State Marine Reserve (SMR)

In 1960, some 750 acres of ocean waters adjacent to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve were set aside to create one of the nation's first underwater reserves accessible to divers for education. Later that area was increase significantly to 5.5 square miles to protect one of the richest underwater habitats in the world. 

Because the terrestrial area of Point Lobos is only about 500 acres, there is more area devoted to exploration underwater than above water. 

The Point Lobos State Marine Reserve (SMR) is part of a larger Marine Protected Area (MPA) with strict no-take rules for any organism within the protected area.

Divers exploring the underwater Reserve will encounter waters 60 to 100 feet deep full of abundant marine life, sea caves, and underwater pinnacles. The dive area within the State Marine Reserve extends from Granite Point on the north end to Guillemot Island on the south end.

Please note that diving in the underwater Reserve requires a reservation and a permit as well as a diver certification card. For more information and to obtain a reservation to dive in the underwater Reserve at Point Lobos, go here. 

All divers enter the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve only from the ramp at Whalers Cove.