Sunday July, 28, 2024 Ad-hoc dive - South Monastery beach:
Five of us gathered for a day in the salt, we split into two groups and then each did two dives.
Water and wave conditions:
Windy.com predicted 4ft waves, 4ft swell and 4 mph wind from the Northwest. These are ideal conditions for entry and exit a South Monastery. (editor - the waves at the beach were 6" to 1')
Temperature started in high 50’s and the sun just started to part the marine layer as we were entering the water.
The beach is in pretty good shape. We entered at low tide so the elevation change down to the water is a bit pronounced. Exiting the water at the far south edge of the beach is a good option for us quadricep-challenged bi-peds.
In addition to all the normal and expected marine life, we were treated to the uncommon and even the rare. Egg yolk jellies, Sea Salps, Sea Hares and a wolf eel out in the open really made the day.
The wolf eel was an exceptional sighting in the open.
It was sitting at the base of a rock wall on a clearing of pebbles and posed for several minutes before stretching out and sauntering off along the wall. Our presence appeared more a nuisance as opposed to threat. It settled to gravel clearing and hung out longer than our attention spans.
Large wolf eels are curious and are rarely aggressive, but are capable of inflicting painful bites. At six feet long with a head about ten inches wide this one certainly commands respect.
Learn more:
Windy: Wave and tide forecast for New Monterey, Monterey
Wolf-eel | Animals | Monterey Bay Aquarium
Sea Salps | National Geographic (youtube.com)
Sea Wonder: Sea Hare | National Marine Sanctuary Foundation