Dive-site story
Situated offshore in Monterey Bay, Ballbuster is an advanced deep rocky reef characterized by massive granite boulders and bedrock fissures. Due to its offshore position and depth, the site is almost exclusively visited by charter boat or extended scooter runs from shore. Giant white plumose anemones carpet the deeper rock faces, while schools of rockfish hover in the water column above the reef structure.
Extensive colonies of giant white plumose anemones covering deep granite boulders
Frequent encounters with large lingcod, cabezon, and varied rockfish species
Atmospheric temperate deep-reef topography with cracks and low-relief drop-offs
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late summer and autumn typically bring calmer ocean conditions and the clearest horizontal visibility along the central California coast.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Plumose AnemoneMetridium farcimen | Common | ||||||||||||
| LingcodOphiodon elongatus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Blue RockfishSebastes mystinus | Common | ||||||||||||
| CabezonScorpaenichthys marmoratus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Giant Pacific OctopusEnteroctopus dofleini | Rare |
Marine forecast
