Monterey SCUBA Diving

Monterey Surfing

What makes Monterey an ideal SCUBA diving destination? Protected environment with an abundant amount of marine life and great underwater clarity so you can see them!

Monterey’s rocky bottom and coastline may make it hazardous for surfing, but it is wonderful for underwater visibility. Unlike Santa Cruz, it doesn’t have as much of sandy bottom to churn up.

Always play it safe. Most of the area’s SCUBA diving locations can be very dangerous and should only be explored by advanced divers. If you are unfamiliar with a particular dive spot, be sure to visit a local dive shop to find out about dive locations and conditions that will match your skill level.

Click here for locations in Half Moon Bay (85 miles north) and Santa Cruz (40 miles north)

Monterey SCUBA Dive Locations

Del Monte Beach – Monterey

Located north of Fisherman’s Wharf, this is one of the safest areas for the beginning surfers. Gentle rolling waves are usually found here year-round.

This is also a great beginning to intermediate SCUBA dive area.

Lover’s Point – Pacific Grove

Ocean View Blvd. and 17th St., Pacific Grove, CA

The 4.4 acre community park is great for picnicking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, surfing and of course SCUBA diving. It is a well protected area, so it’s a good dive area for beginning to advanced divers.

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve – Carmel

62 Highway 1, Carmel, CA (831) 624-4909‎

Because of its beauty, abundant marine life, and incredible underwater visibility, this is considered to be the best SCUBA diving in California . Often referred to as Whalers Cove or Bluefish Cove, it is a protected reserve so access is limited. Reservations are highly recommended.

Monterey State Beach

Del Monte Avenue at Park Avenue Monterey, CA (831) 649-2836

The beach is a favorite place for surfers and for tide pooling. Fishing is popular, too. The cities of Monterey and Seaside share the park, which has three separate beaches approximately a mile apart.

San Carlos Beach – Monterey

Cannery Row at Reeside Ave., Monterey, CA

Due to its proximity to Cannery Row, this popular dive spot can get very crowded with beachgoers.

McAbee Beach – Monterey

Cannery Row at Hoffman Ave., Monterey, CA

Less crowded that San Carlos Beach, this is a good dive for all skill levels. You can enter by beach or boat.

Monastery Beach – Carmel

Part of the Carmel River State Park, Monastery Beach, also known as San Jose Creek Beach, is popular with advanced level SCUBA divers. Swimming and wading are extremely dangerous.