Why does the Morro Bay Estuary host so many marine mammals – playful sea otters, shy harbor seals, and noisy sea lions? Examining various critters hidden in the Windy Cove mudflats students will understand the reason that these top predators are attracted to the estuary. Surveying the estuary complex and the Pacific Ocean from White's Point students will see the pathway taken by migrating California Gray Whales. While these outdoor excursions do not guarantee sightings of marine mammals, inside the museum facilities there are plenty of animal specimens, some skeletal specimens and other displays to illustrate the fascinating details of these animals. Docents use these materials to focus their discussions on the characteristics of mammals and how these characteristics are adapted in marine mammals for survival in the sea. In particular, the vertebrate body plan of marine mammals is examined and compared to that of land mammals. The tour ends with a short video.