jade cove in california

[jonahfab]

I've been working on my trip to monterey and bought a couple of books with dive site information. The one dive site they talked about was jade cove where you could dive for pieces of jade. It seemed like it would be a neat dive and some neat souviners from my trip. It describes the dive site as an advanced dive which does fit my abilities. I wanted to get some more info from the locals.:
first, how far from monterey is it
second when are the best times to dive the area and some of the obsticles to watch out for and is it even worth the effort to go there.
thanks for any info

 

[scubasean]

I've been working on my trip to monterey and bought a couple of books with dive site information. The one dive site they talked about was jade cove where you could dive for pieces of jade. It seemed like it would be a neat dive and some neat souviners from my trip. It describes the dive site as an advanced dive which does fit my abilities. I wanted to get some more info from the locals.:
first, how far from monterey is it
second when are the best times to dive the area and some of the obsticles to watch out for and is it even worth the effort to go there.
thanks for any info

Try here...

http://www.saintbrendan.com/cdnmay03/Jade.html

 

[Jerry Litzza]

It's a STEEP climb down to the shingle (no real beach) and a Big Rock entry.

Right Now today is a good time to go! Before the kelp gets too thick. Else wait until one of those beautiful late winter/early spring days after the storms have scrubbed the kelp out.

A great geology lesson

 

[Wristshot]

appears to be about 70 miles south of the town of Monterey.

Note that this is regarded as a very tough dive site.

http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/USA_West/CalM/Jade_Cove/


Wristshot

 

[Jerry Litzza]

Yes, aside from the beach entry and exit being difficult, hauling all your gear back up that hill is a chore that demands sherpas. I reccomend you bring some.

In fact getting your gear down to the prep area has some safety issues. The trail is fine until that last few feet that see winter surf break.

There is a large partly flat rock that allows for good prep above the beach surf and sand, but it is coated with serpentine, asbestos, and a little nephrite.

 

[ba_hiker]

Yes, aside from the beach entry and exit being difficult, hauling all your gear back up that hill is a chore that demands sherpas. I reccomend you bring some.

What is the best local source for sherpas? Sounds l,ike a fun dive if I can find a couple...

 

[PhotoTJ]

Did this dive yesterday. Will spend today in bed. Big workout.

Drove 285 miles up there, it's a very pretty drive. The hike wasn't too bad, but if you're not in excellent shape, you will feel it the next day! Take two tanks, it's worth it. Entry and exit is tough, right now, some of the thickest kelp I've ever seen. (It's interesting, there must be half a dozen different varietys of kelp in this cove.) The dive was good, not great viz, but not bad, didn't find any Jade. Marine life is pretty good, saw a decent sheephead, a huge cabazon, and a few abs.

The reviews say March or April is the best time, if I make this an annual event, I'm going in early April, next year. I'd classify this as an advanced shore dive, might want to reconsider if you're not too sure.

 

[Jerry Litzza]

I saw nephrite in both your underwater pictures.

California Jade is not like translucent oriental jade.

Nephrite is serpentine that has been compressed and heated.
You probably saw the big serpentine vein on the left cliff face.
Nephrite is smooth and soapy feeling like jade.

The asbestos in the serpentine makes is cloudy, more asbestos the whiter it gets. Less and the more green.

Looks like you had a real nice day!
That beach is a pounder when the surf is anything above one foot.

 

[PhotoTJ]

Looks like you had a real nice day!
That beach is a pounder when the surf is anything above one foot.

The surge/surf wasn't a problem, the drive and kelp were a little tough. Still, we had a great time.

I guess I should have qualified, I didn't find any Jade I could take home with me. I am reading everything I can find on Jade, next time, I'll be better prepared.