Butterfly House

Kelp forests on granite pinnacles in iconic Carmel Bay.

Boat Access
20m Avg Depth
30m Max Depth

About this dive site

This dive site features dramatic granite pinnacles rising from the seafloor, covered in vibrant invertebrates and anemones. Divers navigate through towering giant kelp forests, a hallmark of California diving, searching for diverse rockfish and world-class macro life.

Diving Freediving Snorkeling

Site Ratings

Big Marine Life Good
Macro Marine Life Excellent
Landscape Quality Excellent
Water Visibility Good Viz
Famousness Famous

Plan Your Visit

kelp forestpinnaclecold waterboat divemacro photographywide angleadvanced only

Marine Life

LingcodCabezonRockfishNudibranchsHarbor SealCalifornia Sea LionMetridium anemoneGiant Kelp

Things to Note

Difficulty:

intermediate/advanced

Cold water, depth, and potential surge require good buoyancy control.

Hazards:
cold waterdepthcurrentboat trafficentanglement (kelp)
Current Strength:

Variable

Diving Conditions

Water Temperature Now: 18.3°C

Wind

Tide

Swell

Swell Height (m)
Swell Period (s)

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