Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary
Welcome to the National Marine Sanctuaries web site. Here you'll discover the marine life and extraordinary habitats that make up your nation's marine sanctuaries and our continuing efforts to conserve these ocean and coastal treasures.

Northern Right Whale Dolphins Cordell Bank is a unique wildlife watching destination at any time. The late summer and fall are the best time of the year to head offshore because of the typically better sea conditions and diverse seabird and marine mammal viewing opportunities.


Whale Watching From June until November, humpback and blue whales may be seen in the sanctuary eagerly feeding. Throughout the year, seabirds from near and far feed in these bountiful waters. This attracts birders and whale watchers from around the world, to see species rarely seen so close to shore.

Learn about our annual field seminar.

rockfish Recreational and commercial fishing occur in the sanctuary. NOAA Fisheries establishes the rules and regulations concerning fishing in this region. Find out more about fishing in the sanctuary.

Visit from Afar - Explore the Sanctuary!

You can dive right into the sanctuary without getting wet - see exhibit locations about Cordell Bank.

fisheating anemone Experience the diversity of animals in the Cordell Bank Sanctuary above and below the surface in our video gallery. See the colorful pinnacles of Cordell Bank, what lives on the continental shelf? Since Cordell Bank is too deep for most of us to explore, this is your best bet!

Diving is not recommended at Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, find out why.