dive locations
Rod Rucker
Lobos and the pursuit of California Morays
(Whats that thing on the reef with the shiny white teeth,
Its A Moray.)
Point Lobos is an national park, both above ground and underwater.
It was the first national underwater park in the country, established
in 1960.
This superb dive location is located just south of Carmel on Highway
1, immediately south of Monastary Beach.
Point Lobos has two main dive areas, Whaler's Cove and Bluefish Cove.
Entry to the water is provided by a ramp, and is the only place
entry and exit is allowed. Excellent diving is found is Whaler's Cove
due to the varied species of sea animal. The kelp forests at Whalers Cove
and Bluefish Cove are home for a type of fish that hides by hanging
motionless in the water next to the kelp, imitating one of the fronds
Depth ranges from 20 to 80 feet with visibility averaging 20
to 30 feet. On a good day visibility may extend to 80 feet. On the
south side of Whaler's Cove is Coal Shute. Coal Shute has caves that
are exiting to explore, if you have a good dive light. Several sea
creatures not commonly seen may be found in the caves (such as large
Morays with shiny teeth).
Bluefish Cove is even better than Whalers Cove, but it takes a boat to
get to it. The average depth at Bluefish Cove is 50 - 60 feet and
visibility is usually 30 - 40 feet. It is common for large schools of
Blues to follow as you dive this cove. Big Ling Cod are common
in this area, and show no fear of divers (you can't take them, or anything
else at Point Lobos).
Everything is protected at Point Lobos. There is no fishing, spearing
or collecting, and this rule is strictly enforced by the rangers.
At any given time, only 16 teams of divers are allowed in the park,
which aids in retaining the beauty of this dive location.
Point Lobos is the pinnacle of diving in Northern California.
Water temperature is only 50 degrees or so, due to the constant
upwelling of water that keeps nutrients in the ocean at Point Lobos.
It is this constant replentishing of nutrients that contributes
to the large fish and animal population at Point Lobos.
--
Rod Rucker
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