Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is considered the “crown jewel” of California’s State Park system, offering scenic hiking trails and dramatic ocean views. Thanks to its well-protected cove, Point Lobos is also frequently listed as one of California’s best scuba diving destinations.
Experienced California divers hold Point Lobos in high regard as a bucket-list diving spot that’s dramatically different from warm-water tropical dives, offering a cold and rugged glimpse into the Monterey Bay region’s kelp forest ecosystem.
A tightly protected underwater preserve
Point Lobos State Marine Reserve protects both the area’s dramatic shoreline and an underwater park. Beneath the surface, divers can explore some of California’s most dramatic kelp forests and rocky reef terrain. The area is home to hundreds of animals, including sea otters, seals, sea lions, dolphins, whales, and tide pool critters like sea stars and abalone.
Scuba and freediving are restricted to Whalers Cove and Bluefish Cove, preserving the rest of the sensitive coastline from underwater traffic and collecting. Divers may only enter and exit through the access ramp at Whalers Cove, and California State Parks limits daily permits to only 10 buddy teams. Solo diving is not allowed.
As a result of the limited diving capacity, the experience stays nicely uncrowded, creating a memorable and solitary diving environment.
Point Lobos scuba diving at a glance
📍 Location: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
🤿 Dive areas: Whalers Cove and Bluefish Cove only
📅 Reservations: Diving reservations cost $20-30, and kayak/SUP reservations cost $10. Bookings can be made as far ahead as the current month plus one month.
🌐 Learn more: Point Lobos SCUBA Diving – California State Parks