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About this place
Come face to face with some of the largest animals in the world in Monterey County, CA - and have a fun boat ride while you are at it.
The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary is home to some of the most diverse and rich waters in our oceans, and you have the chance to see it up close and personal! The big prize is getting to see a whale, but these waters are teeming with other wildlife from dolphins to otters to sea lions.
For those who haven't been out on the open ocean, simply riding the swells out on the water is an experience in itself. Kate, the super-experienced owner of Fast Raft Ocean Safari, has a unique raft that gives you a much more intimate and fun experience.
The ride out of the harbor is exhilarating as you are launched over waves out onto the bay - but fear not for your clothing as Fast Raft provides waterproof outerwear. Wearing a few layers is still important because depending on the time of year it can be quite cold.
If you want to try and capture the experience on camera, try and get a lens that will let you zoom in, as the Marine Sanctuary places strict distance limits between boats and the whales.