Monterey Bay · United States · Pinnacle · Wall · Reef
Aumentos Pinnacle
Granite pinnacle at 12 m (40 ft) with a vertical wall on its offshore face
Area photo: Tony Hisgett · CC BY 2.0
A granite pinnacle off the Pacific Grove shoreline whose two sides dive quite differently. The offshore face is a steep wall that falls away well below the crown of the rock, while the inshore side steps down in reef terraces and holds that depth until it meets the neighbouring Chase Reef. Which side you work sets the depth of the dive.
Where it is and how deep
36.6344° N, 121.9203° WPublished position for this site.
The dive
The highest point of the pinnacle sits at around 12 m (40 ft), so the descent is short and the crown of the rock is the reference for the rest of the dive. Drop over the offshore side and the granite turns into a steep wall that falls vertically to about 18 m (60 ft) before easing off and running on more slowly to 80-85 feet (26 m). That face sets the depth of the dive, and it is worth deciding before you get in how much of it you intend to use.
The inshore side is a different shape altogether. There the reef drops off in steps to 50-55 feet (17 m) and then holds that depth, running on until it meets Chase Reef. A dive that crosses the top of the pinnacle and works back along those terraces stays well inside normal recreational limits without touching the deep end of the wall. Finish over the shallowest part of the rock and ascend from the crown rather than off the wall.
Marine life and season
The sources we used don't single out particular species here.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good | Good | Good | Good | Prime | Prime | Good | Fair |
Season follows Monterey Bay: Fall (September-November) brings the calmest surf and clearest water after summer upwelling; winter swell makes shore entries hazardous.
Questions divers ask
How deep is Aumentos Pinnacle?+
The top of the pinnacle is around 12 m (40 ft). The inshore reef steps down to 50-55 feet (17 m), which is where most of the dive is spent, while the offshore wall drops vertically to about 18 m (60 ft) and then more slowly to 80-85 feet (26 m).
Sources
- Aumentos Pinnacle — Scubago (SSI MyDiveGuide)
More dive sites in Monterey Bay
Sand slope
Kelp and rock reef at 30-40 feet (12 m), with the trench a short swim out
A 77-metre wall at 18-20 m, off the cove boat ramp
Similar dives elsewhere
Two pinnacles on a 16-metre plateau, with a wall dropping to 60 metres
A rock pinnacle circled in one easy lap, out to 20 m.
A 12 m natural bridge marking the edge of a no-take marine reserve
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Maze-like rock stacks full of red sea fans to 40 m