Butterfly House is a shallow shore dive located in Carmel Bay, featuring a kelp forest environment with depths ranging from 2 to 4 metres. The site is suitable for beginners, offering visibility between 10 and 30 metres. Divers navigate through giant kelp columns and rocky structures. Entry is via the shore, where divers must manage surf and shore break conditions. Hazards include potential rip currents, entanglement in kelp, and sea urchins in the shallows. Water temperatures remain cool, between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius, requiring appropriate thermal protection. Facilities at the site include parking and toilets.

Fire Rock in Carmel Bay features a diverse underwater topography consisting of reef, wall, and kelp forest structures. Divers can explore depths ranging from 5 to 24 metres, with an average depth of 12 metres. The site is accessible by boat and is suitable for beginner divers due to the mild currents. Visibility typically ranges between 6 and 12 metres. Water temperatures remain cold, fluctuating between 10 and 13 degrees Celsius throughout the year, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. Divers should remain cautious of surge and swell near the reef wall and manage the risk of entanglement within the kelp forest. Always remain alert for active boat traffic when ascending.

Stillwater Cove in Carmel Bay offers protected waters ideal for exploring kelp forests, reefs, and wall drop-offs. Divers can navigate depths ranging from 3 to 30 metres, with an average of 12 metres. The site features shore entry and generally mild currents, though divers should be aware of surge, surf, boat traffic, and entanglement risks. Marine life recorded here includes very common scorpionfish, alongside uncommon ling cod, egg-yolk jellyfish, and various nudibranchs such as the noble and San Diego dorid. Harbor seals and California sea lions are occasionally encountered. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, showers, and access to boat charters and guided tours.

Monastery Beach in Carmel Bay is a challenging shore dive suited for advanced divers. The site features a diverse underwater topography including a reef, wall, kelp forest, and canyon, with a drop-off that allows for depths ranging from 3 to 130 metres. Divers should be prepared for strong currents, surge, and significant surf, which can make entry and exit difficult. Visibility is highly variable, ranging from 3 to 70 metres, often influenced by upwelling. Due to the deep nature of the canyon and potential for entanglement in kelp, this site requires careful planning. Facilities at the site include parking and toilets.

The Needle is a pinnacle and reef site located 400 metres offshore in Carmel Bay. The structure rises through the water column, with depths ranging from 14 to 33 metres and an average depth of 25 metres. This site is accessible by boat only and is suited for intermediate divers due to moderate currents. Visibility is variable, ranging from 5 to 25 metres. Water temperatures remain consistently between 11 and 13 degrees Celsius throughout the year, requiring appropriate thermal protection. Divers should confirm current timing with their boat operator prior to descent to manage the conditions effectively.

Whaler's Cove in Carmel Bay is a protected marine reserve featuring a prominent kelp forest. Divers and snorkellers access the site from the shore, navigating depths ranging from 5 to 30 metres with an average depth of 18 metres. The site is suitable for beginners, though conditions vary with moderate currents, surge, and surf. Visibility fluctuates between 5 and 30 metres. Water temperatures remain consistently cool, typically between 11 and 13 degrees Celsius, requiring appropriate thermal protection for extended immersion. Hazards include boat traffic, potential entanglement in kelp, and cold water. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, and a rinse station.

Carmel Bay offers an advanced diving experience featuring a deep reef and kelp forest environment. Depths range from 40 to 150 metres, with an average of 90 metres, requiring technical diving proficiency. Access is strictly by boat to avoid the significant surf and shore break. Divers must manage moderate currents and the risk of entanglement within the dense kelp. Visibility fluctuates between 3 and 18 metres, and water temperatures remain cold, between 8 and 10C, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. Given the conditions and depth, this site is suited only for experienced divers equipped for deep, cold-water environments.

Whalers Cove in Carmel Bay offers a shore-entry dive experience suitable for intermediate divers. The site features a depth range of 7 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Divers can expect mild currents and visibility ranging from 10 to 25 metres. Water temperatures remain consistent throughout the year, typically between 11 and 13 degrees Celsius. As a shore dive, it provides direct access to the underwater topography of the bay. The site is well-regarded by the diving community for its consistent conditions and accessibility within the Monterey Bay region.