are encouraged to use beaches with lifeguards.

Davenport Beach, Davenport
Waddell State Beach, Davenport
Moran Lake Park, Santa Cruz
Pleasure Point Beach, Santa Cruz
 New Brighton State Beach, Capitola

More Information
 

For more information, please contact:

Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (831) 420-1630 Santa Cruz Office
(831) 647-4201 Monterey Office
montereybay.nos.noaa.gov

 

Santa Cruz County Conference & Visitors Council
(831) 425-1234 or (800) 833-3494
www.santacruzca.org



Thanks to our generous sponsors.

Santa Cruz County

Monterey Bay

National Marine Sanctuary

Task Force

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Last modified on: September 15, 2000