PACIFIC
Point Lobos · China Cove
- United States
- All levels (permit cap)
- January - December
Plan your dive
- Experience level
- All levels (permit cap)
- Depth guide
- Kelp reefs 6-24 m
- When to go
- January - December
- Site type
- Marine Reserve
Featured wildlife
- Giant Pacific octopus
- Common bottlenose dolphin
- Green turtle
- Spotted eagle ray
About this dive site
Carmel’s crown jewel kelp reserve with otters and orange fish.
Point Lobos State Marine Reserve limits diver numbers for pristine kelp, sea otters and cypress-backed coves. China Cove and Whalers Cove offer shore entries into Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary water.
Most trips target January - December, but wind, swell and current still decide the day's site. Calendar peak is January - December, but skippers still move sites when wind, swell or current change. Book with a crew that knows Point Lobos day to day, not just the map pin.