San Carlos Beach (Breakwater Cove)

San Carlos Beach (Breakwater Cove) is a protected, accessible dive site for all levels, featuring a sandy entry, a wall, pipe, and Metridium anemones. Max depth 50-60ft.

Shore Access
12m Avg Depth
18m Max Depth

About this dive site

San Carlos Beach, also known as Breakwater Cove or The Breakwater, is a consistently accessible and highly protected dive site in Monterey, making it suitable for divers of all experience levels. Entry is via a gently sloping sandy beach just north of the breakwater, offering one of Monterey's most sheltered and easy entry/exit points, protected from strong ocean waves. Underwater, the sandy bottom continues to gradually slope downwards, reaching a maximum depth of 50-60 feet.

Divers can enjoy a relaxed experience exploring beautiful underwater scenery. Key features include a prominent wall and a pipe that leads to extensive fields of Metridium anemones. While the site can be busy on weekends due to its consistently good conditions and likely good visibility, it remains a popular choice for its ease of access and diverse exploration opportunities.

DivingFreedivingSnorkeling

Site Ratings

Big Marine Life Good
Macro Marine Life Very Good
Landscape Quality Good
Water Visibility Good Viz

Brought to you by Pacific Ocean Sports

Plan Your Visit

wall divebeginner friendlymacro photographysea lioncold waternight divetraining site

Things to Note

Difficulty:

All levels

Protected cove with an easy shore entry, ideal for training and all skill levels.

Hazards:
Boat trafficCold waterLow visibilitySurge
Current Strength:

Mild

Nearby Dive Sites

Explore other dive sites in the area