Monterey Bay Trip - Questions

[UB]

I am arranging a trip to California (San Fran) in May and was planning on taking my daughter to Monterey Bay for a few beach dives. Since this territory is slightly out of my area. Can anyone recommend:

1 - A dive shop for advice and rental equip (Monterey Bay Dive Center?)

2 - A couple of good beach dives which are easy to get to and enter (Breakwater?).

3 - A good/inexpensive clean hotel in the area


FYI both me and my daughter are novices.

Any feedback is appreciated

I posted this in the "Trips and Marketplace" thread but there doesn't seem to be much action there.

Thanks

 

[mweitz]

1. That should be fine. Any of the local shops should be able to get you setup.

2. Correct, the Breakwater or San Carlos beach would be the place to go. For the next day, dive at Pt. Lobos if conditions are good. Depts range from 15 to 150, something for everyone.

3. Aha, that one is more difficult. Hotels in Monterey are expensive. I would try something like the Ramada in Marina. A pretty new hotel, very clean, well lit lot, and not overly expensive. Figure a 15 minute or so drive to the BW from there.

When are you going to be here exactly?

Mark

 

[D_O_H]

1. I like the folks at MBDC. I don't think you can go wrong w/any of the Monterey dive shops though. If you let us know when you're coming, some locals might be willing to show you guys around.

2. Breakwater is fine and a safe bet. If conditions are calm, you might consider branching out a bit. Point Lobos is definitely a good recommendation. If you're going on the weekend, you need reservations several weeks in advance. If you're going on a weekday, you should be okay just showing up.

3. I have really good luck getting rooms at the Hyatt on Priceline for 60-80/night. It's not the best setup for diving, but it's a nice place and a great bargain when available.

 

[Jim Ernst]

I am arranging a trip to California (San Fran) in May and was planning on taking my daughter to Monterey Bay for a few beach dives. Since this territory is slightly out of my area. Can anyone recommend:

1 - A dive shop for advice and rental equip (Monterey Bay Dive Center?)

2 - A couple of good beach dives which are easy to get to and enter (Breakwater?).

3 - A good/inexpensive clean hotel in the area


FYI both me and my daughter are novices.

Any feedback is appreciated

I posted this in the "Trips and Marketplace" thread but there doesn't seem to be much action there.

Thanks

the info they have give you is the best, i have only one thing to add on #3 the monterey travel lodge is a very nice place that i use every othere weekend and if you TELL THEM you are a diver!!!! you get a divers rate at $55 a night and they have FULL divers facilities,rinse tank,showers,drying room, and a pool that is also for dive classes and divers if needed there no# 1-831-373-3381 talk to erica or mike, they also have a vey good resturant and bar on site, they are only 4 miles from the breakwater and many othere dive sites, just thought id give you that info, have a nice trip and enjoy monterey, i love it there!!! and as said if you let some of us know in advance we will be more then happy to show you around the dive sites!!

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

It sounds like you are a warm water diver. Monterey diving is world-class, but there's
some stuff you need to learn. Not rocket science, but if you don't know it, you could
have a very unpleasent experience. Please take a look at http://www.garlic.com/~triblet/ba_diving/
esp. the "nformation for the certified diver who is new to Monterey" and "Information on
diving in kelp" sections.

Lotsa folks like the Lone Oak Motel. They have a really nice rinse tank and drying rack
area.

 

[UB]

Thanks alot!! This is great information and much appreciated.

I am planning on diving May 19th (Fri) and 20th (Sat). I will post the confirmed dates when we get alittle closer.

 

[ae3753]

Everyone has their favorite dive shop in Monterey, and mine is Aquarius - http://www.aquariusdivers.com/

Even though they are not my primary LDS, I try to stop in there every once in a while to say hi. Always treated me well, and helpful with dive information. Found the sailboat at Del Monte because of Cecil's advice.

I am with Chuck on Lone Oak Lodge. If we need to stay the night, that's our first choice.
http://www.loneoaklodge.com/

Have a great time!

 

[dsafanda]

Fyi.

The Monterey Bay Dive Center(MBDC) is very convenient for introductory dives at the BreakWater. You can literally walk your tanks from the shop to the beach. I’ve always been treated very well there and have found the staff friendly and helpful. As a result they’re one of the more popular dive shops in the area. There’s a downside to this popularity. How should I say this…hmm…their rental gear is well used. The last time I was there, the high pressure hose on my friends regulator burst as soon as the tank valve was turned on. I have my own gear these days but other similar events with friends has caused me to waste precious weekend time more than once. I wouldn’t call it unsafe but if you’re renting gear for the weekend and you’re picky about equipment you might look around.


btw. Don't forget to visit the aquarium. You can avoid the rest of Cannery Row with out missing anything.

 

[Deuces]

As far as LDS', I actually go to 3 of the 4 at least once a week. I go to Aquarius frequently because they give great service, especially Dave. I sometimes go to MBDC if I'm near the Breakwater and too lazy to go farther for fills or a tank rental or a quick purchase. Every once in a while I'll go to Bamboo Reef because they are super there as well. I just wish they rented Steel Tanks, only Aluminums. I've only gone to Glen's Aquarius II a couple times and they've been fine also. You really can't go wrong around here with service.

ae3753: If you didn't know, Cecil is independent now. He's currently on a Hawaii trip, due back next week.

 

[Nay]

This is great info. I was thinking about a trip up in Sept/Oct to see the aquarium and dive. Thanks everyone