38
|
SPRING 2014
Conditions AND SKILL LEVEL:
Monterey and Carmel bays are
decidedly temperate, with water temperatures ranging between
45°F and 55°F. Visibility varies from 10 feet (on a bad day in inner
Monterey Bay) to more than 80 feet (on a great day in Carmel Bay
or outer Monterey Bay). A drysuit or a good-quality 7mm wetsuit
with hood and gloves are imperative. Monterey and Carmel bays
offer a range of sites that are appropriate for all skill levels,
though visitors lacking cold-water diving experience should
strongly consider hiring a dive guide.
Reserve the Reserve:
Carmel and Monterey bays contain a com-
plicated system of marine protected areas, which is evidenced by the
copious fish life at many sites. Point Lobos State Marine Reserve is
recommended for divers of all levels. Plan to make reservations for
a coveted spot, especially on weekends and during holidays. Visit
for more information.
Getting There:
The Monterey Regional Airport is the closest access
point to the town of Monterey, though Monterey is also an easy (but
trafficky) 100-mile drive from San Francisco International Airport.
Surface Interval:
We are frequently guilty of bypassing topside
sights to maximize our dive days, but this would be a grave mistake
in Central California. The town of Monterey alone can occupy days of
time, with both a world-class aquarium and a big slice of California’s
history located a short walk away from most hotels. A hike in Point
Lobos State Marine Reserve provides vistas ranging from ethereal
forests to rocky points jutting into the ocean to adorable sea otters
enjoying a meal of crab or shellfish while skillfully floating on their
backs. Taking a day trip 100 miles south to visit the elephant seal
colony in San Simeon is a topside twofer: aside from the raucous,
pretty/ugly pinnipeds, the coastal drive through Big Sur is thought by
many to be the most beautiful in the USA.
HOW TO DIVE IT
Point Lobos
State Natural
Reserve
1
5
6
7 89
2
3
4
MONTEREY
BAY
MONTEREY
CARMEL
BAY
1. Breakwater
2. Metridium Field
3. McAbee’s Reef
4. Ballbuster
5. Carmel Pinnacles
6. Outer Bluefish Pinnacle
7. Monastery Beach
8. Whalers Cove
9. Bluefish Cove
CALIFORNIA
shore-diving spot in the bay. This site, which
lies adjacent to the U.S. Coast Guard Pier,
combines a sandy muck area and a kelp-studded
rocky reef. It’s the first time in a week that I’ve
looked for subjects smaller than a grapefruit,
and once I start looking, I can’t stop. Ravenous
nudibranchs are everywhere, from dragonesque
orange Dendronotus feeding on tube anemones
to hooded white Melibe capturing prey in the
surge. Brightly colored jeweled top snails climb
the kelp, and tiny octopuses clamber between
rocks, trying to blend in.
We hit our turnaround point and head back
toward shore. I am about to surface when I
spot a slithery movement adjacent to a rock.
Closer inspection reveals a tiny juvenile wolf
eel smaller than the palm of my hand, gaping
at me in surprise or perhaps simply to say
farewell. I surface, reluctantly letting the surf
push me toward shore, and I pull off my fins
with a smile.
AD
Monterey Bay’s eerie green water makes a lovely
backdrop for the brilliant orange sunstars and huge
metridium anemones that populate Metridium Field.
