La Jolla Kayak Rental for Two: 90-Minute Coastal Explore

Rent a Kayak in La Jolla & Paddle the Ecological Reserve Solo

You get a kayak, safety gear, and a five-minute training session, then 90 minutes to explore the La Jolla Ecological Reserve on your own schedule. The staff delivers and retrieves the kayak from the beach, so you skip the logistics. Bring a wetsuit if you want one, and plan to be in the water by mid-morning if you want the calmest conditions.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak rental and exploration in La Jolla

• Arrive at La Jolla beach
• Receive mandatory safety training
• Get kayak and equipment
• Explore La Jolla Ecological Reserve
• Return kayak for pickup

The experience

The staff member helping us load the kayak onto the rack kept saying "just tip it this way" and I kept tipping it the other way: turns out I'd never actually held a paddle before, which should've been obvious. But that's the thing about a 90-minute La Jolla kayak rental: you don't need experience, just the willingness to look a little foolish for five minutes while someone walks you through the safety drill on the sand. After that, you're on your own with the coastline, which is the whole point.

The rental includes the kayak itself, a personal flotation device, a backrest, and a paddle, so you're not scrambling to buy or rent anything else once you're there. Beach pickup and drop-off means the staff handles the heavy part. You just show up, get the quick safety training, and then paddle out into the La Jolla Ecological Reserve at whatever pace feels right. The water stays relatively calm in the coves, and you'll see leopard sharks, sea lions, and the occasional seal poking its head up. It's not a guided tour, so you're not stuck listening to someone's script. You stop where you want, float where you want, turn around when you're tired.

One thing to know: you need to be at least 16 to rent solo, but kids as young as six can paddle with an adult in the same kayak. The 90 minutes goes faster than you'd think once you're actually out there, so don't spend the first twenty minutes figuring out how to hold the paddle. The water's cold enough that you'll want a wetsuit if you're staying long or plan to fall in, but that's not included. You'd need to bring your own or rent one separately. Locker rentals aren't available either, so leave the stuff you don't need in the car.

What’s included

• Kayak rental for 90 minutes.
• personal flotation device (PFD).
• paddle.
• backrest.
• mandatory five-minute safety training on the beach.
• beach pickup and drop-off service.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day10 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 14:00

Book up to2h before

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Hike Bike Kayak Adventures

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to explore the La Jolla Ecological Reserve without a guide dictating the route: the 90 minutes and beach logistics are handled, so you just show up and paddle where the water takes you.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need kayaking experience to rent?

No. You get a mandatory five-minute safety training on the beach before you launch. The rental is designed for all skill levels.

What's included in the rental?

Kayak, paddle, personal flotation device (PFD), backrest, and safety training. Beach pickup and drop-off are included.

Can my child paddle with me?

Yes, if they're at least six years old. They'd share your kayak. The adult renting must be at least 16.

How long is the rental period?

90 minutes total, which includes the safety training on the beach.

Is a wetsuit included?

No. Wetsuits are not included and must be brought or rented separately.

Where do I pick up the kayak?

Beach pickup and drop-off are included. Staff will transport the kayak to and from the beach for you.

Can I store my belongings while I'm paddling?

Locker rentals are not available. You'll need to leave valuables in your car or with someone not paddling.