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IntermediateShore Dive
Carmel River Beach
California, United States
Depth20–60 ft (6.1–18.3 m)
AccessShore
Cert LevelOpen Water with surf experience; Advanced recommended
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Visibility
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Best Time
Calm mornings, fall and winter; avoid large west swells
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A long, gently sloped beach at Carmel River State Beach, far more forgiving than neighboring Monastery Beach. The bottom drops in rocky steps from 20 to 30 to 40 feet and then slopes past 60 feet, beneath one of the healthiest kelp beds in Carmel Bay — often too thick to surface-swim through in summer and fall. Enter and exit at the very north end near the Scenic Road stairs.
Quick Facts
Depth Range6.1m – 18.3m
CertificationOpen Water with surf experience; Advanced recommended
Gear7mm or drysuit, compass for under-kelp navigation, kelp-cutting tool
HazardsOpen-ocean surf (much gentler than Monastery but still a real surf entry), very thick kelp canopy in summer/fall requiring underwater navigation, rip currents near the river mouth
reefshore
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