McAbee Beach

Entry and exit are from the beach. The protected cove usually offers calm conditions, making it suitable for less experienced divers.

The beach is easily accessible from Cannery Row. There's a staircase leading down to the small beach.

McAbee Beach hosts a variety of marine life typical of Monterey Bay. Divers can expect to see various species of rockfish, perch, lingcod, and colorful nudibranchs. Octopuses and sea stars are also common sights.

The site features a gradually sloping sandy bottom with rocky areas and kelp forests as you swim out. The varied terrain provides different habitats for marine life.

Street parking is available along Cannery Row, but it can be challenging to find spots, especially on weekends. There are also paid parking lots in the area.

While there are no on-site facilities specifically for divers, the proximity to Cannery Row means there are numerous restaurants, shops, and restrooms nearby.

Moderate to high, especially on weekends during summer months. The beach is small and located in a tourist area, so the shore can get crowded. However, once underwater and away from the immediate entry area, divers can find more space. Weekday mornings offer the best opportunity for a less crowded experience.

Tourist foot traffic along Cannery Row creates busy entry and exit points; be prepared to navigate through crowds with gear. Watch for fishing lines and hooks, as the area is popular with shore anglers. Boat traffic from whale watching and fishing vessels can pass relatively close to shore; use a dive flag when surfacing. During periods of high surf, powerful surge can develop among the rocky structures. The kelp can become entangled with dive gear if proper buoyancy control isn't maintained.