My husband and I will be visiting Monterey at the end of May and would like to plan a day of diving. We are both PADI certified, but only dive a couple times a year, so would we would like to arrange a guided tour with an instructor and (if applicable) a group of other divers.

Can anyone recommend some good diving operations in that area?

http://www.mbdcscuba.com/directions.htm and http://www.mantaraydive.com/ are the most popular on the peninsula. May is a beautiful time, here. Have a great time!

Thanks TTess! I have inquired with both regarding availability for the Saturday we will be there.

I haven't been/done, but my cousins and my son and his girlfriend have, so I just want to be sure you know that the water in Monterey is frigid - everyone who dives there mentions it, so I guess it's true.

You're welcome, lightfoot33. We have many divers coming here, year-round. It's definitely a destination with our underwater canyon.

I've done some beach dives on the Penninsula, Lover's Point, Butterfly House, Monastry Beach and Whaler's Cove in Point Lobos; but unfortunately I can't remember the company. Yes, you have to wear full wetsuits (gloves, booties, hood), but the diving is brilliant. Don't know anything about boat dives--unfortunately I have bad motion sickness and didn't like to take meds when I dove.

SAB - Please don't dive at Monastery Beach any longer. I enjoy your posts and want them to continue. We've had way too many divers and beach goers drown in that area. Hence, its nickname Mortuary Beach.

TTess--it has been a very long time since I dove at Monastery, and then it was only once because the currents at the beach were fierce. Had to be dragged out of the surf. So have no fear, I will live to eat at Christopher's some more!!!

Thanks again for all the tips. I think we will probably go with Monterey Bay Dive Company. http://www.mbdcscuba.com/

Any specific sites that you recommend, or should I trust their expertise and recommendation?

As for the cold water temps, I have been warned and will expect it. I actually got PADI certified in the rock quarries in Southern Indiana, where the water temps were so cold that even WITH full gear and a hood, we were all still shivering the whole time underwater. I get cold just thinking about it

SAB - whew! Glad to hear it.

By the way, did I tell you that Billy Quon Lee opened another restaurant?

Lightfoot - I see divers at San Carlos, Bird Rock & Pt. Lobos, most frequently. The dive companies are the pros...they know their stuff.><

oops! This smiley >< was meant for SAB.