Breakwater Wall

Entry and exit are straightforward from the beach. The sand slopes gently, and the breakwater provides protection from waves, making it one of the easiest shore entries in the area.

Easy beach access with a short walk from the parking lot. The entry point is sandy and gradually sloping, making it ideal for new divers.

The site boasts diverse marine life. Common sightings include various rockfish species, lingcod, cabezon, and colorful nudibranchs. Sea lions often visit the area, and lucky divers might spot octopuses or harbor seals. The pilings of the breakwater are covered in colorful invertebrates.

The site features a mix of sandy bottom and rocky areas. The breakwater itself provides an artificial reef structure. As you move away from shore, you'll encounter small rocky reefs and occasional kelp beds. The bottom slopes gradually, allowing divers to easily control their depth.

Ample parking is available at the Coast Guard Pier parking lot. On busy days, additional parking can be found along Cannery Row.

Full facilities are available, including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. There are several dive shops nearby for air fills or equipment rentals.

Very high, especially on weekends and during summer months. This is one of the most popular training sites on the Monterey Peninsula, with multiple dive classes often present simultaneously. The beach area can get quite crowded with divers setting up equipment. The underwater space is large enough that congestion decreases once you're diving, but expect to see many other divers, particularly near the breakwater wall.

Be aware of training classes in the water, which may include inexperienced divers who need extra space. Boat traffic can be heavy near the harbor entrance; maintain appropriate distance from the channel. Harbor seals and sea lions frequently visit the breakwater; while generally peaceful, they can become territorial during breeding seasons. The site can experience heavy surge during large swells, particularly near the breakwater structure. Visibility can change rapidly with tide changes or after storms.