Fees · Destination Guide
Kelp forests, cold-water critters, and whale seasons on California's iconic bay
Key fee: Point Lobos Diving or Snorkeling Reservation
Weekday $20 + processing fee; weekend/holiday $30 + processing fee (per reservation for a team of two)
Confirm these fees before you book so your operator plan and day budget match what you will pay onsite.
There is no single sanctuary entrance tag for diving in Monterey Bay like you may see in some tropical marine parks. Costs are mostly site-specific: Point Lobos reservations and parking are the big ones. Many areas are state marine protected areas with no-take rules, which function like a permit system through enforcement rather than a ticket.
| Fee | Amount | Applies to | Where to pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Point Lobos Diving or Snorkeling Reservation | Weekday $20 + processing fee; weekend/holiday $30 + processing fee (per reservation for a team of two) Per reserved day | Scuba, freediving, and snorkeling at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve | ReserveCalifornia (Point Lobos reservations) | Reservations are required and daily permits are limited. Entry and exit are only via the Whalers Cove access ramp. No collecting tools or fishing equipment are allowed, and all participants must follow park rules including buddy requirements. |
| Point Lobos Vehicle Parking Fee | $10 per car Day use | Visitors driving into Point Lobos State Natural Reserve | Paid on site or via park payment links (when available) | Arrive early on weekends. Parking fills quickly and can affect your water time. |
| Point Lobos Kayak or Stand-Up Paddleboard Launch Fee | $10 per vessel Per launch day | Kayakers and SUP users at Point Lobos | Point Lobos payment links or on-site systems | If you are planning a non-diving ocean activity at Point Lobos, confirm launch rules and daily limits. |
| California Sport Fishing License | Varies by residency and duration Varies by license type | Fishing or spearfishing where legal (outside no-take zones) | California Department of Fish and Wildlife licensing system | Many coastal areas are inside MPAs with strict rules, and some species have seasonal or multi-year closures. Verify rules before any take activity. |
| 17-Mile Drive Gate Fee | $12.25 per vehicle Per entry | Drivers entering 17-Mile Drive | Paid at Pebble Beach gates | A common topside add-on. Costs and rules can change, so confirm current details if this is a must-do. |
Fee
Per reserved day
Reservations are required and daily permits are limited. Entry and exit are only via the Whalers Cove access ramp. No collecting tools or fishing equipment are allowed, and all participants must follow park rules including buddy requirements.
Day use
Arrive early on weekends. Parking fills quickly and can affect your water time.
Per launch day
If you are planning a non-diving ocean activity at Point Lobos, confirm launch rules and daily limits.
Varies by license type
Many coastal areas are inside MPAs with strict rules, and some species have seasonal or multi-year closures. Verify rules before any take activity.
Per entry
A common topside add-on. Costs and rules can change, so confirm current details if this is a must-do.