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.

Jade Cove is a shore-accessible reef and kelp forest site located in Monterey Bay. Divers typically explore depths between 10 and 12 metres, with an average depth of 10 metres. The site is suited for intermediate divers due to challenging conditions, including strong currents, rip currents, and a powerful shore break. Visibility generally ranges from 5 to 9 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius, necessitating a drysuit or thick wetsuit. Divers should exercise caution regarding kelp entanglement and monitor the surf carefully before entry. Parking is available at the site, and a typical dive lasts approximately 50 minutes.

Soberanes Point in Carmel Bay features a complex underwater topography of reefs, pinnacles, and walls draped in kelp forests. Depths range from 6 to 21 metres, with visibility varying between 7 and 23 metres. This site is suited for advanced divers and snorkellers due to strong currents, surf, and potential rip currents. Shore access requires a hike and a rocky scramble. Marine life recorded here includes California sea lions, harbour seals, Monterey dorids, scorpionfish, and various sea stars. Snails and striped shore crabs are also common. Water temperatures remain cool, fluctuating between 11 and 13 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Facilities include parking, toilets, 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.

Point Lobos in Carmel Bay offers a diverse underwater landscape featuring reefs, walls, pinnacles, kelp forests, and caves. Divers and snorkellers can explore depths ranging from 6 to 30 metres, with an average depth of 15 metres. Conditions are variable, with visibility between 5 and 30 metres and water temperatures consistently between 10 and 12°C. Entry is possible from both shore and boat, though shore entries require careful timing due to surf and surge. This site is suited for intermediate divers due to moderate currents, potential entanglement risks in kelp, and cold water. Facilities include parking, toilets, and rinse stations. Always confirm current conditions with reserve staff before entering.

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.

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.