Dive Information

SCUBA diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding reservations can be made for Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Reservations can be made as much as 60 days (two months) in advance or as little as one day in advance.
 
Activity Fees
Scuba Diving - $10.00 per person
Snorkeling - $ 10.00 per person
Kayaking - $ 5.00 per Kayak
Stand-up Paddle boarding - $ 5.00 per person
Boats / Vessels - $ 5.00 launch fee per vessel (collected at entrance station)
 
Payments for reservations are processed through PayPal. When a reservation is confirmed by the Dive Reservation Coordinator, a confirmation email letter is sent to you with your team number and a link for PayPal at the bottom of the email. If you do not have an account with PayPal, they have a one time payment option for you. All reservations must be paid for within 3 days upon receiving a confirmation letter or the reservation will be forfeited. Please bring your receipt of payment from PayPal when entering the reserve as your proof of reservation. We also accept payments by personal check. If you wish to mail us payment by check, make the check payable to “Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.” Note your confirmation number in the memo section. Our mailing address is listed below.
 
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Route 1 Box 62
Carmel, Ca 93923
Att. Dive Reservations Coordinator
 
All reservations are non-refundable and non-transferable once confirmed by payment. Point Lobos Dive Fee is $10 per person, two people per team. Divers arriving during the week without reservations are still required to pay the $10 per person dive fee, along with the $10 vehicle entry fee payable upon entry to the reserve. There is a $5 per boat launch fee for all vessels, including kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. These use fees are in addition to the $10 per car entry fee and will be collected upon arrival at the Reserve.
 
Group Dive Reservations
In order to better facilitate the increasing number of reservations from Clubs and large groups, the following will be implemented for dive reservations at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The State Park staff will be strictly enforcing the dive reservation rules listed below and on the website.
 

·   A group can make up to 10 team reservations per day (a total of 20 divers)

·   The following fees will apply to clubs and large groups: $10 per person + $100 processing fee

·   The original reservation can be booked under the name of the group. However, a finalized list of diver’s names and dive certification numbers MUST be received by the Dive Reservation Coordinator at least one week prior to the date of the dive. The final names are not transferrable and may not be changed once given to the Dive coordinator. If the person named on the reservation is not here on the dive date, the reservation will not be transferred.

·   Team reservations are non-transferable, and non-refundable.

·   Any individual reservations made outside of this program will be subject to the non-transferable rule that will be strictly enforced.

·   Reservations can be made up to 60 days (two months) in advance.

These guidelines do not apply if you are operating under a Special Event Permit or Concession Contract with California State Parks. If you are a research organization and wish to apply for a permit to conduct biological, geological or soil investigations/collections, please contact the Dive Reservation Coordinator, Kristina Rosado, at pointlobos@parks.ca.gov.  

CHECKING IN TO DIVE WHEN YOU ARRIVE AT THE RESERVE
Upon arriving at Point Lobos, each diver must show proof of diver certification. The only acceptable proof is the diver certification card (C-card) of certificate from a recognized organization such as NAUI, PADI, YMCA, NASDS, SSI, TDI, etc. If your C-card does not have a photograph, you may be asked to show your driver’s license or other picture ID.
  • Divers will not be allowed to check in without a partner
  • Divers will not be allowed to check in without a certification card in possession.
  • Divers who have temporary certification card must bring their temporary dive cards along with photo ID / drivers' license.
  • Please have your vehicle license plate number ready along with your vehicle description for the Park Aide to log in to make the check-in process faster.
  • No teams will be permitted to register after 3 p.m.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 7:00 p.m. during the summer months. The Reserve is open from 8:00 a.m. till ½ hour after sunset in the winter months. Reserve entrance fee is $10.00 per vehicle.
 
BOATS
Hand launchable boats, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are permitted in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. Anyone planning on launching a boat/vessel must complete the Vessel form that is available for download at the bottom of the online reservation form. Once you have completed this form, send it to the Dive Reservations Coordinator at pointlobos@parks.ca.gov. Vessels over 17 feet are not permitted to launch in the Reserve. Vessels are only permitted to launch at Whalers Cove. If your boat is on a trailer, the trailer must be parked at the Rat Hill boat parking area. (See Map) Keep speeds under 5 m.p.h. No Wake! Remember there are areas and beaches that are closed to the public for the protection of the wildlife. Do not come ashore at these locals; including but not limited to Headland Cove, Bluefish Cove, and the Beach at Whalers Cove. You can only go in & out of the water at the Whalers Cove dive access ramp.
 
Dive Shops
CA State Parks does not recommend or endorse one dive shop over another. We merely list these for customer convenience. Divers are encouraged to make their own decisions in regards to local vendors. We do not rent dive, snorkel, or kayak equipment; but refer you to industry professionals for equipment choices.
Kayaks
Anyone bringing in a kayak or other kinds of water vessels must have a reservation with us ahead of time for the weekends. To launch a kayak at Point Lobos during the weekdays you can make a reservation ahead of time or you can call the kiosk to check on the number of teams that have registered that day. The cost to launch your kayaks is $5 per kayak, as well as the entrance fee of $10 per car.
 
Rental Shops
CA State Parks does not recommend or endorse one dive shop over another. We merely list these for customer convenience. Divers are encouraged to make their own decisions in regards to local vendors. We do not rent dive, snorkel, or kayak equipment; but refer you to industry professionals for equipment choices.