Can someone recommend nice shore dive sites in Monterey?

[kathydee]

Hi,

Can anyone recommend & give directions to nice shore dive sites in Moneterey? I live about 2 hrs away, but have only been diving in the tropics, so am excited to see what our local icy waters offer! Thanks!

 

[MaxBottomtime]

MoCal DIR - Dive Sites

Scuba Shore Diving Site Listing for: California North, USA West

Scuba Shore Diving Site Page for: Breakwater Cove of California North, USA West

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/norcal/94734-metridium-fields.html

 

[kathydee]

MoCal DIR - Dive Sites

Scuba Shore Diving Site Listing for: California North, USA West

Scuba Shore Diving Site Page for: Breakwater Cove of California North, USA West

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/norcal/94734-metridium-fields.html

Do you have a favorite site for a somewhat mellow intro to the area?

 

[MaxBottomtime]

The Breakwall is the easiest entry in Monterey. There is also a dive shop right there for convenience. You could also try Pt. Lobos reserve. You are required to dive with a buddy and must make reservations, but there is a lot to see in the cove. If you go outside the cove there are pinnacles and deep reefs covered with anemones, fish and hydrocoral.

 

[Noboundaries]

This site below has probably all that you want. The beach dives are on down the page. My recommendations would be Metridium Fields out of the Breakwater, Lover's Point Cove (morning dives only on weekends), and Point Lobos State Reserve in Carmel (tough to get a permit on the weekends on short notice).

SCUBA MONTEREY, San Francisco Bay Area Scuba Diving Courses.

 

[Gombessa]

Do you have a favorite site for a somewhat mellow intro to the area?

Point Lobos, a state reserve a few miles south of Monterey. You need to make reservations in advance if you want to dive it on the weekend. It's protected, generally has better vis than the bay, and is home to some amazing sea life as it's a no-take zone.

You can find out more about it and make reservations here: Point Lobos State Reserve

Also, MacAbee Beach, a few blocks from the Breakwater seems to be home to the best and closest seal encounters I've had in Monterey.