Plongée à Monterey Bay — United States

Monterey Bay is a mecca for macro photography and cold-water enthusiasts, offering dense kelp forests, flamboyant nudibranchs, and the chance to dive alongside sea otters in the wild. Shore access at sites like Breakwater and Lover's Point make this one of the most accessible cold-water dive destinations in the world. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row provide world-class topside activities between dives.

Score
61.4
Visibilité
3–18m
Température
9–17°C
Meilleurs mois
August, September, October
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World Class
Beginner Friendly
Monterey Bay
United StatesNorth America
61.4

SCORE

36.6002°N

-121.8947°E

Monterey Bay is a mecca for macro photography and cold-water enthusiasts, offering dense kelp forests, flamboyant nudibranchs, and the chance to dive alongside sea otters in the wild. Shore access at sites like Breakwater and Lover's Point make this one of the most accessible cold-water dive destinations in the world. The Monterey Bay Aquarium and Cannery Row provide world-class topside activities between dives.

World-Class Macro and Sea Otter Haven

Visibility3–18 m
Temperature9–17°C
Max Depth30 m
Currentmild
2-Tank Dive$90
Best MonthsAugust, September, October, November
CertificationOpen WaterBeginner Friendly

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML72.0CH22.0VIS42.0SV62.0TMP25.0DA72.0OP78.0TS88.0GT85.0VAL65.0CRD62.0SP78.0

Marine Life

72.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
68
Megafauna Encounters
60
Reef Fish Abundance
55
Macro Life
95
Endemic Species
72
Marine Life Diversity
72.0
Coral & Reef Health
22.0
Visibility & Conditions
42.0
Dive Site Variety
62.0
Water Temperature
25.0
Depth & Access
72.0
Operator Quality
78.0
Topside Experience
88.0
Getting There
85.0
Value & Cost
65.0
Crowding
62.0
Social Proof
78.0

Dive Types

kelp forestshorereefmacronight

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

Monterey Bay AquariumCannery Row shopping & dining17-Mile Drivewhale watchingBig Sur coastal driveCarmel-by-the-Sea galleries

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Cannery Row (Steinbeck)
  • Carmel Mission Basilica
  • Point Lobos State Reserve

Non-Diver Score

9/10

Excellent for non-divers — they'll love it here.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifevibrant

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber50 km — John Muir Medical Center Hyperbaric Unit (Walnut Creek) / Stanford
Nearest Hospital5 km

Hospital in Monterey; chambers in Bay Area (1.5 hrs); excellent emergency services

Skill LevelBeginner Friendly
Current Strengthmild

Top Operators

Bamboo Reef Dive Shop

PADI

4.5
520 reviewsNITROX

Aquarius Dive Shop

PADI

4.6
380 reviewsNITROX

Glenn's Aquarius II

SSI

4.4
210 reviews