Sea Otters & Wildlife

Morro Bay's estuary supports southern sea otters, harbour seals, sea lions and an internationally significant amount of birdlife — most of it visible from shore.

Southern sea otters are the headline. They raft in the protected eelgrass beds inside the bay, resting and grooming in loose groups, and Morro Bay is one of the more reliable places on the coast to see them without a boat. The species remains threatened, and the eelgrass habitat they depend on is the reason the estuary is protected.

Harbour seals haul out on the sandspit and the quieter mudflats. California sea lions are noisier and tend to congregate around the docks and the harbour entrance. Both are best watched from a distance — approaching a hauled-out seal is both illegal and pointless, as they simply leave.

For birds, the estuary is a major stop on the Pacific Flyway. Winter brings the largest numbers and the widest variety of shorebirds and waterfowl; the heron rookery in Morro Bay State Park is active in spring.

The short version

• Otters raft in the eelgrass — early morning and late afternoon are the best windows.
• The observation deck at Bayside Landing overlooks a reliable rafting spot and is free to use.
• Winter is peak birding; the estuary is a major Pacific Flyway stop.
• The heron rookery in Morro Bay State Park is most active in spring.
• Keep your distance from all marine mammals — approaching them is illegal.