Metridium Fields

Entry and exit are from the dive boat. Procedures will be explained by the boat crew based on current conditions.

This site is only accessible by boat. Several local dive operators offer trips to Metridium Fields.

The main attraction is the vast fields of white metridium anemones. Other marine life includes various species of rockfish, lingcod, and nudibranchs. Occasionally, larger animals like sea lions or harbor seals may be spotted.

The site features a relatively flat, sandy bottom covered in large white anemones. Some rocky areas provide habitat for other species.

As a boat dive, parking depends on your charter's departure point, typically from Monterey Harbor where ample parking is available.

Facilities are limited to what's available on the dive boat and at the harbor before and after the trip.

Low to moderate, as the boat-only access naturally limits the number of divers. On busy summer weekends, you might encounter multiple dive boats at the site. The large area covered by the anemone fields allows divers to spread out and avoid crowding. Weekday trips typically offer a more solitary experience at this unique site.

The area can experience sudden changes in surf conditions, making entries and exits challenging. Rip currents can form, especially after periods of high surf. Stingrays are common in the sandy shallows; shuffle your feet when walking. Visibility can be poor, particularly after rain or during plankton blooms. Boat traffic from nearby harbors and marinas can be present; use a dive flag during surface intervals.