diving
Lovers Point
Divers can find easy beach access, plentiful parking, and in case of emergency, the Monterey region’s only hyperbaric chamber in nearby Pacific Grove. 17th Street, Pacific Grove.
Monastery Beach
This is one of the region’s most popular diving spots, with north and south entrances, and is a good place to meet new diving buddies. Deep water with dramatic drop-offs and severe undertow make this area strictly for more experienced divers. Opposite the Carmelite Monastery, Highway 1, south of Carmel.
Point Lobos State Reserve
Although there are only a limited number of permits available for divers each day, Point Lobos is one of the best diving spots for all levels of divers. Highway 1, two miles south of Carmel. Phone (800) 444-7275 for reservations or go to www.reserveamerica.com.
San Carlos Beach
One of the best spots for new divers is the breakwater at San Carlos Beach. There is now an upgraded entrance for divers off San Carlos Beach Park, including bathrooms and showers at the Coast Guard Pier. You’ll see forests of kelp, octopi, anemones, starfish and the occasional otter or sea lion. Coast Guard Pier, Wave and Drake, Monterey.
(resources)
- Aquarius Dive Shop | 2040 Del Monte Blvd., Monterey, 375-1933
- Bamboo Reef (voted best dive shop by Monterey County Weekly’s 2007 readers’ poll) | 614 Lighthouse Ave., Monterey, 372-1685
- Cypress Charters | (800) 408-DIVE; Manta Ray Diving, 245 Foam St., Monterey, 375-6268
- Monterey Bay Dive Center | 225 Cannery Row, Monterey, 656-0454
