Amazing Wildlife Lives Here

Where else can you encounter the majestic animals of the ocean in their natural habitats? In your national marine sanctuaries, you can see whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, birds, sea otters, manta rays, and more. Before you go, take a moment to educate yourself on the responsible way to watch wildlife.

volunteers watching for humpback whales

Volunteers watch for humpback whales in Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Photos: Paul Wong/NOAA

flying northern gannets

Northern gannets can be viewed onshore or offshore along the Atlantic Coast, including in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Photo: Peter Flood

Photo: Douglas Croft