Monterey Bay California offers a world-class scuba diving experience. The kelp forests just off the beach host a vast variety of marine species, and shore divers are in for a real treat. Divers who are willing to brave cold water diving in the frigid Northern California waters will be rewarded with up-close encounters with marine mammals, such as sea lions, seals, and sea otters, as well as many rockfish and aquatic invertebrates. Get your wetsuit (or dry suit) ready, throw on some extra weight to control your buoyancy, and head out to the breakwater right in downtown Monterey.

Sun shining through the kelp forest

Monterey is located just a short two hour drive south of San Francisco along the rugged Central California coastline. Once an important fishing and canning community, today its quaint small-town charm, along with the world famous Monterey Bay Aquarium, make Monterey a very popular destination for overseas tourists, and California weekenders alike.

A seagull at the beach in Monterey

Monterey really is the quintessential example of a Central California coastal community. Seals and sea lions congregate along the rocky shores, while pelicans and gulls patrol the air looking for their next meal.