La Jolla: Sea Caves Kayak Tour for Two with Wildlife Guide

Summary

Kayak past sea lions and caves at La Jolla Shores with a local

You’ll paddle out from La Jolla Shores in a tandem kayak with your own guide leading the way — spotting sea lions up close, gliding through kelp forests, and maybe even ducking into one of those wild sea caves if conditions are right. Expect some laughs (and probably to get wet), plus small moments you’ll remember long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

Somewhere between the slap of paddles on saltwater and the weird bark of a sea lion echoing off the cliffs, I realized I was grinning like an idiot. We’d just launched our tandem kayak from La Jolla Shores — the sand cold under my feet, wetsuit clinging in all the wrong places — and our guide, Jamie, was already pointing out pelicans skimming impossibly close to the water. The Pacific felt bigger from this low down, and yeah, I got nervous when we first hit those rolling swells.

Jamie kept us talking — about how the kelp forests here are basically underwater jungles, and how sometimes dolphins cruise right past (we didn’t see any that morning, but honestly? The sea lions more than made up for it). At one point a pup popped its head up so close I could smell fish on its breath. My partner tried to snap a photo but fumbled with the waterproof pouch — we both laughed so hard we nearly tipped over. The caves themselves looked almost fake from a distance, dark mouths in pale stone. We waited while Jamie checked if it was safe to go in; apparently it depends on tides and how everyone’s handling their kayak.

I didn’t expect paddling to feel so physical — arms burning by halfway through, salt drying on my lips. But drifting near those rock formations, seeing cormorants perched like little sentinels, it just kind of faded into background noise. On the way back, Jamie gave us tips for catching a wave onto shore (“just don’t overthink it!”), which… easier said than done. We landed half-sideways and got a face full of sand. Still worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak La Jolla Sea Caves and Wildlife

• Receive paddle instruction and safety talk
• Launch kayak at La Jolla Shores
• Paddle to La Jolla Sea Caves
• Explore rock formations and kelp forests
• Watch for sea lions, dolphins, and birds
• Enjoy kayak surf ride back to beach

Top questions

Is previous kayaking experience needed for this tour?

No experience is needed; guides provide basic instruction before heading out.

Can children join the La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour?

Yes, kids age 6+ can join if paired with an adult in a tandem kayak; all participants must be able to swim.

Do we always enter the sea caves during the tour?

No; entering caves depends on ocean conditions and group ability as determined by your guide.

What wildlife might we see on this day trip?

You may spot sea lions, seals, various seabirds, and sometimes dolphins or even whales.

What should I wear for kayaking at La Jolla?

Wear clothes that can get wet (swimsuit recommended) and shoes like flip-flops or river shoes; wetsuits available in cooler months.

How many people per kayak on this tour?

This booking is for two travelers sharing one tandem kayak.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

No; you'll meet at the kayak shop in La Jolla Shores before your scheduled time.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a tandem kayak for two travelers (with paddles), life jackets provided by your local guide, plus optional wetsuit rental during cooler seasons. All instruction is included before heading out from La Jolla Shores beach — just show up ready to get wet and leave valuables behind since you’ll be out on open water.