San Carlos Beach

San Carlos Beach, located in the United States, offers an exceptional beach dive experience for divers of all levels. With convenient amenities such as ample parking, bathrooms, and showers, it provides a hassle-free entry into the water. This picturesque shore dive is a favorite among beginners.

One of the highlights of San Carlos Beach is its thriving sea lion colony. Divers have the opportunity to interact with these playful creatures, creating memorable encounters. The underwater world at San Carlos Beach is also teeming with vibrant nudibranchs, colorful anemones, octopuses, sand dollars, and an abundance of fish species. You'll be mesmerized by the diversity and beauty of the marine life in this area.

Divers can explore three distinct dive sites at San Carlos Beach. The Breakwater Wall features large boulder domes, which attract a variety of marine life including sea lions and kelp forests. San Carlos Reef, with its rocky mounds, provides a solid foundation for a lush kelp forest. Here, you'll discover an array of kelp marine species and playful Harbor Seals. For a unique adventure, head to the far left of the beach, where a large pipe awaits to transport you to the stunning Metridium Fields.

When planning your dive at San Carlos Beach, keep in mind that the average visibility is around 4 meters, and the maximum depth reaches 9 meters. This makes it an ideal dive location for beginners seeking to enhance their skills. With its close proximity to Edward F. Ricketts State Marine Conservation Area, Cannery Row, Ocean View Plaza, New Monterey, and other attractions in Monterey County, California, San Carlos Beach offers not only a remarkable dive experience but also the opportunity to explore the surrounding area.

To begin your San Carlos Beach dive, start at the foot of the Coast Guard Pier or use the convenient stairs at the San Carlos Beach parking lot. Swim approximately 40 yards out before descending, and let the wonders of the underwater world unfold before your eyes.

Experience the beauty of San Carlos Beach and immerse yourself in a diver's paradise.