San Carlos Beach in Monterey is a versatile shore dive featuring a mix of reef, kelp forest, wall, and artificial reef structures. Divers typically reach depths of 5 to 20 metres, with an average of 10 metres. The site is suitable for beginners, though conditions include surge, surf, and variable visibility between 3 and 10 metres. Marine life is abundant, with very common sightings of California sea lions and common encounters with harbour seals, scorpionfish, and various nudibranchs like the Spanish shawl, clown dorid, and lion nudibranch. Ocean sunfish and East Pacific red octopus are occasionally recorded. Divers should remain aware of boat traffic and potential entanglement in kelp.

Hopkins Reef in Monterey is a kelp forest site offering depths between 3 and 19 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. This site is suitable for beginners and requires boat access. Divers frequently encounter California sea lions and harbour seals. Other common sightings include Spanish shawl, Monterey dorid, hermissenda, sorcerer's dorid, branched dendronotid, and sea nettle. Scorpionfish are common, particularly from June through October. Less frequently, divers may spot ocean sunfish, clown dorid, lion nudibranch, thornback, and the three-lined aeolid. Conditions feature mild currents and visibility ranging from 5 to 20 metres. Hazards include surge and boat traffic. Typical dive duration is 50 minutes.

The Breakwater in Monterey is a protected shore-entry site featuring a mix of reef, kelp forest, and artificial reef structures. Divers and snorkellers can explore a gently sloping bottom that reaches depths between 2 and 18 metres. The site is suitable for beginners, though conditions include potential surge, surf, and boat traffic. Marine life is diverse, with very common sightings of California sea lions and harbour seals. Nudibranch enthusiasts frequently record species such as the Spanish shawl, clown dorid, and lion nudibranch. Ocean sunfish and East Pacific red octopus are also occasionally observed. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, showers, and nearby dive shops for air fills.

Breakwater in Monterey provides accessible shore diving across a diverse topography of reef, wall, artificial reef, and kelp forest. Depths range from 5 to 18 metres, with an average of 8 metres, making it suitable for beginners. Divers frequently encounter California sea lions and harbour seals, alongside various nudibranchs such as Spanish Shawl, Hermissenda, and Monterey Dorid. Scorpionfish and East Pacific Red Octopus are also recorded. Conditions include mild currents and visibility between 3 and 10 metres. Water temperatures remain cool at 11 to 13 degrees Celsius, necessitating drysuits or thick wetsuits. Hazards include boat traffic, surf at the entry point, and variable visibility. Night diving is available at this site.

Hidden Beach in Monterey offers a diverse underwater environment featuring natural reef, artificial reef sections, and kelp forest. Divers can explore depths ranging from 2 to 12 metres with visibility typically between 5 and 10 metres. The site is accessible via a shore entry, which requires careful timing due to surf and shore break conditions. With mild currents, it is suitable for beginners, though divers should remain vigilant regarding heavy boat traffic and use a surface marker buoy. Water temperatures remain cold, ranging from 11 to 13 degrees Celsius throughout the year, necessitating appropriate thermal protection.

Mac Abee Beach in Monterey is a shore-entry dive site featuring a combination of reef, kelp forest, and artificial reef structures. Divers can explore depths ranging from 3 to 15 metres, with an average depth of 8 metres. The site is suitable for beginners and typically experiences mild currents and visibility between 3 and 10 metres. Marine life frequently encountered includes harbour seals, Spanish shawls, branched dendronotids, scorpionfish, and ochre sea stars. Less common sightings include northern elephant seals, ocean sunfish, East Pacific red octopus, wrasses, and ling cod. Hazards to be aware of include boat traffic, potential entanglement in kelp, and surge.

Lovers Point in Monterey is an east-facing cove featuring shallow rocky reefs and kelp forests. This shore-entry site is often sheltered from rough conditions, making it suitable for beginners. Divers can explore depths ranging from 2 to 21 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. Visibility varies significantly from 3 to 40 metres. Hazards include cold water temperatures between 11 and 13C, surge, surf, rip currents, sea urchins, sharks, and potential entanglement in kelp. Facilities at the site include parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a cafe, with equipment rental and dive shops available nearby. Night diving is permitted at this location.

Otter Cove is a shore-accessible kelp forest reef located in Monterey. This site is suitable for beginners, with depths ranging from 3 to 17 metres and an average depth of 12 metres. Divers can expect mild currents and visibility between 2 and 12 metres. Entry is from the shore, approximately 100 metres from the parking area. Due to the kelp forest environment, divers should be mindful of entanglement risks and ensure all gear is secured. Water temperatures remain consistently cool between 11 and 13 degrees Celsius, making a drysuit or thick wetsuit necessary for comfort during the typical 45-minute dive.