Breakwater Cove
Breakwater Cove is accessible from San Carlos Beach. This site is often very crowded on weekends and visitors are advised to get there early.
Breakwater Cove sits comfortably between the Monterey Peninsula to the West and the eponymous 1,700 foot long Breakwater that was built in the 1930s by the Army Corps of Engineers for the US Coast Guard[1] which keeps this area of water much calmer than other spots more exposed to swell and wind from the open ocean. That and the nearby amenities make this a popular diving destination that can fill up quickly, especially with large classes of new divers who tend to kick up the bottom and affect visibility. Divers visiting on weekends are advised to arrive as early as possible.
Access
Download a site map of San Carlos Beach onto your phone using the Avenza App on Android Play or Apple iTunes.
Parking at San Carlos Beach is $1.50 an hour or $10 per day. Metered street parking is sometimes available nearby as well.
Amenities
Breakwater is close walking distance to Cannery Row, including food and Breakwater Scuba, which offers gear rental and air (if you're feeling strong, it's not unreasonable to walk with a single tank to the store and back for a fill).
Restrooms
Two restrooms with flush toilets are available. One is at the north end of the grassy field (San Carlos Beach Park Public Restrooms) and the other is on the eastern tip of the parking on the pier.
Showers
Two showers are available. One is free and open air at the top of the stairs leading from the grassy area to the beach; the other takes quarters and has an enclosed stall behind the restrooms on the eastern tip of the pier.
Diving
Breakwater Cove provides access to the following Points of Interest:
