This is an easy-access site toward the Southern end of Carmel River State Beach.  Come here when the main beach, just to the South, is packed.  Because this shoreline is wide open to the Pacific swells, you should consider yourself an advanced diver before negotiating the entry. Head South on Highway 1 out of Carmel.  Just as you start to see the first roadside beach, you're there!

Monastery Beach North

Great dive, with heavy surf, difficult entry, deep dive, cold, surge, kelp, long surface swim.  Great flora and fauna, dove with dive master and another advanced dive buddy. Can be treacherous, so for the experienced deep divers, used to adverse conditions, only. I had a near death experience from out of air due to complications on surfacing and exit. Keep an eye on the monastery on entrance and exit, you may need the faith. I recommend carrying pony tank for extra air as strenuous dive consumes air faster than expected. BE NOT AFRAID. I would dive there again for the challenge.

Joseph Nowak's Dive Log

@joseph_nowak

1 dives