Kelp Forest Cam

Kelp forests are California's underwater cathedrals, and this exhibit, one of the first ever to grow live giant kelp indoors, recreates one at full height, surge machine and all. Sunbeams filter down through swaying golden fronds; leopard sharks and rockfish cruise the aisles.

Giant kelp is among the fastest-growing organisms on Earth, capable of adding tens of centimetres a day, and divers hand-feed the fish in scheduled shows that draw the whole cast into the open.

The exhibit tracks real daylight, so Pacific mornings pour honeyed light through the canopy, the single best hour to have this live webcam open in a corner of your screen.