Should I Dive Monterey?

[peaceful]

I will be in Pebble Beach for some golf in a few weeks and I was wondering if I should try and dive Monterey while I am there. I am from Florida and don't own a 7m or a dry suit. I would also only be able to dive for one day. I have always wanted to dive out there but it sounds like the vis may not be that good this time of year; not to mention the cold. Is it a dive worth making happen (yes I understand all dives are worth making happen). What are my chances of seeing a seal?

 

[Dryglove]

What are my chances of seeing a seal?

Like these? yes this is at monterey but during a infestation of the little buggers. Great fun to dive with though. There are plenty of shops especially near san carlos beach aka breakwater to rent proper cold water gear. I would also highly advise getting a guide or finding someone local to dive with(but not fred :11: )

http://www.scubaboard.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/8626/cat/500/page/1

http://www.scubaboard.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/8625/cat/500/page/1

http://www.scubaboard.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/8625/cat/500/page/1

 

[divenut2001]

I will be in Pebble Beach for some golf in a few weeks and I was wondering if I should try and dive Monterey while I am there. I am from Florida and don't own a 7m or a dry suit. I would also only be able to dive for one day. I have always wanted to dive out there but it sounds like the vis may not be that good this time of year; not to mention the cold. Is it a dive worth making happen (yes I understand all dives are worth making happen). What are my chances of seeing a seal?

There are plenty of dive shops you can rent a 7 mil suit from. The viz changes from day to day, so it could be ideal (for out here) the day you dive. This is nothing like Florida diving so I would suggest you take one of the guided tour that many of Monterey's dive shops offer, for your first dive. And don't let the kelp worry you, if you get tangled it snaps easily. Oh yeah, there's a very good chance that you'll get a visit from a sea lion, a harbor seal or if you're real lucky, a sea otter! Enjoy your stay...

 

[mossym]

or try and find a local on this board that wil take you diving..

 

[JustinW]

Keith over at Bamboo Reef is a really nice guy, I'm pretty sure if you called him up he would be happy to take you out. He regularly goes for a dive and then to the shop.

 

[jakubson]

I will be in Pebble Beach for some golf in a few weeks and I was wondering if I should try and dive Monterey while I am there. I am from Florida and don't own a 7m or a dry suit. I would also only be able to dive for one day. I have always wanted to dive out there but it sounds like the vis may not be that good this time of year; not to mention the cold. Is it a dive worth making happen (yes I understand all dives are worth making happen). What are my chances of seeing a seal?

I took a tour or Breakwater late May for my first Monterey dive through MBDC. Don did an excellent job, and we had a third diver join us who is now a semi-regular mid-week buddy. The viz is not what you are used to, but you can at least experience Monterey and see some good life. I had sea lions around me on both dives. As long as you don't get cold, and can get to the end of the Breakwater, the chances of diving with sea lions is pretty good (of course, YMMV).

 

[Rick Inman]

The kelp beds of Monterey are one of the most interesting dive locations in the world. Therefore (Mr. Spock) it is only logical that you dive while you have the opportunity.

 

[Scubagolf]

I will be in Pebble Beach for some golf in a few weeks and I was wondering if I should try and dive Monterey while I am there. I am from Florida and don't own a 7m or a dry suit. I would also only be able to dive for one day. I have always wanted to dive out there but it sounds like the vis may not be that good this time of year; not to mention the cold. Is it a dive worth making happen (yes I understand all dives are worth making happen). What are my chances of seeing a seal?

If you need a fourth for a round at Pebble or Spyglass, and another warm water diver to join you with a dive guide or on a dive boat for a first time Monterey dive, let me know.

 

[dannobee]

The kelp beds of Monterey are one of the most interesting dive locations in the world. Therefore (Mr. Spock) it is only logical that you dive while you have the opportunity.

Yeah, just don't surface swim through the kelp, you might pick up some "cling-ons."

 

[jakubson]

Yeah, just don't surface swim through the kelp, you might pick up some "cling-ons."

OUCH!!!!