North Monastery

This perhaps slightly more hidden side of Monastery Beach has some wonderful surprises in store for those willing to lug their gear a bit farther.

Take note of a large washrock off shore to the northwest. You'll be diving on the left side of it, towards the middle of the bay and into the deeper water. The shallows to the right are rocky, surgey and a bit riskier. Surface swim out along the edge of the kelp canopy for a few hundred meters and descend in about 30 feet of water. On the bottom, take a bearing of about 350 degrees and this should point you well north and outside the washrock. Following this trajectory you should come to the steep edges of the Carmel Trench where divers can follow a contour line at whatever depth they choose. Keep a close eye on depth and air consumption- it's fantastically deep near here.

Download this map of Monastery Beach or purchase a printed poster

North Monastery

Coordinates	36.525439, -121.925212
Depth	30-130+ ft
Skill Level	Intermediate/Advanced
Access Method	Surface swim/kayak
Protection Status	Point Lobos Marine Reserve No Take

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Attractions & Wildlife

The kelp here is abundant among the rocks along edge of the Carmel Trench and the protected status of the area means that this is one of the richest and most pristine dive sites in the region.

See what species visitors to the Point Lobos Marine Reserve observed via iNaturalist.

Entry & Access

A typical Monastery North dive plan

Park your vehicle on the West side of Highway 1. Farther to the South you can follow a well-worn sandy path to the beach- just follow it to the water and walk to the edge of the kelp canopy.

There is also a smaller trail you can follow through the eucalyptus grove by starting next to the preschool across the street from the Monastery. It's a little narrower and has poison oak along the side but it is a more direct path to the beach.

There is also a separate trail on the north side of the Preschool that will lead to the Carmel River Beach. This is a much longer walk and you definitely won't want to do it with gear but it's a nice hike for a picnic or surface interval.

Skill Level & Hazards

Entry and exit to Monastery Beach can be dangerous. The steep slope of the beach and the pounding surf make this a site only to be explored under ideal circumstances and then with some caution. Over the course of a dive, conditions can change and may be more difficult on the way in than they were on the way out. Leave your pride at home and use the "Monastery Crawl" on all fours with your regulator in until you are completely out of the surf zone on dry sand. Stick with your buddy and be in good physical condition.