Monterey Dive Ops

[Nuts4koi]

I will be visiting my sister-in-law who lives in Gilroy and I would like to dive Monterey Bay. I grew up in San Jose and did some diving as a kid in the Santa Cruz area in between surfing. What would be the best dive op to go out with?

 

[Peter_C]

I will start by asking a few questions.

Are you familiar with diving in kelp? Do you plan to use a wetsuit or a drysuit? Have you dove in water that is 48 degrees before?

Bruce from Aquarius on Del Monte is known for leading tours around Point Lobos which is where I would recommend you dive on a weekday, as reservations are required on weekends. It is one of the best shore diving sites around, and can not only rival, but often blow away boat diving.

 

[altaskier]

My first Monterey dives were beach dives (Breakwater and Metridium Fields) with a guide arranged through Bamboo Reef. That worked out really well. Since then I've gone on at least three different charter boats. As I recall, Chuck T. (a local area diver) said that there's not a bad charter operator in the lot, and that's consistent with my experience - all positive. I also echo the recommendation to go to Point Lobos if you are already OK with cold water (otherwise Breakwater is a great tune-up site) - but a local guide for your first time is a great thing.