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.

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.

Eric's Pinnacle is a submerged rock formation located 1000 metres off the coast of Monterey. The site rises from a base depth of 16 metres to a shallow peak at 6 metres, with an average depth of 11 metres. Access is by boat only. Divers encounter mild currents, though surge and swell can affect stability near the structure, requiring active buoyancy control. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 25 metres. Water temperatures remain between 11 and 13 degrees Celsius throughout the year, necessitating appropriate thermal protection. Divers should maintain awareness of surface boat traffic and use a surface marker buoy when ascending.

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.