Boating, Fishing, and Travel Information for Carmel Cove, Carmel Bay, CA

Carmel Bay is located off the coast of the city of Carmel (previously known as Carmel-by-the-Sea) in Monterey County, CA. Much of the bay is protected by various marine reserves and wildlife within it is largely protected by the Carmel Bay Ecological Reserve. The city of Carmel is known for being very dog-friendly as well as unusual laws including prohibiting the wearing of high-heel shoes without a permit.

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Boating in Carmel Cove, Carmel Bay, CA Map View

Carmel Bay affords shelter in N and S weather to small craft having local knowledge. In N weather anchorage may be had in two coves on the N shore, Pebble Beach on the W and Stillwater Cove on the E. These are shallow kelp-filled bights, with rock and gravel bottom. Anchorage is in 1 to 3 fathoms, but local knowledge is necessary to avoid the dangers. In S weather, anchorage may be had in Whalers Cove (Carmel Cove) in 3 to 4 fathoms, rock or gravel bottom, but there is a rock covered 1¾ fathoms near the middle of the cove.
Navigation:
Click the “Map View” button above to see a chart of this harbor.
Carmel Bay is a 2.8-mile-wide open bight between Pinnacle Point and Cypress Point. The beach in front of the city of Carmel is low, but the land on the S side of the bay is bare and mountainous, and the N side is hilly and heavily wooded.
On the NE shore of Carmel Bay, and N of Carmel River, is the city of Carmel. The lights of Carmel are prominent on a clear night. The tower of Carmelite Monastery, 1.5 mile E of Pinnacle Point, is a conspicuous structure.
Cypress Point, on the N side of the entrance to Carmel Bay, is comparatively low and extends about 2 miles beyond the general trend of the coast. The cliffs are steep, and numerous detached rocks are close under them. The point is heavily wooded to within 400 yards of its tip. Cypress Point Rock, 12 feet high, is 450 yards NW of Cypress Point and is prominent from either N or S. A lighted gong buoy is NW of the point.