Suggestions for a Monterey Bay dive site?

[kfore]

I am a relatively new diver (12 dives) with only lake diving experience to date. I will be in the Bay area the 2nd week of Dec, and cannot pass up the opportunity to get in a day or two of 'real' diving.

My instructor for Open Water and Advanced Open Water will also be my dive buddy for this trip, so am not too worried about getting in over my head (well - you know what I mean) - just looking for advice and suggestions from locals regarding conditions and recommendations for a good introductory dive site, then perhaps something a little more interesting.

Suggestions???

[RoyN]

I know this is late, but here is a site where you can get vast information about California diving. Ba_diving Website - Information about Northern California diving

Also I recommend hiring a dive master, sign up for a boat charter because there is so much to see in Montery and Carmel Bay.

[cmburch]

Well, next time you are in the area. My favorite spots are Carmel River mouth, Ocean Pinnacles, and Stillwater Cove; further south is Garapata State Park. Point Lobos requires reservations, but is very scenic. If you like being around a lot of people, harbor seals, sea lions, and sea otters the stretch of shore line between McAbee Beach and Lovers Point is nice. Monastery Beach is very popular. There is Cypress Sea Charters for a dive boat. There are also a few places to rent kayaks. I usually just walk or hike in to many spots. I also use an inflatable (Stillwater Cove) and kayak (Monterey shoreline).

[thecheeseman]

Just got back from my OW at Monterey Breakwater. It is a great dive site, if you dive on the left or go to the Meridian you can really see alot! Look up "San Carlos Beach Breakwater". It's great for beginning OW waters....will you be diving drysuit?

If you're staying down there, i suggest the Lone Oak LOdge-it's diver friendly.

Have fun!

[fisheater]

Originally Posted by thecheeseman

Just got back from my OW at Monterey Breakwater. It is a great dive site, if you dive on the left or go to the Meridian you can really see alot! Look up "San Carlos Beach Breakwater". It's great for beginning OW waters....will you be diving drysuit?

If you're staying down there, i suggest the Lone Oak LOdge-it's diver friendly.

Have fun!

I second that, both for The Breakwater and the Lone Oak. (If booking at the Lone Oak, ask for the diver discount.)

Glen's Aquarius II LDS is right at The Breakwater and is a big help with up-to-the-minute conditions.

[thecheeseman]

Oh whoops, I posted too late. How was your dive

[mobeeno]

The beauty about Monterey and Carmel, is that there are many great divesites that could be accessed by shore. If you choose to go by boat, there are even more great divesites.

[mobeeno]

Here a some of the spots you can dive from boat or shore
Manta Ray Dive Center -- Dive Conditions

[mobeeno]

Just Called the dive condition line and it is reporting that it is very flat and a very good weekend to dive. I hope it holds up for a while since I am not diving today or tomorrow.

[cmburch]

Yes, Monterey to Mendocino good conditions this weekend.
Wind less than 5 knots
Seas less than 4 feet

Monterey Bay Cam
Monterey Bay

Mendocino - Pt Arena Buoy
NDBC - Station 46014

I'm at work, but Mendocino tomorrow.