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advanced
Viz (last reported 20529h ago)
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Unknown
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Monastery Beach North
This is an easy-access site toward the Southern end of Carmel River State Beach. Come here when the main beach, just to the South, is packed. Because this shoreline is wide open to the Pacific swells, you should consider yourself an advanced diver before negotiating the entry. Head South on Highway 1 out of Carmel. Just as you start to see the first roadside beach, you're there!
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Derek
Sep 10, 2002, 12:00 AM
scuba
I dove this site for the first time after hearing how it is the best dive in the Monterey Area. I would have to agree although I have only been diving in Monterey about ten times. The entry wasn't as bad as many say it is, and I would recommend this to any beginning diver that has any sense for the strength of the ocean...make sure you are in good physical shape as well. The visibility was great--30-40 feet in most areas. I was amazed at how large some of the rocks were. The fish life was abundant--many species of rockfish, greenling, rubberlip perch, calico bass--although I didn't spot one lingcod. The highlight of the dive was looking into a large school of black rockfish, and being followed by a friendly harbor seal. This guy was hugging my dive buddy's tank for about ten seconds without him knowing...it was hilarious. The vis on this particular day was better than the south side. I will definitely be returning soon.
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