Monastery Beach, Carmel, California

Monastery Beach, Carmel, California

Monastery Beach (part of Carmel River State Beach) is a very popular dive site for veteran divers and Instructors with Advanced classes. To get to Monastery Beach drive South to Carmel on Hwy. 1; when you get to Carmel Valley Rd. go another 2 ½ miles (you will pass a shopping center on your left). You will come to a long sandy beach, and on the left side of the highway there is a monastery. Parking is usually available off the West side of the road, but during the summer spaces may be at a premium. There are actually a number of dive sites off the beach. As a word of caution, make your entries from either the North or South ends of the beach, as the middle usually has a strong rip current and large waves. Public restrooms are at the South end of the beach.