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Have a question, click on this link to ask it!

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Point Lobos State Marine and Natural Reserve Videos—all footage from the Marine Protected Area of Point Lobos SNR and Point Lobos SNR

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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve and State Marine Reserve

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Design a field trip with PassPORTS Resources! 

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Design a field trip with PassPORTS Resources! 

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California State Parks Website--Point Lobos SNR

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California State Parks Website--Point Lobos SNR

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POINT LOBOS STATE NATURAL RESERVE UPDATE - 02-25-2021
California State Parks has reopened Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for day use. Some walking trails are open, and parking is available to vehicles on a limited basis. Social distancing protocols of maintaining a 6-ft distance and wearing masks are required.

Welcome to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is outstanding for sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, SCUBA diving, and jogging. In addition to the spectacular beauty, nearly every aspect of its resources is of scientific interest. There are rare plant communities, endangered archeological sites, unique geological formations, and incredibly rich flora and fauna of both land and sea. Deriving its name from the offshore rocks at Punta de los Lobos Marinos, Point of the Sea Wolves, where the sound of the sea lions carries inland, the Reserve has often been called "the crown jewel of the State Park System". Point Lobos has offered many things to millions of people who have visited it over the years.

This area contains headlands, coves and rolling meadows. The offshore area forms one of the richest underwater habitats in the world popular with divers. Wildlife includes seals, sea lions, sea otters and migrating gray whales (from December to May). Thousands of seabirds also make the Reserve their home. Hiking trails follow the shoreline and lead to hidden coves. The area used to be the home of a turn-of-the-century whaling and abalone industry. A small cabin built by Chinese fishermen from that era still remains at Whalers Cove and is now a cultural history museum.

Activities and Attractions - Many activities such as docent-led tours and the Whalers Cabin Museum visitation have been suspended indefinitely due to COVID-19 restrictions. Please call the park number listed at the top of the page prior to your visit for the most up-to-date information.

Point Lobos Foundation - Additional information to plan your visit or learn more about the reserve can be found by going to the Point Lobos Foundation

WHEN YOU VISIT ...

The following rules and regulations are for your own safety and to protect the plants and animals that live in the Reserve.

No Dogs
Dogs are not allowed anywhere within the reserve and cannot be left inside parked vehicles.

No Bikes on Trails
Bikes are prohibited on all trails in the reserve, but are welcome on the pavement.

No Collecting
Shells, rocks, wood, plants, animals and all features of the reserve are protected by law.

No Skateboards
Skateboarding is not allowed anywhere within the reserve.

No Smoking or Fires
Smoking and fires of all types are prohibited.

The reserve is strictly a Day Use facility and all visitors must exit by closing time.

No Drones
Drone photography is prohibited within the Reserve.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Fair sunny days, occasional winter rains, and dry summers, moderated by fog from July through September characterize central California's climate.
APPS ENHANCE POINT LOBOS VISITOR EXPERIENCE

There are two smartphone apps available for tech-savvy visitor to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve:

Dive Into Point Lobos - NEW!!

Join California State Parks and CSU Monterey Bay researchers as they dive in the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve off the coast of Point Lobos. Follow along as the divers swim through a thriving kelp forest and descend into a deep submarine canyon. You'll have the opportunity to explore dynamic marine ecosystems an dencounter amazing ocean animals as you learn how California's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) work to support a healthy coast and ocean.

Apple App Store link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/xplore-dive-into-point-lobos/id1522432091

Google Play Store link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.timelooper.xploreucmonterey

Discover Point Lobos - free app download from iTunes
This app provices an interactive experience which invites the visitor to participate in a virtual walk about the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, and learn about the animals, plants and geological features that are unique to Point Lobos!

SCUBA Diving and Snorkeling

The Reserve extends off the coast to include the underwater world of the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve which can only be explored by certified divers. This is one of the richest marine habitats in California. In the subdued light of the 70 foot-high kelp forests, divers can explore a world of vibrant color and an array of animals such as lingcod, rockfish, harbor seals and sea otters.

Marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and NOAA Fisheries (federal regulatory authority) has recommended guidelines for managed species of marine mammals, including whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and sea turtles (sea otters are managed by USFWS). NOAA Fisheries lists recommended distances of at least 100 YARDS (300 feet) for whales, and 50 YARDS (150 feet) for dolphins, seals, sea lions, and turtles: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/marine-life-viewing-guidelines/watching-marine-mammals-west-coast

Diving is permitted only at Whalers and Bluefish Coves. Proof of certification is required. Permission to dive is provided upon entering the Reserve. Reservations are recommended for the weekdays and are a must for weekends and holidays.
Make Dive Reservations Here

NEW! Coloring Book

Click here for Marine Protected Areas Coloring Book

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California State Parks, State of California

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California State Parks has reopened Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for day use. Some walking trails are open, and parking is available to vehicles on a limited basis. Social distancing protocols of maintaining a 6-ft distance and wearing masks are required. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is outstanding for sightseeing, photography, painting, nature study, picnicking, SCUBA diving, and jogging.

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This is a free, interactive app for iPads that highlights Point Lobos through the lens of history, geology, botany, wildlife biology, and more. Click the link for more info!

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Google Flight to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

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Google Flight to Point Lobos State Natural Reserve

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Point Lobos MPA Learning Module--Kelp Forest

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Point Lobos MPA Learning Module--Kelp Forest

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Point Lobos State Marine Reserve                                30 second Underwater Adventure!

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Point Lobos State Marine Reserve                                30 second Underwater Adventure!

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Captured footage on a GoPro trailing from the kelp kayak at Point Lobos, there is much to discover in the underwater area between Bluefish Cove and Whalers Cove!

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30 second Adventure between Bluefish Cove Whalers Cove

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Click on these red words right here to access some incredible sea otter documentaries: Search Results | Nature | PBS

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Kelp Forest Curriculum from our friends at the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

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Kelp Forest Curriculum from our friends at the Monterey Bay Aquarium!

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This incredible new app is free!

Join California State Parks and CSU Monterey Bay researchers as we dive into Point Lobos State Marine Reserve on the central coast of California. Follow us as we swim through a thriving kelp forest and descend into a deep submarine canyon. We’ll explore dynamic ecosystems and encounter unique animals as we learn how California’s marine protected areas work to support a healthy coast and ocean.

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Join California State Parks and CSU Monterey Bay researchers as we dive into Point Lobos State Marine Reserve on the central coast of California. Follow us as we swim through a thriving kelp forest and descend into a deep submarine canyon. We'll explore dynamic ecosystems and encounter unique animals as we learn how California's marine protected areas work to support a healthy coast and ocean.

Next best thing to scuba diving!

If you've ever wondered what it's like to scuba dive in the epic kelp forest found at Point Lobos on the central California coast, this is as close as you can get! App includes awesome, high-definition, 360' underwater photos that let you virtually dive deep without leaving the comfort of your couch. Great educational content about habitats and marine protected areas. Timelooper does it again!

Excellent virtual experience

Point Lobos is a beautiful, amazing place that very few people will ever get to experience due to its relatively remote location. This interactive tour brings a spectacular underwater kingdom straight to your living room, full of fun facts and sweet views. I would love to see this done with more California State Parks.

Pt. Lobos MPA

Easy to navigate and a fun experiential way to learn about this special gem of a place.I would love to see more pins with more habitat, flora and fauna facts for this, and all of the California MPAs. Bravo to the team that made this happen!

Information

Compatibility

Requires iOS 11.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone 6S, iPhone 6S Plus, iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPad Pro (12.9‑inch), iPad Pro (12.9‑inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (9.7‑inch), iPad Pro (9.7‑inch) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad (5th generation), iPad (5th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (12.9‑inch) (2nd generation), iPad Pro (12.9‑inch) (2nd generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (10.5‑inch), iPad Pro (10.5‑inch) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad (6th generation), iPad (6th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (11‑inch), iPad Pro (11‑inch) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (12.9‑inch) (3rd generation), iPad Pro (12.9‑inch) (3rd generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad mini (5th generation), iPad mini (5th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Air (3rd generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad (7th generation), iPad (7th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (11‑inch) (2nd generation), iPad Pro (11‑inch) (2nd generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (12.9‑inch) (4th generation), iPad Pro (12.9‑inch) (4th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad Air (4th generation), iPad Air (4th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, iPad (8th generation), iPad (8th generation) Wi‑Fi + Cellular, and iPod touch (7th generation).

Copyright

© Timelooper 2020

Family Sharing

With Family Sharing set up, up to six family members can use this app.

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‎Join California State Parks and CSU Monterey Bay researchers as we dive into Point Lobos State Marine Reserve on the central coast of California. Follow us as we swim through a thriving kelp forest and descend into a deep submarine canyon. We'll explore dynamic ecosystems and encounter unique animal...

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Exploring the Giant Kelp Forest at Point Lobos

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Exploring the Giant Kelp Forest at Point Lobos

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National Geographic Field Notes

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Field Notes | Exploring the Giant Kelp Forest of Point Lobos, Monterey MPA Collaborative

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Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a "crown jewel" of the California State Park system offers distance learning to K-12 students through the Parks Online Resources for Teachers and Students (PORTS) programs. Live interactive videoconferences are delivered from a kayak to classrooms focusing on the Marine Protected Area (MPA) of the giant kelp forest ecosystem.

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Marine Protected Area Coloring Book 2018 Web

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Point Lobos SMR Project-Based Learning MPA Unit

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Point Lobos SMR Project-Based Learning MPA Unit

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Caring for the Kelp Curriculum

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Point Lobos SMR Project Based Learning Unit

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Check out Whalers Cove in real time!

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California State Parks, State of California

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California State Parks, State of California

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Safeguarding and Underwater Wilderness

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California Department of Fish and Wildlife

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The California MPA Network:  Safeguarding an Underwater Wilderness

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A great website to learn more about Point Lobos SNR/SMR!

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Point Lobos Foundation | Point Lobos Foundation

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While the California Department of Parks and Recreation continues its work to find creative ways to sustain our state parks, Point Lobos is benefitting from the support of the Point Lobos Foundation. Our mission is to protect and nurture Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, to educate and inspire visitors to preserve its unique natural and cultural resources, and to strengthen the network of Carmel Area State Parks.

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Geologically unique, supporting rich and diverse plant and animal life both on shore and in the water.

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This story map requires JavaScript, but running JavaScript is not currently allowed by your web browser. If you wish to view this story, please enable JavaScript in this browser or try a different browser.

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This story map requires JavaScript, but running JavaScript is not currently allowed by your web browser. If you wish to view this story, please enable JavaScript in this browser or try a different browser.

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Get to know Point Lobos with this exciting StorySphere!

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StorySphere: Point Lobos State Natural Reserve