Whalers Cove Boat Ramp provides the primary water access point within Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, accommodating hand-launchable boats and kayaks (limited to 4 per day) and serving as the entry point for scuba divers exploring one of California's richest marine habitats.

Parking is extremely limited (approximately 15-20 spaces) and fills quickly, with boat-trailer parking prohibited at the cove itself and redirected to the Rat Hill lot; arrive by 7:30 AM to secure a spot.

The ramp is often slippery with algae, features rocky and uneven entry conditions with a sudden drop-off, and requires a $25 launch fee per boat plus dive permits ($20-30) that must be reserved in advance, with only 15 buddy pairs allowed per day.