San Carlos Beach Closed Due to Sea Lions

San Carlos Beach in Monterey, California, has been closed indefinitely due to a large congregation of sea lions, a seasonal occurrence that is expected to last about two weeks. The beach, popular for scuba diving, is now off-limits to the public as local officials urge visitors to maintain a distance of at least 50 feet from the animals, which are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. City officials emphasized the importance of safety for both visitors and the marine mammals, warning that harassment or feeding of the sea lions could result in substantial fines or jail time. This year's unusual gathering at San Carlos Beach marks a departure from past seasons, where the sea lions typically gathered at Old Fisherman's Wharf. The city will provide updates regarding the beach's reopening on social media. While swimming from the beach is prohibited, access to the water for boating and paddleboarding remains open.