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McAbee Beach
Location:
McAbee Beach, Monterey
Dive Level:
Beginner
General Overview:
McAbee Beach is another popular dive destination in Monterey.
It’s a protected beach, and is generally calm. It is often used as
another location for Open Water programs in the Monterey area.
McAbee Beach varies from 15-40' depths, with terrain primarily sand
channels. Kelp can be VERY thick here as you get into the 30-40'
range.
Site Amenities:
McAbee Beach has
restroom facilities one block away (walking out of the El Torito
parking lot, go straight up the hill one block (perpendicular to
Cannery Row) and make a right. The restrooms are immediately on the
left. Parking is not exactly a plus for this site. You generally
have to unload, and then hope that you can get Cannery Row parking
right next to McAbee's (keep in mind that the parking meters are one
hour max, so you need to keep the quarters coming between dives -
this can be difficult). There IS parking about a block away off of
Hoffman Street for a nominal charge. Do NOT park in the El Torito
parking lot unless you use Insider Info (below). Note: there's no
dive store or air fill facilities - diver beware!
Entry/Exits:
There is one primary entry/exit point, as this is a small dive
location. Reasonably sheltered, the sight is primarily a sandy
gently sloping bottom. At about 30', there’s a nice kelp forest to
play in/around. The terrain is very similar to Breakwater (just a
few blocks away).
Notable Sights:
This sight has many of the same
basic features as Breakwater, but without the hoards of Open Water
students. That’s the primary draw to this site
Insider Info:
If you want to get away with parking at El Torito Restaurant, make
lunch reservations. Then, dive in the morning, but leave a note on
your car stating that you have reservations – make sure you include
your name and reservation time! A small price to pay for convenient
parking!
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 go through the tunnel. Immediately
after the tunnel, get in the right lane - this turns into Foam
Street. Turn right at the second signal and then left on Cannery
Row. You’ll pass some rock outcroppings, then come across a Mexican
restaurant (such as it is here in the U.S.) called El Toritos.
McAbee Beach is immediately adjacent to the restaurant.
• 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 go
through the tunnel. Immediately after the tunnel, get in the right
lane - this turns into Foam Street. Turn right at the second
signal and then left on Cannery Row. You’ll pass some rock
outcroppings, then come across a Mexican restaurant (such as it is
here in the U.S.) called El Toritos. McAbee Beach is immediately
adjacent to the restaurant.
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