Inner Lover's Cove (Beginner/Intermediate)

Inner Lover's Cove is the next spot down the coast toward Point Pinos that I like to dive. I am not a fan of Macabee or Hidden Beach, and there is no beach access near the Aquarium or Hopkins Research. The near shore of Inner Lover's is a beginner site while once you pass the rocks of the point, the depth starts to rise and the possiblity of strong currents appear.

WARNING!!!! The City of Pacific Grove has a prohibition on entering or exiting the water in SCUBA gear inside the cove from Memorial Day to labor Day between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and sunset.

Inner Lover's Location
Underwater Site Map

Image Legend:   Red     - generally uninteresting unless you like sand or surgy rocks.
                         Yellow - better diving but tends to have less fish and invertebrates
                          Green  - best diving at the site

Be aware that the photos "compress" distances as you go from shore to the open ocean. It may appear that there is little good diveable area (green), but that is only because of its distance from shore in the picture.

View from the Street                                                                          

In the summer, there is a clear channel in the kelp. This is your major navigational marker (colored yellow above).  The kelp to the left is shallow and if there is a swell, it can be quite surgy. Visibility usually stays low.  To the right, make sure you get out from shore before taking a heading parallel to shore (towards the Hopkins Marine Station).

The dive to the left skirts the main peninsula (not the one in the foreground) and heads out to sea. The depth at the end of the peninsula is about 35 feet. Working your way out the boulders separate themselves into separate pinnacles. Depths begin to pick up quickly, so watch your gauge.