Santa Cruz Travel Guide 2011 - 40

MontereyCounty’s Santa Cruz Bay protected habitat
One of Santa Cruz County’s most exquisite points of interest is an underwater world rich in biological resources. Santa Cruz County proudly serves as the gateway to the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary, designated by the Federal Government under the authority of the National Marine Sanctuary Act, is one of only 14 federally protected national marine sanctuaries in the country. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is the second largest in the United States, and covers 5,322-square miles of ocean, nearly a quarter of the California Coastline. The sanctuary was established to increase awareness, understanding and stewardship of the Monterey Bay. The sanctuary features an underwater canyon that stretches out over 60 miles from the coast and plunges to depths of over 10,000 feet – more than twice the depth of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. The constant upwelling of nutrients from the canyon sustains the world’s most diverse collection of marine plants and animals. Beneath its deceptively passive surface, an unparalleled diversity and abundance of sea life flourishes. Otters pluck abalone from the rocks while sea lions search for fish. Expansive kelp forests serve as a safe haven for sea creatures hiding among the foliage. The sanctuary is home to several threatened and endangered marine species. From the water or the shore, there are countless ways to enjoy the natural treasures of the bay. Venturing out by boat affords some of the best views of sea life. Dolphins swim in the bow’s wake, while jellyfish glide and pulse just below the water’s surface. In the winter months, massive gray whales pass through the sanctuary on their annual migration from Alaska to Mexico. In the spring, humpback whales frequent the bay as a feeding ground. In addition to whale watching tours, you can test your angling ability aboard a fishing boat, or take a sailing charter on a luxury yacht. Most charters journey out from Santa Cruz Harbor, while boat rentals are available at the harbor and the Santa Cruz and Capitola wharfs. Get a closer look at the bay in a kayak where a multitude of birds, seals, sea otters, fish and other wildlife call this area home. Kayak rentals and lessons are available at the Santa Cruz Harbor and the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf. Divers can explore the lush kelp forests and rocky reefs of the sanctuary’s underwater marine environment. Or have fun while exploring the sanctuary by boogie boarding, surfing, windsurfing or kiteboarding. Back on shore, the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Scenic Trail welcomes pedestrians and bicyclists to experience the Monterey Bay from vantage points on land. Interpretive displays dot eight points of significance along the trail, which travels from Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz south to Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. The scenic trail is also a great way to explore Santa Cruz County’s coastside towns.
Photo: Steve Lonhart / MBNMS / NOAA

From the water or the shore, there are countless ways to enjoy the natural treasures oF the bay

2 0 1 1 O f f i c i a l S a n ta c r u z c O u n t y t r aV e l e r ’ S G u i d e

Santa Cruz Travel Guide 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Santa Cruz Travel Guide 2011