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Below is the active list of scheduled boat dive trips. Be sure to contact the charter directly for confirmation, rates, booking and other info.
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Author |
: Bruce Watkins |
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Location |
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Monterey County
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Date |
: July 10, 2009 |
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Along the east side of the Monterey Peninsula may be found a number of dive sites with easy access and a fascinating array of marine life. As one moves from the Breakwater towards Point Pinos the sites become less protected, a bit more challenging, but have a better assortment of marine life. Midway along this continuum of dive sites is Otter Cove. This unique beach and dive site offers a moderate amount of protection from the northwesterly wind and swell, but not as much as points closer to Cannery Row.
The Otter Cove entry can be a little tricky since the bottom is relatively shallow for some distance. You can stand up 50-75 feet offshore! This near-shore area consists of algae-covered boulders and small rocks that are quite slippery. Plan on either entering near high tide, or slip/sliding your way into deep water. Once past the shallow area the diving fun begins.
About 300 yards from the entry the bottom drops away quickly to 50 feet. Here the bottom consists of a sand and rock patch reef with rocky pinnacles. The rocks and pinnacles become more massive the further you get from shore. Tops of rocks are covered with holdfasts for a bed of giant kelp, and the bed can be very thick, especially during the summer months. During the 2008 season, an unusually thick bed of kelp formed in summer, and the lack of big winter storms meant it lasted throughout the winter months.
Below the kelp holdfasts these pinnacles are covered with a colorful growth of invertebrates. Huge red Tealia anemones dot the surfaces of the surge channels, and giant green anemones are more common in calmer water where sunlight reaches the bottom. Fluffy white Metridium anemones are found on the upper reaches that are exposed to more water movement.
Below the Metridum anemones some rocks are covered with thick carpets of strawberry anemones, while others are covered with yellow, orange or cobalt encrusting sponges. Huge patches of some rocks are covered with bryozoans, and numerous species of nudibranch are seen grazing on the encrusting invertebrates.
The rocky bottom is scarred with nooks and crannies, and many critters may be found within. Look for small octopus, shrimp, crabs and the occasional wolf or monkeyface eel. Small lingcod and cabezon are often found in plain view waiting patiently for a crab, octopus, or juvenile rockfish to wander too close. Numerous species of rockfish are found here: gophers, blues, and browns. Small non-game fish such as sculpins, kelpfish, and gobies are found fluttering from rock to rock.
The most spectacular pinnacles are located near the edge of the kelp bed, and one particularly nice pinnacle may be found near the center of the cove and is often marked by fingers of kelp extending out from the main bed. This spot is particularly photogenic—with red strawberry anemones, giant Metridium anemones and a multitude of colorful sponges.
Of course, this dive site takes its name from the large number of otters that sometimes hang out here. When otters are around they are normally found at the far edge of the kelp bed that is directly off the entry. This area is a long swim from the beach, so I would advise either using a kayak or launching a boat from the breakwater to get to the prime otter areas. In recent dives I have only observed substantially fewer otters than in past years; perhaps, they have moved on to better hunting grounds. There does appear to be a corresponding increase in harbor seals. These are generally much less shy than otters, and it is common for a seal to accompany a group of divers for an entire dive.
If you veer to the right as you head out from the beach, the bottom is mostly sand with a few rocky areas. This area is easy to traverse in summer since the kelp here is particularly thin. The sandy bottom is a home to many bat rays. Divers often see these large rays either resting on the bottom or digging a meal of clams and other shellfish out of the sand. Bat rays are usually responsible for the craters you find in the sand.
If you dive Otter Cove from the beach, it will take a little more effort than other sites due the stairs and long swim. This dive, however, is well worth the effort since the area has more life and fewer divers than neighboring sites. If you have access to a boat, then you can enjoy the site with a lot less effort.
Dive Spot At A Glance
Location: In Pacific Grove along Ocean View Boulevard.
Access: Park in the little lot at the intersection of Ocean View Boulevard and Siren Street. Walk down the well-maintained stairway to the beach. No facilities, no boat launch. Monterey’s charter boats frequent this site.
Experience Level: Intermediate or better from shore, all skill levels from boats.
Depth: 10-60 feet
Visibility: Good, 10-40 feet
Photography: Excellent macro and good wide-angle photography.
Hunting: Otter Cove is included in the Lovers’ Point State Marine Reserve and nothing may be taken.
Hazards: Watch for surge and surf. Conditions here can change rapidly. Also, watch for slippery rocks near the entry.
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