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Stillwater Cove
 Monterey, CA
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Entry Type: Shore
Aquatic Life: Might See Something
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Stillwater cove is recognized for its relatively
undisturbed marine environment. Due to the sensitivity of this habitat, only 10
divers a day are allowed access. Sorry, there is no night diving. To make reservations
for both diving and parking, call 831-625-8507 (Press 1 for Main Desk) or (Disconnected as of 12/17/12 > 625-5835) up to two weeks in
advance.
Directions: Located in the heart of Pebble Beach, the
drive here is worth the effort, even if you are not going to dive! Drive South
of Carmel on Highway 1 to Ocean Ave. Take Ocean Ave West and turn right on San
Antonio Ave. Wind your way North until you find yourself on Carmel Way. You
will soon intersect with the famous 17 Mile Drive. A gate guard will welcome
you and relieve you of some money for the privilege of hobnobbing with the Rich
and Famous. Travel North West for about 1 mile, and turn left on Palmero Way.
Travel approximately 1/2 mile and then make a left on to Cypress Drive for
about 1/8 of a mile, which ends at Stillwater Cove.
The parking and equipment drop off area makes it very
easy to drop off your gear very close to the water. We blew up our inflatable
right there and carried it down to the beach, very easy. Rowed out past the
rocks in the middle of the cove. If you go out in a boat try to anchor or stay
up wind of the islands, they are covered in bird poop and stink. I freedove for
about three hours, getting in the boat once to take a break and move spots. It
got deeper as I got farther away from the rocks and was hitting 40’ eventually.
I’d say the average depth of most of the reef is 25-30’, with steep drops down
to 40-50’ with a sandy bottom. The kelp was thick at the surface but not too
thick down below. Spearfishing was good, good sized schools of blue rockfish,
some olive rockfish and I even got a lingcod as he was going after a school of
small perch. Dove with a seal and a sea otter. The seal was quite curious and
got close, the otter was curious but stayed a short distance away. Very cool
dive spot, very protected. I used scuba after I had shot my fish and check out
the bottom a little more, I would like to see the underwater statue.
This place is beautiful. This is a wonderful beach with
great views of the golf course (I even found 7 golf balls). I saw lots of
harbor seals, which were very friendly underwater. They would slowly approach
and eventually be right next to your mask underwater. While swimming back in on
the surface, one even popped its head up between my fins! You will have to pay
at the entry gate ($8.50 when we went) but it is worth it. They allow you to
drop your gear off next to the pier and the staircase down to the beach is a
great place to gear up. Visibility was okay but I am sure it gets crystal clear
here sometimes. I found an underwater channel that I followed out and it was
nice. This is where I saw the most fish and also the harbor.
Interesting site. Calm with granite formations (cuts,
shallow canyons) and kelp. Very pleasant dive from shore or from a boat out of
Monterey Harbor.
http://www.shorediving.com/Earth/USA_West/CalN/Stillwater_Cove/index.htm