Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary | Russ Bishop Photography

July 28, 2022July 28, 2022

Big Sur Classic

The Big Sur coast is one of those truly special locations that never fails to impress. The rocky shoreline and misty mountains are instantly recognizable the world over, yet her mood is constantly changing throughout the seasons providing a fresh perspective with each new visit.

From the early morning fog to the golden sunsets, this meeting of land and sea is in a constant state of flux. And as you make your way along that magical ribbon known as Highway 1, each turn reveals a slightly different scene that somehow seems more dramatic than the last.

For photographers, this perpetual change is ideal and the challenge of making fresh images (common in many other popular landmarks) is all but removed. The Big Sur coast is also part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, and its rich sea life, including Elephant Seals, otters. and migrating gray whales, provides yet another opportunity for great imagery and unparalleled wildlife viewing .

April 15, 2021April 15, 2021

Point Lobos

Point Lobos State Reserve on the Big Sur Coast south of Carmel is the quintessential California seaside location. Once the haunt of luminary local residents Edward Weston and Ansel Adams, its rocky cliffs, cypress groves, pebbled beaches, and blue lagoons provide an endless variety of photographic opportunities.

As part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary its waters are home to abundant sea life including the endangered sea otter and California’s state fish, the garibaldi making it a favorite with divers. Extensive trails wander through rare groves of Monterey Cypress, which only occur here and in the nearby town of Monterey, and are the classic wind-swept symbol of the central California coast.

Exploring the Big Sur area provides a wealth of natural history opportunities and a visit to Point Lobos is a highlight of any trip.

July 16, 2019September 4, 2020

Northern Elephant Seals

The Northern Elephant Seal (Mirounga angustirostris), or sea elephant, ranges from the Pacific coastal waters of Canada to the tip of Baja, Mexico. It is the largest of the fin-footed mammals and with males typically weighing up to 6000 lbs it exceeds the walrus in size. Though they were hunted to the brink of extinction toward the end of the nineteenth century, their numbers have steadily increased in recent years due to protection from both the US and Mexican governments.

Elephant seals feed on fish and squid or other cephalopods and spend upwards of 80 percent of their lives in the ocean. They can hold their breath for nearly two hours and dive as deep as 2,000 feet in search of food. During the three month breeding season, bulls fight to establish territories along beaches and to acquire harems of up to 40 cows.

These juveniles are part of a large rookery at one of several pocket beaches near San Simeon on the Central California coast. As part of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary this colony has grown exponentially since the early 1990s, and a well-designed series of boardwalks, interpretive signs and docents offer a unique wildlife experience for anyone visiting the area.