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Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Carmel Highlands

The top 3 dive and snorkel sites in Carmel Highlands, ranked by diver reviews, with maps and photos. Read the Carmel Highlands guide

dive sites
3
reviews
19
Nearby areasMonterey8Pacific Grove8Carmel-by-the-Sea5Del Monte Forest3Carmel Highlands3Plaskett2Lucia1
3 sites, ranked by diver reviews
Whalers Cove (Point Lobos)1

Whalers Cove (Point Lobos)

4.5(15 reviews)California North, USA West

Located in Point Lobos State Reserve, Whalers Cove is the most coveted dive location is this area. The highly restricted access of the Park creates an environment teaming with marine life. You must make reservations well in advance to enter, and must register with the gate before diving in. A complete set of rules and regulations, diving locations, and a reservation form may be found here . Drive South on Highway 1 from Carmel, past Monastery beach. You will see the entrance on your right.

BeginnerMax depth 30 ftShore entry
No photos yet
2

Moby Ling Cove

4.3(3 reviews)California North, USA West

Getting its name from an old story of a diver's once in a lifetime encounter with a grey whale this is an out of the way dive site that should only be visited during excellent conditions. On those days when it is not too stormy you can find dives that are untouched in comparison to the more popular Monterey and Carmel dives. From Carmel, or Monterey take the 1 south to Garrapata State Beach. Once in the park look for a grove of cypress trees on your left. Parking is under these trees.

Shore entry
No photos yet
3

Point Lobos

2.0(1 review)USA, California, Monterrey

This is a brilliant spot for kelp diving! Lots of fish and the brilliant light shining through the long green hydrophytes offers lots of phantastic scenes for photographers. But the highlight is definitely the seals (and sometimes puppies) often seen there - when you're lucky! But of course: don't touch or harrass them! The dive site is part of the Point Lobos National Reserve, park entrance fee approx. 10,- $ / vhcl. Parking lots are just next to the entrance; freshwater rinse is available as well as restrooms. Entrance is quite easy, just follow the boat slip.

BeginnerMax depth 39.4 ftShore entry
Snorkeling & Scuba Map of Carmel Highlands: numbered map of the top 3 dive and snorkel sites, with ratings
123
Numbers match the ranked list of Carmel Highlands dive and snorkel sites. Full map with key

Carmel Highlands diving guide

Ready to check out the best sites in Carmel Highlands for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 3 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best dive and snorkel sites in Carmel Highlands?

Based on Zentacle reviews, the top-rated sites in Carmel Highlands are Whalers Cove (Point Lobos) (4.5 from 15 reviews), Moby Ling Cove (4.3 from 3 reviews) and Point Lobos (2.0 from 1 review).

Where is the best snorkeling for beginners in Carmel Highlands?

The top-rated beginner sites are Whalers Cove (Point Lobos) (4.5 from 15 reviews) and Point Lobos (2.0 from 1 review).

Where can I shore dive in Carmel Highlands?

Whalers Cove (Point Lobos), Moby Ling Cove and Point Lobos are the top-rated sites you can enter from shore.