Living in scenic Monterey, California, means that we don’t need to travel far to find a stunning ocean sunset view. But have you ever checked out what’s under the water? If not, you are missing out! Scuba diving is popular in Monterey, and through many areas in about a 2-hour radius from Seaside. It’s worth the exploration if you have the time and can rent the gear to explore!
For those who have never “taken the plunge” and explored scuba diving before, California has hundreds of miles of coastline to explore! Scuba diving can be a stunning, once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it can also become your new favorite sport. One way to explore several different scuba diving locations is to create a road map of places to visit with stunning scuba diving locations. Traveling along the coast of California for scuba diving is worth it! Since you’re already on your road trip, you might as well keep going! Here are some of the premier spots for diving in California. Here are some of our suggestions for great places to visit along the West coast for a scuba diving!
Our very own Monterey Bay!
Monterey Bay is one of the best places in the country for scuba diving. With carefully preserved and protected aquatic life, the bright colors of coast fish and the antics of otters, seals, and sea lions scattered about, Monterey Bay’s above and below water views are meant to enjoy. It’s no surprise why Monterey is a premier diving destination for divers from all over the globe.
Santa Cruz
Scuba diving in Santa Cruz can be hit or miss, but when it’s a hit, it is absolutely pristine and lush. It is a hike to get to the diving point, and can be extremely muddy on land and when you get under water. The pros to Santa Cruz diving is the abalone, the seclusion, and the potential for a clear, calm dive to be remembered.
Big Sur
Though not nearly as famous, Big Sur’s diving scene is still not to be missed. In particular, Jade Cove has some brilliant gems to see for Scuba divers, beginning and advanced. The jade deposits are very prevalent in Big Sur, throughout the three areas of the cove. Keep in mind that there are strict rules about taking jade home with you. You can only take come what you can carry, and there are limits with the size of the pieces you take as well. Even still, the sights are worth the short drive to Big Sur and the cost of rental scuba gear.
Carmel Bay
Just south of Carmel-By-The-Sea is a beautiful spot for cold water diving. The Point Lobos State Nature Reserve is a favorite among the locals and the wider diving community. Whalers Cove, Middle Reef, and Cannery Point are all nearby Carmel Bay, with a fantastic variety of fish to be seen, swimming happily in Monterey and Carmel’s carefully preserved waters. This is a place to bring your own light source underwater as well, or you might miss out on the vibrant colors in the darker corners and crevices of Carmel Bay’s aquatic life.
If scuba diving sounds like something that you would enjoy, then consider putting together a road trip and make it your summer getaway! To help you out, here’s a little map to get you started on your scuba diving road trip!
We have local scuba shops for you to rent gear, or you could invest in some yourself. Before you head out, come by Robert’s Collision & Repair for a complete safety inspection! You’ll have to prepare your scuba gear yourself, but we happen to be experts in auto repair. After all, your car is the ultimate gear that gets you there! Come into Robert’s Collision & Repair at 234 Ramona Avenue in Monterey to make sure your car can make the trip. Enjoy your trip, we look forward to hearing all about it when you get back!