Monterey State Beach (also called Del Monte, named after the adjacent road) is a perfect place for new divers.  Restrooms, showers, and picnic areas make this a great place to spend the day.  You may want to dive this site on a weekday, or arrive very early on a weekend.  The parking can be almost impossible otherwise.  Be prepared to spot octopus and flounder!

From Highway 1 in Monterey, take the Camino Aguajito exit North.  You'll see the Park at the intersection of Del Monte Ave.

Monterey State Beach

Go to this site for the boat wreck as there is not much swimming life. The wreck is neat & has a variety of perch but not much else as there aren't many rocks or kelp for fish to hide in. The site does however have an interesting array of other life at the sea floor. Thousands of sand dollars, a hundred or so sea slugs, a big star fish here, a big sea anemone there. Overall it was an enjoyable dive as it was very different from the other popular sites in Monterey. Visibility was great (about 20' or so) and surf was very tame to non-existent.

Thaddeus Pappazisis's Dive Log

@thaddeus_pappazisis

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