Friday, June 21, 2013

SCUBA Diving Point Lobos California

SCUBA Diving Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Scuba Diving Point Lobos State Reserve-- California June 19, 2013

SCUBA Diving Point Lobos State Natural Reserve


Mid-week diving at Point Lobos with only 8 other divers.  The visibility was up to 30 in some areas. Water temps were normal 54 degrees. Getting in some bottom-time in Northern California

SCUBA Diving Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

The kelp was in full bloom and the sun was shinning. Here we are at about 30 feet.

SCUBA Diving Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Taken with my GoPro -- Subdued natural light shining down on the 40 foot-high kelp forests while floating around with the vibrant colored marine life.

SCUBA Diving Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

It's very peaceful diving in the kelp forest. Achieving neutral buoyancy is one of my favorite feelings in the world. A physical body's density is equal to the density of the fluid in which it is immersed...weightless!

SCUBA Diving Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Playing in kelp and enjoying the ocean surge. The very mellow surge makes the kelp dance underwater. I could watch it for hours if I could only stay warm!

SCUBA Diving Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

I tried to color correct this photo of an anemone in Point Lobos. It was too dark at 40 feet and we were covered by the canopy of the kelp. This area has a rich marine habitat and it's animals and plants are fully protected by state law from any disturbance, so no fishing or ab diving ever.



SCUBA Diving Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

There is a boat ramp in the parking area of Whalers Cove for easy access to the water. Walk in with all gear on and fins in hand. Once in the water, put your fins on and kick out to where you will drop down. Here is a list of all the diving areas in the Point Lobos park.

You NEED reservation to dive in this area. Click here to find out how.

There is a fee per car and per diver. You must have a dive cert card for each diver.

SCUBA Diving Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

If you want better quality photos, you should bring a torch or underwater flash.

SCUBA Diving Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Kelp blowing in the surge at Whalers Middle Reef

SCUBA Diving Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

My favorite way to view the kelp is to turn over on my back and just look up. It's magical


SCUBA Diving Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

A great way to maneuver the kelp forest is on a scuba scooter.

SCUBA Diving Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Selfie at 40 feet

SCUBA Diving Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Kelp is a large seaweed that grows in shallow saltwater with temperatures between 43 and 57 degrees.

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Whalers Cove parking area at Point Lobos State Reserve

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While off gassing during surface time, take a mellow hike up to the top of the ridge and take in the views. Point Lobos is breathtaking.

SCUBA Diving Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

After diving, use the free water hose to clean off gear and wash off.



My car and scuba gear

A good day, clean gear and now time for dinner!

I own all my own gear, but if you need to rent everything check out Bamboo Reef

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Happy Summer Diving!





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