Monterey, CA Diving in February

[blackfin]

My brother and I are going to be in CA the second week of February and would like to take advantage of the local diving around the Monterey area. We would like to take a couple of boat trips and then do some shore diving around that area. I have used Glenn's Aquarius Dive shop to do a shore dive last year and they seemed like pretty nice folk, but would like any suggestions from you locals on LDS and shore diving in that area. Also, what kind of water temps are we talking? I live in Minnesota so I am used to cutting a hole in the ice, but my brother is used to warmer waters. Thanks for any and all suggestions. Our cert's are DM and Master Diver. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice.

 

[scubasean]

My brother and I are going to be in CA the second week of February and would like to take advantage of the local diving around the Monterey area. We would like to take a couple of boat trips and then do some shore diving around that area. I have used Glenn's Aquarius Dive shop to do a shore dive last year and they seemed like pretty nice folk, but would like any suggestions from you locals on LDS and shore diving in that area. Also, what kind of water temps are we talking? I live in Minnesota so I am used to cutting a hole in the ice, but my brother is used to warmer waters. Thanks for any and all suggestions. Our cert's are DM and Master Diver. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice.

Although much of the kelp is likely to be gone by then, there will be some around...If you aren't experienced in kelp, be sure to get some local guidance.

As for temps, the water will probably be in the low 50's...

Bamboo Reef and Monterey Bay Dive Center have both been nice to me in the past...

The Monterey Express is a great boat that I would recommend.

 

[Wristshot]

blackfin,

Boats:
I have used the Monterey Express several times and I recommend it.
http://www.montereyexpress.com/

However, I have also heard a number of positive comments about the Cypress Charters.

http://www.cypresscharters.com/

There are other boats in the area, but I don't have any personal experience with them.
-----------------
Shore Dives
There are a number of excellent shore dive locations up and (mostly) down the coast from Monterey. There are books and videos on the variety of sites. Some have limited parking, but the diving is great. In general the temperatures get colder and the viz and the diving gets better as you go south towards Carmel and Pt Lobos.

Breakwater is probably the most famous and well known dive spot. A large percentage of the OW certifications are completed at Breakwater. There are facilities specifically for divers there. There is a large lawn where people set out their gear. There are two dive shops within walking distance of the Breakwater lawn; Aquarius and Monterey Bay Dive Center. (MBDC = http://www.montereyscubadiving.com/) However, some days you could walk a hundred yards out just stepping from head to head as there are sometimes tons of divers at Breakwater.

McAbee and Lover's Point are other popular dive spots, and both are right in Monterey.

In general it would be recommended that people should avoid Monastery Beach (down by Pt Lobos) unless they are experienced. The conditions can be tricky there. You will find plenty of great diving without havingto venture there.

Remember that there is a lot of really great diving within a hundred yards of shore all along the Monterey shore.

However, in February it might be chilly. Certainly not Minnesota cold, but California cold.

Just remember, when diving in kelp, strap the Rambo knife (if you use one) on the inside of your leg.

When you get closer to the actual time of your trip, you should post on ScubaBoard because you might find a number of locals ready to join you!

Wristshot

 

[mossym]

I'll second Monterey express, great boat to dive off...

 

[bedmund]

The Monterey Express is a great boat. You'll have to request Nitrox if you dive it and you'll do 2 dives on that boat. The Cypress Sea does Nitrox fills on the boat and they do 3 dives, if I remember correctly. And it's a great crew too, as on the Express. You can't go wrong with either charter.

Monastery Beach was mentioned earlier and it's true that unless you're experienced with very difficult entries and exits, you should pass. But the south end of Monastery usually has more moderate surf and is an enjoyable dive.

Have fun!

-Bill

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

The key thing about February is that conditions will be very
SOMETHING. Maybe very BAD, maybe VERY good, cycling over a
few days as we get storms alternating with good weather. And
btw, "rain" is not the same as "storm". Things often lay down very
nicely when we get rain, especially the Pineapple Express out of
the southwest.

 

[paulwlee]

In addition to the Monterey Express and Cypress Sea, both of which are very nice boats, the Escapade is excellent, too.

See http://californiadiveboats.com and look for boats based in Monterey.

If you did a shore dive last year, then the water temperatures will be pretty much the same. Temperatures in the ocean don't change much unless there are seasonal changes in current (e.g. Gulf stream in the Atlantic) and in this area, there are none.
So think ~50 degrees year round with occasional cooler temperatures during upwellings, which I don't think are seasonal.

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

My experience is that temperatures are colder in the
spring (44-48F), warmer in the fall (50-54F), in between
in the summer and winter.

 

[divenut2001]

My brother and I are going to be in CA the second week of February and would like to take advantage of the local diving around the Monterey area. We would like to take a couple of boat trips and then do some shore diving around that area. I have used Glenn's Aquarius Dive shop to do a shore dive last year and they seemed like pretty nice folk, but would like any suggestions from you locals on LDS and shore diving in that area. Also, what kind of water temps are we talking? I live in Minnesota so I am used to cutting a hole in the ice, but my brother is used to warmer waters. Thanks for any and all suggestions. Our cert's are DM and Master Diver. Thanks in advance for any suggestions or advice.

You might want to dive at Pt Lobos for one of your shore diving options. http://www.pt-lobos.parks.state.ca.us

You'll have to make reservations in advance and pay a small fee. Check out the enclosed web site for all necessary info.

 

[blackfin]

Thanks to everyone who posted all this great information for us. I will post another message out here as the time draws closer and maybe we can link up with some of you in CA.