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.

Chase Reef is a kelp forest located 300 metres offshore in Monterey. The site features a wide depth range from 20 to 110 metres, with an average depth of 50 metres. Divers experience moderate currents and visibility ranging from 20 to 70 metres. The water temperature remains a constant 10C throughout the year, requiring appropriate thermal protection. Access is available via both shore and boat. Due to the presence of surge, swell, and boat traffic, this site is best suited for intermediate divers. Divers should remain vigilant regarding their position relative to the reef structure and monitor the surface for boat traffic before ascending.

Coral Street is a shore-entry reef and kelp forest site in Monterey, offering depths between 2 and 18 metres. The topography features rocky reef structures and dense kelp, suitable for beginner divers. Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 12 metres. Divers should be prepared for water temperatures between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius, making thick wetsuits or drysuits necessary. Hazards include boat traffic, entanglement in kelp, surge, and surf. Entry and exit require caution due to the shore break. Divers should monitor conditions closely, as moderate currents can develop, and it is advisable to plan dives around slack water.

Ballbuster is a pinnacle and reef site located 1000 metres offshore in Monterey. The topography features a large pinnacle rising from a depth of 32 metres to a shallowest point of 18 metres. This advanced dive site is accessible only by boat and is subject to strong currents, surge, and variable visibility ranging from 10 to 27 metres. Divers should be prepared for deep water conditions and potential boat traffic. Water temperatures remain cool throughout the year, typically between 10 and 13 degrees Celsius. The site is suited for experienced divers capable of managing challenging current and depth profiles.

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.

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.

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.