Point Lobos' restrictive diving capacity (15 buddy groups per day maximum) and no-take rules makes Whaler's cove some of the best diving available on the West Coast.
The Cove is often choked with kelp which makes for great wildlife but tough surface swimming. When kelp is densest in the summer and fall, the best time to plan a dive is when the tide is on its way out as a light current opens up a channel in the kelp that becomes far more difficult at slack tide.
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Whaler's Cove is subject to entry restrictions and capacity limitations. For more details on entry and pricing, see Point Lobos.
Parking is available at Whaler's Cove for roughly 25 cars; boat-trailer parking is not permitted and is allowed in the Rat Hill lot only.
Parking, bathrooms, and a water fountain are all Whaler's Cove has to offer. Food is not available.
One restroom with flush toilets is available in the parking lot.
No showers are available.
Entry to the water is through the boat ramp. The ramp is often extremely slick with algae and is washed rarely; use great caution while entering.
The boat launch's immediate water area is very rocky and uneven, dropping off suddenly and littered with large rocks. Ensure you have steady footing before donning fins.
Whaler's Cove provides access to the following points of interest, including the water region Bluefish Cove, which is only accessible from the Whaler's Cove entry and has its own set of points of interest.