Dive-site story
Located at the foot of Cannery Row in Monterey, San Carlos Beach sits protected beside the Coast Guard breakwater. The site serves as the primary training hub for Northern California divers thanks to its gradual sandy entry and sheltered waters. Following the rocky breakwater structure northeast leads to sprawling boulder fields covered in invertebrate life, while moving further offshore reveals sandy flats and deep kelp patches.
Encounters with inquisitive California sea lions cruising along the harbor wall
Macro hunting among the breakwater boulders for diverse nudibranch species
Calm entry conditions relative to the exposed outer Monterey coastline
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Late summer and autumn bring calmer winds, reduced upwelling plankton blooms, and the clearest water of the year.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Sea LionZalophus californianus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Harbor SealPhoca vitulina | Common | ||||||||||||
| Giant Pacific OctopusEnteroctopus dofleini | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| Opalescent NudibranchHermissenda crassicornis | Common | ||||||||||||
| Bat RayMyliobatis californica | Seasonal | ||||||||||||
| CabezonScorpaenichthys marmoratus | Common |
Marine forecast
