The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary stretches for 276 miles of federally protected coastline, and its waters are home to some of the most ecologically diverse forms of ocean life on earth, including fish, marine mammals, seabirds, and plants. When I learned that I could go kayaking there, I first thought-awesome! I could use the exercise and sunshine, and I've been hankering to see some harbor seals (sort of a local nature celeb) during their pupping season. So long, fanny-packed tourists trapped on the shore! I would don water-protective gear and paddle away near the seals, as well as otters, loons, cormorants, pelicans, and all the other little fish, invertebrates, and creatures that make their homes in the area's huge swaths of kelp forest.