La Jolla: Kayak & Snorkel Tour with Sea Caves

Paddle into La Jolla's sea caves, then drop anchor to snorkel

You paddle a tandem kayak to La Jolla's sea caves with a professional guide, then anchor to snorkel the Ecological Reserve among leopard sharks, garibaldi, and rays. All kayaking and snorkel gear (wetsuit, life jacket, mask, fins, paddle) comes with the tour. The route and cave access depend on ocean conditions that day, so arrive ready to adapt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and snorkel La Jolla sea caves

• Receive kayaking equipment and wetsuits
• Paddle tandem kayak to La Jolla sea caves
• Anchor kayaks near sea caves
• Snorkel in La Jolla Ecological Reserve
• Observe garibaldi, leopard sharks, and rays
• Return to starting point

The experience

You're pushing off from La Jolla Shores in a tandem kayak, the two of you working the paddles in rhythm as the guide leads the group toward the rocky coastline. The water is clear enough that you can see down to the kelp beds, and the sea caves open up ahead: narrow slots carved into the cliff face where the light bounces off the stone in shades of blue and gray. The paddle out takes maybe twenty minutes, depending on the swell and how the group moves together. Your guide knows the route and the conditions. They'll decide whether the caves are safe to enter that day, and they'll anchor the kayaks in the right spot for snorkeling.

Once you're anchored near the rocky reefs, you switch from paddles to fins. The wetsuit keeps you warm in the water, and the mask and snorkel are already in your hands: no scrambling to find gear or figure out what fits. Drop down and you're in the Ecological Reserve, where the fish are used to kayakers and don't bolt immediately. Garibaldi dart around in their bright orange, leopard sharks cruise the sandy patches (they're harmless, your guide will tell you), and if you're patient you might spot rays, rockfish, spiny lobster, or a shovelnose guitarfish nosing along the bottom. The visibility changes with the day and the season, so some trips are clearer than others, but the creatures are there.

The whole thing runs about two to three hours from start to finish: paddle out, snorkel time, paddle back. You arrive thirty minutes early to get fitted for the wetsuit and life jacket, and there are rental lockers if you need to stash your phone and keys. The guide handles the safety briefing and the route decisions, so you're not navigating or timing yourself. You just show up in swimwear, get geared up, and follow along. Small groups mean the pace stays manageable and the guide can watch everyone in the water.

What’s included

• Tandem kayak for two people.
• life jacket and helmet.
• paddle.
• wetsuit.
• snorkel mask, fins, and snorkel.
• professional tour guide.
• snorkel time in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve near the sea caves.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 14 Mar 2027

Book up to2h before

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

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.

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Bike and Kayak Tours, Inc

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to paddle and snorkel La Jolla in one outing without arranging your own gear or navigating the caves solo. The guide handles route decisions and safety, which is what makes both activities fit into one morning.

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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.

What's included in the La Jolla kayak and snorkel tour?

Tandem kayak, life jacket, helmet, paddle, wetsuit, snorkel mask, fins, and professional guide. You bring swimwear to wear under the wetsuit.

How long does the tour take?

Roughly two to three hours total, including paddle-out, snorkel time, and paddle-back. Arrive 30 minutes early for gear fitting.

Can we enter the sea caves?

The guide assesses ocean and safety conditions each day. Cave entry is not guaranteed, and water visibility varies by season and conditions.

What marine life will we see?

Garibaldi, leopard sharks, rays, rockfish, spiny lobster, and shovelnose guitarfish are common in the Ecological Reserve. Sightings depend on the day and water conditions.

Do I need to know how to kayak?

No prior experience required. The guide leads the group, and a tandem kayak means two people share the paddling. Moderate fitness and the ability to swim are necessary.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, minimum age is 8 years old. Children must be able to swim and have at least moderate physical fitness.

What should I wear?

Swimwear underneath the wetsuit. The tour provides the wetsuit, so wear something you're comfortable getting wet in.

Are there lockers for my belongings?

Yes, rental lockers are available at La Jolla Shores where the tour departs.