Wharf II, Monterey 8-23-26
Erik Hoagland | Published on 8/28/2026
We chose the site for its ease of entry/exit and that the pylons and wall are often populated by critters.
The crew consisted of Jim, Oliver, Dan and me with shore support from Debbie and Dan’s puppy Deakin. Because San Carlos was closed for a locals only party, many divers and classes were at the Wharf. We agreed upon a safety plan of going out in pairs and if separated to return to the shore in 70 minutes.
The 1st dive was pea soup with visibility varying from 1-4 meters under cloud cover with a temp of 55. Oliver and I swam halfway down the wall and descended. At the corner we were separated. I was having trouble finding subjects for macro with the conditions.
2nd dive had improved visibility, the sun was out and I explored further down the pylons and found some Nudis and a shrimp protecting its home to photograph. Several schools of pile perch around 40cm were gathered under the pier. I was hoping in vain to find a fringe head.
I think all the classes were in the sand. I saw no one along the wharf although I saw almost nothing due to visibility. Coming back from the 2nd dive, it became very dark and I almost hit the corner as I could barely see it. There was an added cloud of murkiness right there at the corner.