Point Lobos Diving

[caymanmark]

Can someone recommend some dive sites in Point Lobos for relatively new divers (22 logged dives)? We have dove in Monterey Breakwater for OW cert dives, Grand Cayman, and the rest in lakes (Folsom Lake, Blue Lake, and Bowman Lake). We are certified AOW

 

[TSandM]

Whaler's Cove is the only dive site from shore in Pt. Lobos. You have to make reservations with the Park Service, which you can do on line. The cove is a very nice place to dive, and as I understand it, is generally pretty sheltered from the worst of the swell. The topography is beautiful and there is a lot of life there. Look for some of Gombessa's videos to see what it can be like!

There are a lot of very active Monterey divers here on SB -- I'm sure if you guys wanted to dive Lobos and posted requesting an experienced companion, you'd have no problems coming up with one.

 

[--tom--]

There are 5 easy dives that I regularly do. I have written descriptions of my two favorites buried in my emails. PM me if you want. I can post it here, but I am not sure whether everyone would want this lengthy description.

Two questions, 1) when was the last time you dove Monterey type conditions? 2) are you comfortable diving in those conditions? (kelp, cold, limited visibility, swell, navigation, lots of weight...)

 

[kathydee]

Hi,

I think you'll really enjoy Lobos. We dive it weekly and love it ! In general Whalers Cove if pretty safe if you are accustom to diving Kelp, but it's important to watch the tide tables/conditions report. Entry/Exit are on the algea slick boat ramp where numerous divers have slipped and broken bones. If there is surge,high tide is the best time for exit/entry. Weekends require reservations made 1-2 months in advance.

Drop into our local NoCal forum to say hi and post your local questions

NorCal - ScubaBoard

 

[Chuck Tribolet]

I will recommend what NOT to dive at Pt. Lobos: Don't dive Whaler's Cove
south of the the north end of the of parking lot. While there's occasionally
something interesting, it's not very good diving.

And go up on top of the bluff and note where the sand channel through
the kelp is. That channel is your friend.

 

[dannobee]

+1 for what Chuck said.

I personally try to stay away from Whaler's Cove as much as possible. Even if I'm shore diving, I'll kick out to the end of the wash rocks at Cannery Point, then start diving. If I'm feeling really ambitious and seas are flat, I'll take the shortcut into Bluefish Cove, then do a one-way dive around Cannery Point and back to the ramp.

 

[kristikrumdives]

Hello,
I am searching for a diving vacation place for mid december (always a procrastinator) and this sounds intriguing. I have done lots of warm water diving and w/ the exception of my initial ow certification have not dived in cold waters. Is there a local dive shop that would accompany people at this location for peace of mind & safety?

 

[fdog]

You can call Aquarius or Bamboo Reef.

...Since you're interested in Lobos, my vote for your experience level would be Middle Reef at Point Lobos. Easy to get to, easy to find, lots to see.


All the best, James