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

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/6

Duration2h

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for 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.