Difficulty
advanced
Viz (last reported 32971h ago)
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Unknown
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Monastery Beach South
The most picturesque dive site in the Carmel area, Monastery Beach offers spectacular diving in the rocky, kelp-packed coastline. Do not attempt this dive unless you are advanced, and are comfortable in heavy surf.
Head South on Highway 1 out of Carmel. Park at the Southern end of the first roadside beach.
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shore
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Laura from Santa Cruz
Nov 19, 2007, 12:00 AM
scuba
I love this spot, but any day diving at Monastery means being willing to call the dive if there is moderate swell. Because of the angle of the beach, waves crash here with a lot of force. Suit up well away from the impact zone, have your fins ON so you can swim out of the impact zone ASAP and do not take them off until you have backed or crawled out all the way to dry sand. Time your entry and exits carefully. Avoid mid-beach. Know your limits and don't dive here unless you are capable of handling the entry/exit. Conditions can change rapidly. Summer is a great time to try this site; some days are glassy. The vis can be outstanding and the reef is beautiful.
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