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Del Monte Beach
Location:
Del Monte Beach -
North of Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey
Dive Level:
Beginner to
Intermediate
General Overview:
Del Monte Beach actually spreads from Fisherman's Wharf
(Monterey) all the way to Moss Landing. For our purposes, we'll
focus on the area immediately north of Fisherman's Wharf. The water
here is generally calm, due to the protection of the wharf and
breakwater. About 200 yards offshore and running parallel to shore
is a large shale reef (known as Tanker Reef or Shale Beds). The sea
floor itself is primarily shale ledges, hosting bull and giant kelp
or sandy patches with occasional eel grass.. Looking closely at the
shale, you'll also see evidence of boring clams. Del Monte Beach
also is home to a Buffalo Half Track, a crumbling armored personnel
carrier. A short swim from there will bring you to a small sailboat
- both in about 20' of water. Del Monte Beach is also the best
location for halibut hunting.
Site Amenities:
Depending on where your entry point is, you will pay for parking
- so keep those rolls of quarters handy! There are restaurants along
Del Monte Ave near many of the common entry points, including a
McDonald's and a British Pub at the wharf. There are no air fills
available.
Entry/Exits:
There are several entry and exit points:
- Fisherman's Wharf (Wharf #2). This entry point provides
easy access to both the wharf dive site as well as Del Monte's shale
beds. This is easily one of the calmest entry/exits in California!
Wharf #2 hosts a maze of pillars supporting a ceiling 30' above you
as you dive. It's a dark dive, so bring a light! Parking is
available at Fisherman's Wharf.
- Monterey Bay Kayaks. This is an easy entry/exit, and is
commonly used when heading out to check out the Half Track. Monterey
Bay Kayaks is located at Del Monte Ave and Cortez St.
- McDonald's.
This is an
easy entry/exit, and is commonly used by hunters. McDonald's is
located at Del Monte Ave and Camino El Estero.
- the Laundromat.
This is an
easy entry/exit, and is commonly used by hunters. The Laundromat is
located at Del Monte Ave and Park St.
Notable Sights:
All these entry points provide very similar diving (other than Wharf
#2). The shale beds are interesting to poke around, and the eel
grass hides juvenile fish as well as unique nudibranches. The Half
Track and sailboat hosts a growth of anemones, scallops and other
invertebrates.
The Wharf's pillars provide a substrate
for all kinds of invertebrates to cling to and flourish. Sheep Crabs
hang from the pilings - they can be up to 2' across! Lingcod abound
(although typically quite small), as well as cabezon, flatfishes,
and the occasional ray. Also living at the Wharf are those quiet
mammals known as the California Sea Lion - chances are pretty good
they'll check you out.
Insider Info:
The Wharf has many hazards, including fishing line and gill nets -
you'll need to carry a good knife! Divers must obtain permission
from the harbor master before diving under Wharf #2.
How to Get There:
• Via Hwy 1
Take Hwy 1 going South. Once you hit Monterey, take the
SECOND Del Monte Ave Exit (the one that says "To
Monterey and Pacific Grove". Stay on Del Monte Ave until you
find your entry/exit point.
• Via 101 or 280
Take I-280 to Hwy 85 S. to Hwy 101 S. (or just hop on 101 to begin
with). In Prunedale, take 156 W. to Hwy 1 S. to Monterey. Take the
SECOND Del Monte Ave Exit (the one that says "To
Monterey and Pacific Grove". Stay on Del Monte Ave until you
find your entry/exit point.
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