Pt. Lobos or Monterey Bay?

[RikRaeder]

Ok. Thanks for all the recommendations on operators/shops for my trip in mid-August. I'm getting that all worked through. My next question:
Is it worth hitting Pt. Lobos if I'll spend one day diving in Monterey? What sites for shore diving would YOU recommend? I'm looking forward to more of your informed responses. Thank you.

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

Pt. Lobos is generally better diving than Monterey Bay, BUT you have to do your home
work about where to dive in Whaler's cove, and you absolutely need to know what to
do in kelp to dive it in August (thickest kelp of the year). And you need to make
reservations 2 months ahead to dive Pt. Lobos on the weekends.

 

[eclipse785]

I would say that for anyone that only has one day to dive Monterey should definitely hit Point Lobos, however they should do it with someone who is familiar with the area. The only reason I would say that is so that you can get to see as much as possible, or rather the best areas instead of discovering it for yourself. It's difficult to go wrong at Pt. Lobos, but as always, you don't want to spend half your dive looking at sand because you went in a less desireable direction.

Personally I would say a 2 tank dive on a good dive boat or Pt. Lobos is the way to go.

 

[RikRaeder]

Thanks for the input. I'll be going on guided dives; with Bamboo Reef it looks like. I'm meaning to do two or three dives and was leaning towards Lobo, but just wanted to check. 20 years ago my instructor took us to Monastary Beach for our certification dives. I liked it, and didn't find entry exit in the three foot surf too demanding, but am not planning on heading back this time. Keep those cards and letters coming, please...

 

[mweitz]

Point Lobos. One of the most protected entries / exits, America's oldest underwater reserve and access to deep water make it one of the best shore diving sites around. The amount of life there is astounding. On a really good day you can get 20' + vis in the cove (and there is a lot to see everywhere in the cove on a good day) and 70'+ vis outside the cove.

To see the really great spots you either need to do a big surface swim, have doubles, dive it off a boat or do a combination of those. One thing to consider is hiring Captain Phil and his RIB to take you out. He can get you to the good spots and do tours as well I believe. I found this # from an old link: (831) 372-3200.

Mark

 

[pterantula]

Thanks for the input. I'll be going on guided dives; with Bamboo Reef it looks like. I'm meaning to do two or three dives and was leaning towards Lobo, but just wanted to check. 20 years ago my instructor took us to Monastary Beach for our certification dives. I liked it, and didn't find entry exit in the three foot surf too demanding, but am not planning on heading back this time. Keep those cards and letters coming, please...

Certified @ Monastery, eh? I bow my head to you...
Can't wait to go back there though, and hit Butterfly House too, the other "must see"... I haven't done Pt Lobos yet either, but making reservations is tough since scheduling with my usual buddy is hit & miss....

 

[scubajunkee]

Pt. Lobos, hands down. I second what Mark says. Get a boat if you can or get a buddy with a scooter to drag you out to the good spots.

Ericson