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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility
Breakwater Cove Dive Site
Best Time
Best visibility

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.
"OMG what a Great Dive - Just Gear up and GO!!!"
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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Abundant Sea Lion Sightings
Surface and underwater
Watch playful sea lions, from tiny pups to massive adults, often posing for the camera.

Panoramic Bay Views
Shoreline
Enjoy stunning views of Monterey Bay, with Cannery Row and the Aquarium visible in the distance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Solo Diving & Buddy Up
Embrace the Murky Waters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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:Capture Amazing Photos
Take tons of photos! Don't touch anything and watch your fins. Leave only bubbles.
:camerawithflash:Sea Lion Spectacle
Watch sea lions of all sizes. They're always worth observing and often pose for the camera!
:seal: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!
:diving_mask:Embrace the Murky Vibes
Visibility can be low, especially in kelp. It's part of the unique, foggy-like underwater adventure!
:ocean:Capture Amazing Photos
Take tons of photos! Don't touch anything and watch your fins. Leave only bubbles.
:camerawithflash:Sea Lion Spectacle
Watch sea lions of all sizes. They're always worth observing and often pose for the camera!
:seal:Walk & Bike the Trail
Enjoy a relaxing walk or bike ride on the old train path, now a scenic trail.
:bike:What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there is a large parking lot at Breakwater Cove, including two handicapped parking spaces. Parking is generally free, making it convenient for visitors.
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.
Yes, public restrooms are available at Breakwater Cove, which is a convenient amenity for divers and visitors.
Most divers gear up and enter the water directly from the shore. The cove offers easy entry points for scuba diving.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, Breakwater Cove features a boat launch ramp, making it accessible for boat-based diving and other water activities.
🎫 🤿 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.
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.
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.
Besides standard scuba gear, consider a dive light to navigate the kelp and potentially a pony tank if you're planning a solo dive.
Yes, there are several local dive shops in Monterey that can provide gear, tank fills, and buddy arrangements for dives at Breakwater Cove.
📸 📸 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.
Absolutely! One diver mentioned taking around 1500 photos on a single dive, highlighting the incredible photographic potential.
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.
Remember to stay safe, don't touch anything, and watch your fins to avoid disturbing the environment. Focus on capturing the natural beauty.
Yes, sea lions are abundant and often pose for the camera, making them a fantastic subject for both underwater and surface photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Diving Breakwater Cove: What to Expect
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.
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.
Sea Lions and Coastal Charm
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit