Monterey is a top dive destination in California due to its stunning kelp forests and cute seaside vibes. There are shore and boat dive sites for every level of diver, plus a world-renowned aquarium for those bad weather days when you need an ocean fix. Conditions vary wildly from week to week (and honestly, even day to day and hour to hour). If planning a trip here, get updates on local conditions from a dive shop.

Choose a local operator like Monterey Bay Scuba for an exciting day away from the crowds. Getting away from the shore means you’re likely to encounter more volume and biodiversity of marine life. Plus, it’s easier to get to deeper dive sites, and you can experience drift diving without the concern of returning to your starting point.

If a boat dive isn’t possible during your visit to Monterey, make time for some of the iconic shore dives along the coast.

Here you’ll find a healthy kelp forest, playful sea lions, a beautiful metridium field, along with many, many fish. You must pay for parking, but there are public bathrooms and a couple of freshwater showers.

Parking is a bit trickier here since it is in the middle of downtown. Plan to get there early and pay for parking. There are public restrooms a short walk from the shore, but no scuba equipment is allowed inside. The dive site consists of a healthy kelp forest, and you can usually get lucky with a sea lion or harbor seal sighting.

Do this dive at high tide to avoid fighting through sea grass during your surface swim out. This spot has a beautiful kelp forest, and although I’ve never seen one on a dive there yet, I’m assuming you can see otters sometimes. That being said, otters are protected animals (and mean), so don’t go chasing after them. Parking can be limited here on the weekends, but free, and there are public bathrooms about 7 minutes away (walking).

For advanced divers! Only dive this site if the waves are crashing below your thigh, and be prepared to do the Monastery Crawl to exit the wave break. Limited, but free parking is available, and there are public bathrooms, but it’s a decent walk along the freeway (about 10 minutes).

Reservations required, and you must have a dive buddy. At the time of writing, reservations are $30 per dive team plus $10 for parking. Those fees give you access to some of the best dive sites in the area, plus bathrooms and a fresh water hose.

The best thing about Monterey is the dive community. It can be intimidating to break into a new group of people, but be open and put yourself out there. Get involved with organizations like Reef Check Foundation or connect with local scuba instructors to find divers with shared interests.

See what trips are coming up. I always give my community first dibs on spots, so you can sign up for Patreon (and get trip discounts) or my email list to be the first to know about new expeditions in the future.