

Best for beginner divers, 5-14m, shore entry, mild current.
Mill Creek is a shore-entry reef and kelp forest site in Monterey Bay, offering a manageable depth range of 5 to 14 metres. With an average depth of 10 metres and mild currents, it is suitable for beginner divers. Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 10 metres. Divers must exercise caution during the shore entry due to surf and potential rip currents. Once submerged, the kelp forest requires careful navigation to avoid entanglement. Water temperatures are cool, ranging between 11 and 15 degrees Celsius, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. Parking is available on-site, providing convenient access to the water's edge.
35.98352, -121.49247
The kelp bed can be quite thick in the late summer before winter storms rip it loose.
Pull off Highway 1 into the Mill Creek free day use area. Walk from the parking area down a small drop-off to the cobble and sand, then follow around the cliff face to the north to reach a sandy beach.
Recorded at this site
Depth
5-14m
Visibility
5-10m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
11-15°C
Current
Mild
Yes, the site is suitable for beginners due to its manageable depth range of 5 to 14 metres and mild currents.
The site ranges from 5 to 14 metres deep, with an average depth of 10 metres.
Mill Creek is a shore-entry dive site.
Divers should be aware of surf and shore break conditions at entry, potential rip currents, and the risk of entanglement within the kelp forest.
While primarily a dive site, the shallow reef and kelp forest areas are accessible for snorkelling, provided conditions are calm.
Diving at Mill Creek in Lucia requires the following certifications: Open Water. Always dive within your training limits.
A drysuit recommended is recommended for diving at Mill Creek in Lucia. Water temperatures range from 11°C to 15°C.
Mill Creek in Lucia typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at Mill Creek in Lucia typically ranges from 5 metres to 10 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.