While I’m sure that the seals were encouraged to be “at” the aquarium (probably by an availability of food and the rocks to lay on), there was nothing actually forcing them to be there or preventing them from leaving. They were an interesting view out over the bay and the aquarium restaurant (which had excellent food, by the way, but make sure you take the restaurant and not the cafeteria) looked out over the bay and the seals.

The bay also attracted a variety of birds, including flocks of pelicans which skimmed over the water near the viewing platform.

More Seal and Pelican pictures and the rest of the Aquarium as well in the Monterey Bay Aquarium Flickr Set.