Monterey conditions. (let's keep it going )

[Bigbella]

The calm before the storm: two dives, one in Carmel at North Monastery and the second at San Carlos Beach. A brisk 12˚C.

In excess of 10 meters of visibility could be had at each site; could clearly see other divers swimming at the surface, from depth, along with a harbor seal and an otter with an abalone . . .

Sadly, according to the wet forecast, it's not likely to last through tomorrow . . .

 

[Bigbella]

A single dive at North Monastery.

Visibility opened up near the "splash rock" to about 6 meters and was murkier close to shore, where there was a pronounced rip current and what an old friend had always referred to as "that sickening here we go feeling."

Something managed to tug at my fin -- an otter no less, a persistent little bugger, while taking my safety stop. That hadn't happened in a few years -- about the size of our cat, Charlie the Tuna . . .

 

[Toasterking]

I am heading up from SoCal this weekend (28-30th) and bringing my full kit -- but condition projections via CDIP and windy look "sporty" at best to this San Diego diver. I am thinking my gear will be staying dry and my tanks filled - fair assessment?

 

[lexvil]

I am heading up from SoCal this weekend (28-30th) and bringing my full kit -- but condition projections via CDIP and windy look "sporty" at best to this San Diego diver. I am thinking my gear will be staying dry and my tanks filled - fair assessment?

Sporty for sure but Sunday is the best bet, with some rain.

 

[Brett Hatch]

Agreed, Sunday is looking the most plausible. Go early, like around dawn, because the wind will pick up in the afternoon (google says 8mph around 8am, and 17mph around 2pm). Best of luck

Visibility is always good at the aquarium!

 

[Bigbella]

I am heading up from SoCal this weekend (28-30th) and bringing my full kit -- but condition projections via CDIP and windy look "sporty" at best to this San Diego diver. I am thinking my gear will be staying dry and my tanks filled - fair assessment?

I was out on both the Monterey and the Carmel sides today -- and the visibility was in the 5-6 meter range at each beach (Carmel River and San Carlos); and I have always preferred surfline.com, to any number of other weather condition sites -- and have found them to be on the mark, more often than not.

Simply type in, say, "Monterey Wall" or Bay and a number of related beaches will come up, from the harbor to Lover's Point and Asilomar, etc . . .

 

[landphil]

Agreed, Sunday is looking the most plausible. Go early, like around dawn, because the wind will pick up in the afternoon (google says 8mph around 8am, and 17mph around 2pm). Best of luck

Visibility is always good at the aquarium!

Wind direction forecast for Sunday is southeast. The breakwater is completely protected from any southerly wind; so, that's going to be your dive spot. Dove it yesterday with southwest winds gusting into the 20's everywhere else, but nice and flat with light offshore winds at the BW. Same winds with any wind direction from north to east and you'll have some terrible surface conditions and diving at the BW.

 

[NudiBoop]

I'm headed here 12- and 13-April, diving with Aquarius (thanks for the recommendation, SB!). Anything you wish you knew? Best dive locations to request if available? I'm looking to see kelp forests and mammals of any kind.

 

[Toasterking]

Praise be to all you Monterey folks and your sage advice - I hit Metridium Fields this morning and did the run across to finish at the breakwall.

Viz was 10-15ft, water was ~53-ish but it was a great dive with tons of nudis, and unusual suspects I never get to see in San Diego. Absolutely no regrets going and my gear will be stinking and damp when I get in the water one last time tomorrow!