The best boat diving sites are in the Carmel
area near Stillwater Cove and Point Lobos. When ocean conditions permit, most local boat
operators will make the 45 minute run around the point. One operator even offers an early
morning advanced three-dive tour down to Big Sur.
Other boat diving sites inside the bay make
for fun and adventurous half-day outtings. We are very familiar with all of the boat
operators and their captains. We can choose the right boat for you based on your diving
goals and your skill level
CLICK HERE for more information on Monterey dive boats and their
schedules.
CLICK HERE
to schedule guided boat diving with us as your guide through one of the local charters.
Shore diving in Monterey is conducted primarily on Cannery Row dive sites. Additional
sites are
available in Pacific Grove and Carmel.
San
Carlos Beach or the Breakwater has been dubbed the most-dived beach in California. Parking
is available in the lot above the foot path or in the metered spaces in front of the lawn
area and on the breakwater itself. Called the Jetty by the locals, San Carlos is
historical both for diving and Monterey's canning heyday. Remnants of canning operations
can be found underwater in the form of old fish piping structures and by foundation
footings protruding from the beach. The world-famous Metridium fields (giant plumose
anemone) can be accessed from this beach and the breakwater wall is a macro photographers
dream. Sea lions and harbor seals may be seen mingling in the rocks and and boulders of
the sea wall.
McAbee Beach is located on Historic
Cannery Row in front of the old Spindrift Inn and adjacent to the Fish Hopper restaurant
pier. A large parking lot is available for a fee across the street and there is metered
parking in front of the beach on Cannery Row. Average depth from shore is 35 to 50 feet.
Harbor seals are the attraction and are seen on most dives.
With so much plant life including a
thick kelp forest, these sites are best dived in winter when the conditions are clearer
and plant life less abundant. Red coralline algae covers the submerged rocky substrate
around the point, providing the perfect camouflage for cabezon. Parking is free in Pacific
Grove and there is a lot adjacent to the beach at Lovers on Ocean View Boulevard.
Monestary
Monestary is a more advanced dive
site just south of Carmel along Hiway 1 at Carmel River State Beach. Conditions can be
unpredictable and It is best to dive South Monestary during calm conditions. North
Monestary Beach drops off to 300 feet at the Carmel Canyon. Parking is along Hiway 1
adjacent to the beach.
San
Carlos Beach or the Breakwater has been dubbed the most-dived beach in California. Parking
is available in the lot above the foot path or in the metered spaces in front of the lawn
area and on the breakwater itself. Called the Jetty by the locals, San Carlos is
historical both for diving and Monterey's canning heyday. Remnants of canning operations
can be found underwater in the form of old fish piping structures and by foundation
footings protruding from the beach. The world-famous Metridium fields (giant plumose
anemone) can be accessed from this beach and the breakwater wall is a macro photographers
dream. Sea lions and harbor seals may be seen mingling in the rocks and and boulders of
the sea wall.
