Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center, Santa Cruz

About Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center

The Sanctuary Exploration Center overlooks Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Santa Cruz and features interactive exhibits about marine ecosystems. Visitors explore displays focused on protecting the sanctuary's unique habitats and wildlife. The center screens films throughout the day, including One Breath – A Monterey Bay Experience, Discoveries in the Deep, The Leatherback Turtle, and Monterey Bay White Sharks. Self-guided tours are available for groups larger than ten participants, with docents providing welcome orientations and answering questions. Docent-guided tours accommodate groups up to thirty-five people, split into smaller groups of eight to fifteen for focused discussions and guided observations led by interpretative staff. The on-site gift and bookstore operated by the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation offers ocean-themed eco-goods sourced from local artists with sustainability focus. The center is located in Santa Cruz, California, near the Santa Cruz Wharf, Beach Boardwalk, and Lighthouse Field State Beach.