Hey Kiera, your experiences in Monterey about sum it up..sometimes it's amazing and sometimes it's awful. I've been there with 70' vis and other times have barely been able to see my hands. it depends on so many factors. You can always call the dive shops down there and get an update before going. If you're going to do boat diving then you may have some better vis but not always. It really depends on weather and the plankton bloom and if at breakwaters or Mcabee, how many new divers are kicking up sand. Sorry this isn't too helpful! But calling Glenn's or Monterey Divers is a good idea to get an idea of conditions if you're planning to head down there.

I'm heading to Pt. Lobos this Saturday, so I'll let you know . . . it's been 12 years since I dived there. Anxious to get back into the regular diving thing! I too am interested in diving with other folks. My partner and I just got re-certified after a 10 year hiatus to the East Coast with no diving.