Often
called the crown jewel of California's state parks system, the Point Lobos
State Reserve is a magnet for sightseeing, photography, painting, nature
study, picnicking, jogging and, of course, diving. The reserve, on the
central coast in Monterey County, offers rare plant communities, endangered
archaeological sites, unusual geological formations, and incredibly rich
flora and fauna of both land and sea. To protect the diverse natural
resources, strict rules are enforced. Daily diving is limited to 15 teams of
two buddies each. A c-card and registration are required, photo
identification may be requested, and permits are valid only for the date
issued. Entries and exits are allowed only at the access ramp at Whalers
Cove parking lot, and diving is limited to Whalers Cove and Bluefish Cove.
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and holidays when
interest is highest.
Depths to: 100
feet (30 m)
Visibility:
Averages 20-30 feet (6-9 m), reaching 60 feet (18 m) from September to
November.
Water
temperature: Mid-50s Fahrenheit (12-14 degrees Celsius).
Marine life:
Lingcod, cabezone and rockfish in the 70-foot-high kelp forests. You'll also
spot harbor seals, sea lions, whales and sea otters, and all are protected
under The Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act and state laws. No harassing
or disturbing of the animals is allowed.
Fees: A vehicle
fee is assessed: $8 for passenger cars and $4 if carrying a senior citizen.
A $3 discount is given for cars carrying a disabled person.
On-site
amenities: Picnic tables available at the parking areas of Whalers Cove,
Piney Woods and Bird Island. For a taste of history, visit Whalers Cabin
Museum, a structure built by Chinese fisherman in the 1850s, and the Whaling
Station Museum, the site of a whaling station from 1862 to 1879.
More info: For
reservations, call (831) 624-8413, visit
or e-mail ptlobos@mbay.net. An
information station at the Sea Lion Point parking area is staffed by docents
until 4 p.m.
Open: Daily from
9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Winter hours, beginning late October, are from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m.
Getting there:
The entrance is three miles south of Carmel, California, on Highway 1.
Often
called the crown jewel of California's state parks system, the Point Lobos
State Reserve is a magnet for sightseeing, photography, painting, nature
study, picnicking, jogging and, of course, diving. The reserve, on the
central coast in Monterey County, offers rare plant communities, endangered
archaeological sites, unusual geological formations, and incredibly rich
flora and fauna of both land and sea. To protect the diverse natural
resources, strict rules are enforced. Daily diving is limited to 15 teams of
two buddies each. A c-card and registration are required, photo
identification may be requested, and permits are valid only for the date
issued. Entries and exits are allowed only at the access ramp at Whalers
Cove parking lot, and diving is limited to Whalers Cove and Bluefish Cove.
Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends and holidays when
interest is highest.