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 Whalers Cove, California
N 36° 31.144 W 121° 56.403
10S E 594902 N 4042045
America's first underwater reserve
Waymark Code: WM1190
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 12/11/2006
Views: 83
Kelp forests, sea otters and leopard sharks
All in one of California’s most beautiful parks.
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The California Department of Parks and Recreation's underwater parks program was established in 1968 to preserve the best and most unique representative examples of California's natural underwater ecosystems. Whalers Cove, located in Point Lobos State Preserve was the first project in this program and became America’s first underwater reserve.
Aquatic Dreams writes about this spot: Whalers Cove is the gateway to some of the best diving on the peninsula. Located in Point Lobos State Reserve, Whalers Cove consists of a sandy bottom with dispersed rocky outcroppings. Thick beds of giant and bull kelp cling to these rocks. And where you find thick beds of kelp, you find sea otters napping. During the winter, leopard sharks enter the cove to bear pups - there can be as many of 20 seen during a typical dive during this time! You'll also find harbor seals terrorizing them, as the two species haven't taken "why can't we all get along" to heart.
There are also two small caverns that you can explore if you have the necessary experience and certification.
California State Parks writes about this magnificent site: Half of the reserve is all you see unless you're a diver and visit the underwater world just offshore. This is one of the richest marine habitats in California. Its animals and plants are fully protected by state law from any disturbance.
Here is the official State Park dive map including very well written dive reports.
The State Park limits the number of divers to 15/day, so it is a good idea to make a reservation.
Here is another dive map and a couple of pictures, and here and here are some really cool pictures taken by divers in this marvelous spot.
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Water Type: Ocean
Salinity: Salt
Access: Shore
Maximum Depth: 70
Typical Visibility: Poor (11-25 ft)
Has Reef?: no
Underwater Life: Kelp Forest, sea otters
Wreck or Submerged Object?: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
1) To log a visit, at least a picture taken at the surface, including any distinguishing landmarks or buoys if present, is required. While you do not have to enter the water, this is encouraged.
2) If you dive at the site, describe your visit including any details you wish to share such as weather, water temperature, visibility, bottom time, and anything of interest that you observed, living or nonliving.
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