Posted by Chuck Tribolet on December 08, 2003 at 21:17:54:
In Reply to: why is that? posted by Aaron on December 08, 2003 at 17:51:14:
It's called "Pt. Lobos State Reserve", not "Pt.
Lobos State Park". Pt. Lobos is a nature
reserve, not a park. Parts of
it are closed to people.
Also, there are some
safety issues on that beach -- it's closely backed
by cliffs, no place to run, and a big set would
bounce you off the cliffs. And it's a sea lion
haulout.
Most of the water area of the park is closed to
diving. The Rangers need permission from Sacto
to dive there, and there has to be a good scientific
purpose.
Reservations are required to dive because of the
limited parking at Whaler's cove. The only
equipment requirements are no fishing (inc. spear)
or hunting equipment allowed in the park. You
gotta have a buddy (they DO enforce that one).
Free divers and scuba divers have the same rules
except for one: free divers don't have to show
a C-card at the gate (no C-card, no SCUBA).
"Snorkeling is not permitted at China Cove or
Gibson Beach" is because people are allowed on
those beaches, and they are outside the Whaler's
Cove / Bluefish Cove area where diving is allowed.
Divers tend to know the rules, but tourists will
occasionally show up and try to snorkel.
All in all, it pretty much makes sense, and Pt.
Lobos is worth any perceived hassle.
Chuck