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La Jolla Water sports

Our most recommended La Jolla Water sports

La Jolla: 2.5-Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour

1. La Jolla: 2.5-Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour

Paddle to the sea caves of La Jolla and snorkel amidst the surrounding Ecological Reserve. Get up close and personal with the Garibaldi, Leopard sharks, rays, and other unique local creatures. Explore La Jolla's pristine underwater Ecological Reserve during the calm water months of summer. Snorkel in two unique habitats, the rocky reef between Goldfish Point and Emerald Cove, and the sandy flats outside of the Marine Room. Along the reef and caves, you'll likely see Garibaldi, sheepshead, blue moon, and other indigenous fish. Sea lions, Brandt's cormorants, and brown pelicans also frequent this habitat. Harmless leopard sharks, bat rays, and shovel-nosed guitar fish inhabit the sandy flats on the south end of La Jolla Shores. Snorkel in these shallow waters teeming with life throughout the warm water months. All snorkeling equipment and wetsuit (which can be kept for the remainder of the day after the tour) is included.

La Jolla: 2-Hour Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves

2. La Jolla: 2-Hour Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves

Take a lesson before the tour begins and grab all the necessary kayak equipment. The tour takes place in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve. There are 3 different habitats in the reserve, and on your tour you will have the chance paddle to all three - the rocky reefs, sandy flats, and kelp beds. Paddle to the seven caves of La Jolla and go into the Clam’s cave, which is the largest cave on the tour. See the local marine life on the tour including sea lions, harbor seals, Garibaldi, leopard sharks, and the occasional dolphin.

La Jolla: Sea Cave Kayaking Tour with Guide

3. La Jolla: Sea Cave Kayaking Tour with Guide

Discover San Diego's Marine Protected Area, home to a variety of fish, birds, dolphins, turtles, sea-lions, and whales. With the help of an experienced guide, explore the famous Sea Caves of La Jolla and paddle inside Emerald Cave in a double kayak. Watch sea lions sunbathing on the rocks and swimming in the sanctuary. Marvel at the bright orange garibaldi as they stand out among the vibrant green sea grass and numerous other fish swimming around and delighting the eye. In the summer and fall months, tour groups will often see harmless leopard sharks, and you may also find grey whales in their migration during the winter. You might even see dolphins cruising alongside your kayak before you make your way back and prepare to surf your kayak back to shore.

La Jolla Underwater Park: Kayak and Snorkel Tour

4. La Jolla Underwater Park: Kayak and Snorkel Tour

Kayak out into the reserve with your guides, who will lead the group to the best snorkeling spot on that day. One of your guides will drop anchor, secure your kayaks, and lead you snorkeling in the reserve, pointing out the marine life as you go.  Explore the area around the Seven Caves, set within a sea cliff, six of them only being accessible by kayak. Here, have the chance to swim with La Jolla’s best such as sea lions, garibaldi, bat rays, shovel nose guitar fish, and even dolphins and sea turtles, if you’re lucky.

La Jolla: Guided Snorkeling Tour

5. La Jolla: Guided Snorkeling Tour

Interact with marine animals at a safe distance and spend the day on this beautiful reserve with experienced snorkel experts to guide you. You will see marine life such as sharks, exotic fish, dolphins, seals, turtles and a multitude of sea life swimming amongst them. With four microhabitats to swim through, you will find a wide variety of underwater flora and fauna. With a small group, you’ll get a much more intimate experience of life underneath the water, with one of our guides and local lifeguards accompanying you while you swim. Guests must have a basic level of swimming to participate in this activity. As this is an introductory tour, families with younger children (age 5+) are also welcome, as well as people who feel more comfortable being guided in their snorkeling.

La Jolla: 1.5-Hour Surfing Lesson

6. La Jolla: 1.5-Hour Surfing Lesson

Has learning to surf been your dream? Your dream can become a reality on the calm waters of La Jolla Shores, the best spot to learn. Your experienced instructors are eager to share their passion for surfing with beginners and intermediates alike: no experience necessary, all equipment provided. Your instructors respect each student’s choice regarding his or her level of participation in the lesson, and comfort in the water. You’ll have fun learning how to surf in a safe environment. Your experienced instructor will teach you the fundamentals of surfing and ocean safety on land, before heading into the water to catch some waves with your group. Continually voted one of the best spots for beginner and intermediate surfers in San Diego, the calm waters of La Jolla Shores are an ideal place to learn how to surf in a fun, yet safe environment. Public and private options are available.

La Jolla: Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

7. La Jolla: Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is one of the best ways to get out and enjoy the water. The sport began as an ancient Hawaiian tradition that was reintroduced to the world in the mid-60s.  SUP boarding is one of the best ways to explore the Seven Sea Caves of La Jolla, a remarkable creation full of marine wildlife. These 7 unique sea caves are filled with local history and natural beauty. The La Jolla Ecological Reserve starts at the Seven Sea Caves and extends north to Scripps Pier. This remarkable stretch of water is home to an underwater park, part of La Jolla's submarine canyon, giant kelp forests and a rocky reef.  The preserve shelters numerous species, including leopard sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, dolphins and migrating whales. Only 2% of the world's ocean water is protected by state and federal law, which also makes La Jolla's ecological reserve a rare place to see undisturbed wildlife in their natural habitat. The stand up paddle boards are inflatable, lightweight, and easy to transport from the shop to the beach and back.

La Jolla: Double Kayak Rental

8. La Jolla: Double Kayak Rental

Chart your own course through California's breathtaking La Jolla Ecological Reserve with this kayak rental service. Pick up your equipment at the beach, receive a quick safety briefing from your host, then set out to discover the impressive wildlife, including birds, fish, and dolphins. Begin your experience by checking in at the shop, then head to the beach for your safety briefing. Hop into your double kayak and get going. Get the chance to see a variety of marine life while kayaking around the ecological reserve. See different kinds of fish, birds, seals, sea lions, dolphins, and even whales, depending on the time of year. Take in impressive scenery as you go. Sail past the beautiful town of La Jolla from the water, and take in the amazing scenery.

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What people are saying about La Jolla

Had a really fun experience with my friend. It was both our first time kayaking and Danielle did an amazing job telling us fun facts about the beach/water/sea animals, etc. We both thought Danielle was really funny and you can tell how much she loves the water life with her enthusiasm! Highly recommend coming here, not just for kayaking.

Cali was the absolute best!!!! We had so much fun! We are going to come back in August and do another snorkeling trip!

Excellent trip, guides were informative and helpful. Highly recommend it!

Excellent ! Fun and got very wet ! Caves were amazing and sealife !

Had a blast with Isabella and Cali and the setting was beautiful!