Stewart's Cove/Carmel River Beach, Carmel
July 14, 2007
This spot gets fewer divers each year
than points north or south for one reason only—limited parking.
There are only a few parking spots available on Ocean View
Avenue, and no parking is available on Scenic Road. But don't
let that discourage you from diving there; just show up a
little early.
Beneath the kelp bed is a rocky bottom in 20 to 30 feet of
water. Thick kelp covers the surface and large boulders are
strewn about the bottom. On the boulders is a healthy covering
of coralline algae and sea stars, and hiding among the algae
structure are enough nudibranchs and small fish to delight
the sightseer/ photographer. On the outside of the kelp bed
the bottom drops off to 40-50 feet where you will find pinnacles
that jut to-and-fro from the sand bottom. Many of these pinnacles
are steep-sided and create an assortment of mini-walls that
will delight most divers. This is one of the few places in
the Monterey Area where beach divers can easily get to good
vertical walls.
If you are looking for an uncrowded spot with some great mini-walls
right off the beach, you will not find a better spot than Carmel
River Beach. This a good spot for an after-dive picnic since
the bluffs protect the beach from the afternoon wind.
Meet at 8:00am at the top of wooden stairs at the end of Oceanview
Avenue. There is limited parking, so some cars may have to park
at Carmel River Beach parking lot and carpool to site. Please
try to get there a little early to ensure a spot. Please also
note this is residential so be courteous and aware of your noise
level.
DIRECTIONS: 101 South to 156 West to HWY 1 South.
Take HWY 1 south, past Carmel Valley
Road, to next light, Rio Road – turn right on Rio Road, then
left on Santa Lucia Avenue. About 4 streets down, go left
on Carmelo Street, which turns into Scenic. Turn right on
Oceanview and park as soon as possible.
Skill level: Intermediate or better.
Checklist:
- Total Dive System including your own weights and tanks
- C-Card and Kelp Club Card
- Logbook
- Plan on two dives. First dive at 8:30am.
- Facilities at
Carmel River Beach Park.
- Bring snacks and water for surface
interval between dives.
- Free to Kelptomaniacs
- $10 Non-Members
- Dive Leader: Joe Sparks
Email: sparksconst@mac.com
Cell
phone: 408-431-5230
Additional Dive Spot Information |
