Visting Monterrey?

[King_of_All_Tyrants]

Hey everyone-

I'm basically a [very] inexperienced diver who'll be visiting the Monterrey area for [only ] a week in June. I'd like to jump in the water for a weekday or two while I'm there.

A few questions:

1. Any dive shops/groups you all recommend?
2. Any sites that you all particularly recommend?
3. What kind of exposure will be necessary (for a cold-averse person)? Drysuit? 7 mil wetsuit? 3 mil? less? Are a hood and gloves recommended?

Thanks!

 

[Jim Ernst]

Hey everyone-

I'm basically a [very] inexperienced diver who'll be visiting the Monterrey area for [only ] a week in June. I'd like to jump in the water for a weekday or two while I'm there.

A few questions:

1. Any dive shops/groups you all recommend?
2. Any sites that you all particularly recommend?
3. What kind of exposure will be necessary (for a cold-averse person)? Drysuit? 7 mil wetsuit? 3 mil? less? Are a hood and gloves recommended?

Thanks!

recomend , break water cove(san carlos beach) and or lovers point, break water is the best for inexpireinced divers and is a training ground for check out dives and is real nice, i have freaquent dives there, you will need a 7 mm and gloves and hood, also there are 3 dive shops 2 very close, one is at break water it is glens aquaious dive shop the othere is in walking distance, that is monterey dive shop, good luck and good diving

 

[dannobee]

Hey everyone-

I'm basically a [very] inexperienced diver who'll be visiting the Monterrey area for [only ] a week in June. I'd like to jump in the water for a weekday or two while I'm there.

A few questions:

1. Any dive shops/groups you all recommend?
2. Any sites that you all particularly recommend?
3. What kind of exposure will be necessary (for a cold-averse person)? Drysuit? 7 mil wetsuit? 3 mil? less? Are a hood and gloves recommended?

Thanks!

Check out the MonterA+++ thread to see how we treat visiting Scubaboard members. I'm game, just let me know. I'm sure others will chime in too.

1. Monterey Bay Dive Center is near breakwater, as is Aquarius II.
2. Depends on what you want to do. Lovers cove and Breakwater come to mind.
3. 7mm wetsuit and a hooded vest. Water temp will probably be in the low 50's.

Dan

 

[divenut2001]

Hey everyone-

I'm basically a [very] inexperienced diver who'll be visiting the Monterrey area for [only ] a week in June. I'd like to jump in the water for a weekday or two while I'm there.

A few questions:

1. Any dive shops/groups you all recommend?
2. Any sites that you all particularly recommend?
3. What kind of exposure will be necessary (for a cold-averse person)? Drysuit? 7 mil wetsuit? 3 mil? less? Are a hood and gloves recommended?

Thanks!

May I suggest the Monterey Bay Dive Center http://montereyscubadiving.com which is directly across the street from the Breakwater. They can outfit you with everything you'll need (a package deal is the best value) and you can even arrange to have a guided tour with an instructor. Contact them a couple of weeks before you go so they can arrange to have what you'll need.

The Breakwater as Jim said is where most of us did our check out dives and practiced our skills, so it's perfect for new divers. Have fun..

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

Some good basics on Monterey here:

http://www.garlic.com/~triblet/ba_diving/

 

[mjones]

Hi K.A.T.
Monterey (and especially Carmel) has some wonderful diving. However, if you dive at the breakwater or lovers cove, or anywhere in between, you are not likely to see the best of the area, IMO. That is not to say that you won't have a wonderful dive at either of those areas. But, if your budget allows, consider a guided dive on one of the charter boats. The boat diving in this area, as with many areas, tends to get you to clearer water, more interesting topograghy, more and varied life, more chance of picking the best spots on any given day. Boat diving in some respects can also be more challenging (although I would venture to say that the shore diving often is more challenging here than the boat diving!) so having a divemaster lead the dive will help you with some of those challenges and help you see a lot of things you might not otherwise notice or be able to identify. Since you only have a limited amount of time to dive Monterey, make the best of it! Here's a good source for Monterey dive boats: www.californiadiveboats.com.
Mike

Disclaimer-I am associated with a charter boat and dive shop.

 

[King_of_All_Tyrants]

Thanks everyone for the advice and the welcome!

I think I'll take at least one guided commercial dive from one or another operator.

I also think, if others are up (thanks for the offer danobee!) I'd be available for a group dive sometime on one the weekdays (sorry, will arrive on Sunday and leave on Thursday ). I'll let everyone know when things get closer and I have my plans set in stone.

Best,

KoAT.

 

[triton94949]

MBDC on Cannery Row in Monterey gives guided tours. Make sure you get a guide. For EVERY dive. On the boats they will pair you with a buddy.

http://montereyscubadiving.com/

 

[sascha]

Hi KoAT

I am exactly like you looking for a dive buddy for Breakwater/Monterey.
Unfortunately I am only here this weekend (05/14, 05/15).

Are you interested to join me or are you coming to Monterey just in June?

Sascha