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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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Oleg Gr
Jul 21, 2009, 12:00 AM
scuba
Surf was just 3 ft around noon, got to 4-5 ft by 6 PM. Dense fog stayed for the whole day. Visibility was average, ~25 ft. Kelp forest still anchored, but starts to decompose. Despite all horror stories, entry and exit was easy. We've entered (didn't crawl, simply walked in) from the south side, just like advised here - behind the kelp, where surf is minimal. But I could see how people might have trouble getting in and out - especially in the middle, where at some point a girl was almost swept away. I'd say staying alert, knowing conditions and approaches is 99% of success in this place. Saw many sea stars, a dover, crabs, sea snails. Seal was keeping a distance. Grainy white quartz and dark granite sand at the bottom is really something. Next time I hope for more sun and better visibility - early spring should work better than mid-summer.
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