Point Lobos State Reserve, Carmel Bay
Point Lobos State Reserve is a jewel in the Central Coast. It is somewhat protected from northerly swells, and southern swells usually leave the sites in the park very diveable. The park itself sits near a finger of the deep water Carmel canyon. Consequently, cold clear water is frequently flushed into the mouth of Whaler's Cove yielding great visibility. I have seen viz upwards of 80 feet when Monterey Bay is reporting 3-5 feet.
This is also the premier spot for technical diving. Several hundred yards off-shore can get you deep very quickly. The nutrient rich waters provide a wealth of food, so the sites are teaming with life. It is also a strict no take zone, so it is one of your only chances to see what the underwater of Carmel Bay looked like years ago.
Diving is by a reservation system that controls the number of divers in the park, and the buddy system is strictly enforced. Small boats can be launched from Whaler's Cove.
Whaler's Cove in Point Lobos State Reserve |
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Hermissenda and Friend |
Striped Ronquil |
Vermillion Rockfish |
Trio of Shrimp |
Copper Rockfish |
Black Rockfish |
Staring Gopher |
Not-quite Male Sheephead |
Deenie Descending on Middle Reef |
Snubnose Sculpins |
Kelp Forest |
Egg Yolk Jelly |
Jelly in the Canopy |
Pair of Hermissendas |
Ling on a Ledge |
Comb Jelly |
Black&Yellow in Cave |
Jellyfish Tenticles |