Breakwater Cove Dive Site - an underwater view of a rock formation in the ocean
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Breakwater Cove Dive Site

4.6
·245 reviews·Monterey, United States

Dive into Monterey's vibrant kelp forests at Breakwater Cove, a shore-diving paradise teeming with marine life and playful sea lions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning dives

Best visibility

CrowdMedium
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Breakwater Cove Dive Site - an underwater view of a rock formation in the ocean

Breakwater Cove Dive Site

Best Time

Morning dives

Best visibility

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dive into Monterey's vibrant kelp forests at Breakwater Cove, a shore-diving paradise teeming with marine life and playful sea lions.

4.6
(245 reviews)

"OMG what a Great Dive - Just Gear up and GO!!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Buddy Up or Dive Solo Safely

Find a buddy at local shops or dive solo with proper training & pony tank. Safety first! :diving_mask:

Embrace the Murky Vibes

Visibility can be low, especially in kelp. It's part of the unique, foggy-like underwater adventure! :ocean:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kelp Forest Exploration

Kelp Forest Exploration

Underwater

Dive into vibrant kelp forests teeming with marine life. It's an underwater wonderland waiting to be discovered.

TikTok
Abundant Sea Lion Sightings

Abundant Sea Lion Sightings

Surface and underwater

Watch playful sea lions, from tiny pups to massive adults, often posing for the camera.

Reddit
Panoramic Bay Views

Panoramic Bay Views

Shoreline

Enjoy stunning views of Monterey Bay, with Cannery Row and the Aquarium visible in the distance.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Solo Diving & Buddy Up

While solo diving is possible with proper training and gear, many recommend finding a buddy for safety and enjoyment. Local dive shops are great resources for connecting with others or joining guided dives. Don't miss the chance to explore this amazing spot! Reddit

Embrace the Murky Waters

Expect visibility to be low, especially in the kelp forests. Embrace the 'murky water' as part of the unique experience! It's like hiking in heavy fog underwater, offering a different kind of adventure. TikTok

Best Times

When
Morning dives
Why
Best visibility
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon dives
Why
Less crowded
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Scuba diving in a kelp forest in Monterey, California🐟🌿 #scuba #scubadiving #underwater #insta360 #underwaterlife
@somewheresomehowalex
335.4K likes • 2.1M views

Buddy Up or Dive Solo Safely

Find a buddy at local shops or dive solo with proper training & pony tank. Safety first! Reddit :diving_mask:

Embrace the Murky Vibes

Visibility can be low, especially in kelp. It's part of the unique, foggy-like underwater adventure! TikTok :ocean:

Fish are the cutest little distractions 🐟🩵 Hidden Beach, Monterey Bay, CA #kelpforest #murkywater #montereybay #scuba #scubadiving
@argonaut.diving
59.7K likes • 617.7K views
It’s a bit like hiking in heavy fog 🌫️🌊 The Breakwater, San Carlos Beach, May 2025 #kelpforest #murky #murkywater #adventure #montereybay #california #scuba #scubadiving
@argonaut.diving
5K likes • 58K views

Capture Amazing Photos

Take tons of photos! Don't touch anything and watch your fins. Leave only bubbles. Reddit :camerawithflash:

Sea Lion Spectacle

Watch sea lions of all sizes. They're always worth observing and often pose for the camera! Reddit :seal:

reddit.com

Monterey Scuba Equipment, Sites, and Damage

Tips

from all over the internet

Buddy Up or Dive Solo Safely

Find a buddy at local shops or dive solo with proper training & pony tank. Safety first! Reddit :diving_mask:

Embrace the Murky Vibes

Visibility can be low, especially in kelp. It's part of the unique, foggy-like underwater adventure! TikTok :ocean:

Capture Amazing Photos

Take tons of photos! Don't touch anything and watch your fins. Leave only bubbles. Reddit :camerawithflash:

Sea Lion Spectacle

Watch sea lions of all sizes. They're always worth observing and often pose for the camera! Reddit :seal:

Walk & Bike the Trail

Enjoy a relaxing walk or bike ride on the old train path, now a scenic trail. Reddit :bike:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(245 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Breakwater Cove for its incredible diving opportunities, particularly the kelp forests and abundant marine life. The chance to see sea lions and enjoy scenic coastal walks also receives high praise. Some note the low visibility as a characteristic of the dive, which can be a unique experience for some.

"Nice view of part of the Monterey Bay.
A good area to enjoy a walk & bicycling on the old train path area, converted into a trail."

Jose Gomez

"OMG what a Great Dive - Just Gear up and GO!!!

This was yet another solo dive - (Buddy Bailed and I could not resist)
Be Safe!!! I did not go more than 10m + Specifically Trained to Dive Solo
If solodive - have pony Tank!!!

But there are many local Dive shops you can find a buddy or schedule a dive... But whatever you do do not miss the chance if you go.

Here are a few Photos from my dive there ... Its amazing!!!

(I say a few photos as I took about 1500 photos on that dive!!!)

Remember Stay Safe and abide by rule number 1 (Well my Rule anyways Don't Die)

1- Breath
2- Equalize
3- Slowly (Never surface faster than your smallest bubble - and Safety Stops!!!)

Swim like a Fish not a Seahorse!!!!
DON'T Touch anything (and watch your fins)
Leave bubble - Take Photos!!!!!!!!"

Thad Ferguson

"Arrived late for fueling and the nightanager opened the fuel dock at 1900 and pumped 800 gallons of needed fuel. Arranged a berth for overnight.
His excellent service allowed us to depart at first light and not waste a morning waiting for fuel"

Pat Carson

What People Like

Amazing dive site
Abundant sea lions
Scenic coastal walks

What People Dislike

Low visibility dives

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Breakwater Cove is located in Monterey, California. It's easily accessible by car with a large parking lot available. Many visitors arrive by car and find parking convenient, especially outside of peak hours. Reddit

Yes, there is a large parking lot at Breakwater Cove, including two handicapped parking spaces. Parking is generally free, making it convenient for visitors. Reddit

While driving is the most common way to reach Breakwater Cove, public transportation options might be available within Monterey. It's advisable to check local transit schedules for routes that may get you close to the area. Reddit

Yes, public restrooms are available at Breakwater Cove, which is a convenient amenity for divers and visitors. Reddit

Most divers gear up and enter the water directly from the shore. The cove offers easy entry points for scuba diving. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Breakwater Cove is a public area, and there are no admission fees or tickets required to enter or enjoy the views and walking paths. Reddit

There are no specific fees for recreational diving at Breakwater Cove itself. However, if you plan to use dive shop services for gear rental, buddies, or guided dives, those will incur costs. Reddit

Breakwater Cove is generally accessible during daylight hours for recreational activities. The fuel dock may have specific operating hours, as noted by one visitor who received service at 1900. Reddit

While you can dive independently, many local dive shops in Monterey offer guided dives and can help you find a buddy if you're looking for company. Reddit

Yes, Breakwater Cove features a boat launch ramp, making it accessible for boat-based diving and other water activities. Reddit

🎫 🤿 Onsite Experience

You can expect to see a variety of marine life, including fish, and potentially harbor seals and sea lions. The kelp forests are a significant habitat. TikTokReddit+1

Visibility can be low, often described as 'murky,' especially within the kelp forests. This is a common characteristic of the area and part of its unique charm. TikTok+1

While experienced divers can enjoy the kelp forests, beginners might find the low visibility challenging. It's recommended to dive with a buddy or a guide if you're new to the area. Reddit

Besides standard scuba gear, consider a dive light to navigate the kelp and potentially a pony tank if you're planning a solo dive. Reddit

Yes, there are several local dive shops in Monterey that can provide gear, tank fills, and buddy arrangements for dives at Breakwater Cove. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The kelp forests offer unique underwater photography opportunities, and the sea lions are always a great subject. The scenic bay views are also excellent for photos. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! One diver mentioned taking around 1500 photos on a single dive, highlighting the incredible photographic potential. Reddit

Expect to capture images of diverse marine life within the kelp, interesting light shafts filtering through the water, and the unique textures of the underwater environment. TikTok+1

Remember to stay safe, don't touch anything, and watch your fins to avoid disturbing the environment. Focus on capturing the natural beauty. Reddit

Yes, sea lions are abundant and often pose for the camera, making them a fantastic subject for both underwater and surface photography. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Breakwater Cove offers a mix of activities suitable for families. While the diving itself might be best for certified adults, the surrounding area is fantastic for exploration. Kids will love watching the abundant sea lions from the shore – they're often playful and entertaining! Reddit

The walking and biking trail along the old train path is a great way for families to enjoy the coastal scenery without needing diving gear. Pack a picnic and enjoy the views of Monterey Bay. The presence of public restrooms also adds to the convenience for families. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Breakwater Cove is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers. Entry to the cove and the surrounding park area is free, and parking is also typically free, making it an accessible spot for a day of exploration. Reddit

While dive gear rental and guided dives will incur costs, those who already own gear can enjoy world-class diving without additional entry fees. Packing your own snacks and water can further reduce expenses, allowing you to focus on enjoying the natural beauty and marine life. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Diving Breakwater Cove: What to Expect

Breakwater Cove is a popular shore-diving destination in Monterey Bay, known for its vibrant kelp forests and abundant marine life. Divers often describe the experience as unique, with visibility that can range from poor to moderate, creating an almost 'foggy' underwater environment. This low visibility, however, adds to the mystique and allows for intimate encounters with the kelp and its inhabitants. TikTok

Many visitors recommend diving in the morning for potentially better visibility, though afternoon dives can be less crowded. The cove offers easy entry and exit points, making it accessible for many divers. While solo diving is an option for the experienced and properly equipped, finding a buddy through local dive shops is a common and recommended practice for safety and enhanced enjoyment. Reddit

Key marine life to look out for includes various fish species, and if you're lucky, you might spot sea lions or harbor seals. The kelp itself creates a stunning underwater landscape, perfect for photography. Remember to practice good buoyancy control and avoid touching any marine life or the kelp to preserve this delicate ecosystem. TikTok+1

Sea Lions and Coastal Charm

Beyond the underwater world, Breakwater Cove offers a delightful coastal experience. The area is renowned for its sea lion population. Visitors frequently mention the joy of watching sea lions of all sizes, from small pups to large adults, often seen lounging on the rocks or swimming in the bay. They are known to be quite photogenic, with many visitors capturing memorable shots of these charismatic marine mammals. Reddit

The old train path, now converted into a scenic trail, provides a perfect setting for a relaxing walk or bike ride. This trail offers beautiful views of Monterey Bay, with iconic landmarks like Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium visible in the distance. It's an ideal spot to unwind and soak in the picturesque California coastline after a dive or as a standalone activity. Reddit

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