Always.
Learned to dive in Monterey Bay. Believe me when I say this - few diving spots are as awesome as Point Lobos and Monastery. For those of you who do not know what we are talking about, here is what you get:
- Shore access to blue water; depth 0-300'+ w a scooter or 3 min boat ride; all you depth needs!
- Incredible kelp forests
- Abundant sea life - fish, sea lions (hunting the fish), birds
- If you're lucky, you can see juvinile great whites or Giant Pacific octopus
- Protected marine life means there is no "dull" dive
- Fairly cold temperatures and regular ocean tantrums keep amateurs away
- Gated park entries means relatively trash-free environment; no meth aficionados
- 10 min ride to a hyperbaric champer shall you need one
Located 1.5 hours away from Silicon Valley and near Monterey, i.e., you have all "civil" amenities you want for any budget. The park offers incredible hiking trails to non-divers. Look up "Point Lobos" on any search engine or
here.
Spots like that are hard to find. On the East Coast, unnless you're in FL, access to blue water requires a good boat ride which runs you about $100.
So yeah, I'll pay $40 any freaking weekend to dive in one of the most spectacular spots in a fairly crowded state. Btw, you can always dive Monastery free of charge ;-)
