Kelp Forest Dive

Monterey Bay’s kelp forests grow across shallow rocky reefs in cold, nutrient-rich water, with giant kelp forming a surface canopy above layered habitats of algae and invertebrates. Divers may encounter rockfish, lingcod, harbor seals, California sea lions, sea otters, nudibranchs, anemones, and dense communities of sea stars and crabs. Much of this habitat lies within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, established in 1992 to protect the region’s ecological and maritime resources. These forests are highly productive but dynamic ecosystems: marine heatwaves, sea star wasting disease, and heavy grazing by purple sea urchins have contributed to substantial kelp loss in parts of central California.

Fun Fact: Giant kelp can grow by as much as up to about 18 inches or 45 centimeters per day under favorable conditions.