Stan’s Links

Interesting Sites

Chris Simmons' Abalone, Freediving, and UW photography page
Rocky's Northern California Scuba and Freediving
California Department of Fish and Game
California Diving News

California Ocean Sport Fishing Regulations
Marine Life Protection Act (MPA Regional Map, MLPA Regional Working Group Membership and Public Contact Information)

Dive Clubs

Central California Diving Council
San Jose Flipper Dippers

 Divers Alert Network

Dive Boats

Monterey Express
Truth Aquatics

Scuba agencies

Forecasting Tools

Water Quality Notices & Advisories (1-800-347-6363)

Monterey Harbor Tides

Incoming tides generally mean cleaner water, outgoing tides usually mean a little dirtier water.

StormSurf (Northern California swell and wind forcast)

A good consolidation of all kinds of swell height/period/direction, wind wave height/period/direction, white cap predictions, and other very useful info.

Surf forecast for south and west facing beaches

Coastal Water Temperatures

Chuck Tribolet's Monterey Summary

Swell Models

West Coast Summary

Note: Look at the wave direction/period rosette. The closer the blotches get to the center the stronger the surge will be. For example, swells with a period of 8 seconds will not move you around much underwater; but, 17 to 20 second swells no matter what their size will push you around a lot. Also, watch the swell direction, 320 to 330 can blow Monterey out but Carmel might be sheltered enough to dive; 270 will usually blow Carmel out. Look at the color scale and look at the map to see what the projected wave height will be. Be aware the height of the tide can affect what kind of wave action a beach will see.

Live Cameras

Del Monte Beach from near the Hotel on highway 1.

Hopkins Marine Station looking toward Lovers' Cove