Offering one of the richest marine habitats in the state of California, thanks to the fact that all marine animals and plant life here are fully protected by law, Point Lobos State Reserve is located just off Highway 1, about 3 miles south of the lovely little city of Carmel. This stunning site features magnificent kelp forests stretching up from the depths, along with incredible marine life that is rarely encountered in most other places. Let's take a closer look.
Diving Point Lobos
While Point Lobos, which is named after the sea lions that thrive here, is a favorite destination for photographers, painters, and nature lovers of every stripe, about fifty percent of the area's beauty is found beneath the water's surface, meaning only divers get the opportunity to enjoy what is often referred to as California's state parks system's "crown jewel".
Entry and exit is limited to the access ramp located at the Whaler's cove parking lot. From there, you'll find yourself coming face to face with harbor seals and sea lions, sea otters, and an incredible abundance of fish including lingcod, cabezon, and colorful rockfish; if you are very lucky, you may hear whale songs or even encounter whales while diving.
At Whaler's cove, you'll find a pair of parallel walls rising 60 feet up from the sandy channel below, and all along the reef top, tunicates, feather duster worms, and patches of brilliant pink and red strawberry anemone can be found. Huge white snowball nudibranchs are often encountered here, and fantastic colonies of hydrocoral add even more color to a scene that is almost unbelievably beautiful. In the shallow areas, orange cup coral and brilliant green eel grass provide a marvelous habitat for additional macro life. If you're a photographer, you'll think you've died and gone to heaven.
Maximum depth in the preserve is 100 feet, and visibility is usually between 20 and 30 feet, although you'll find it extends to about 60 feet between September and November.
To dive here, you've got to register ahead of time since diving is limited to fifteen teams of two buddies apiece each day. Permits are issued on a daily basis, and you'll need to present your c-card along with a photo ID, plus you will need to pay the daily parking fee. If you want to dive with a group, group reservations for parties of up to ten divers may be made in advance. Snorkeling is permitted, as is kayaking; there are fees for these activities, as well. In addition, as all the marine mammals here are protected under the Federal Marine Mammal act and California state law, anyone caught harassing or disturbing these animals faces steep fines and potential jail time. Keep your distance, and enjoy what is certain to be one of the most memorable California dives you've ever experienced. While you're at the park, visit Whaler's Cabin Museum and the Whaling Station Museum, and don't worry about bringing non-divers with you - there are plenty of trails and topside attractions to keep them busy while you are exploring the underwater world.