Want to check out the Monterey Bay, but can’t find the time? NOAA has a solution

MONTEREY BAY, Calif. (KION) If you want to check out the Monterey Bay, but can't make it there, NOAA's Office of Marine Sanctuaries has a solution that doesn't require leaving your home or office.

The organization is offering virtual dives in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Ocean-lovers can swim through kelp with sea lions, watch anemones on a rocky surface and see urchins in their habitat from their smartphone or computer.

For an even more immersive experience, NOAA suggests pairing your smartphone with a virtual reality headset or goggles.

The virtual dives are 360-degree images that are made up of six underwater photos taken by trained divers.

Some other locations you can check out include the Florida Keys, the Olympic coast, American Samoa and more.

The goal of the virtual dives is to highlight the habitats, animals and cultural resources in the marine sanctuaries