La Jolla: Sea Caves Kayak Tour & Marine Wildlife Close-Up

Summary

Paddle into la jolla cove’s wild side meet sea lions up close

You’ll paddle your own single kayak into La Jolla’s famous sea caves with a local guide leading the way. Expect close encounters with sea lions, glimpses of fish below, and stories about the marine reserve that stick with you long after you dry off. It’s salty air, splashes, laughter—and maybe a little arm ache—but you won’t regret it.

What’s the experience like?

“Watch your paddle here—sometimes the kelp grabs back,” our guide Marco grinned as we slid our kayaks off the sand at La Jolla Cove. I’ll admit, I was nervous about tipping (I’m not exactly graceful), but Marco made it all feel like just another Sunday morning. The salt air had that sharp, clean smell you only get right on the Pacific, and there was this low chorus of sea lions barking somewhere out past the rocks. We hadn’t even left the beach and already I felt like a kid again, half excited, half worried my sunscreen was already gone.

The water around La Jolla is so clear you can actually see shadows of fish darting below your kayak—like little flickers in blue glass. We paddled along the cliffs while Marco pointed out pelicans sunning themselves on ledges (one of them did this weird head-bob thing that cracked us up). He explained how this whole area is a protected marine reserve—6,000 acres if you can believe it—and why that means dolphins sometimes cruise right under your boat. Didn’t happen for me but someone in our group swore they saw a fin. The caves themselves are wild; paddling inside feels echoey and cool, with sunlight bouncing off wet stone. There’s always a bit of spray in the air and honestly, my arms were burning by then but I didn’t really care.

At one point we just floated for a minute while Marco told us about grey whales passing by in winter—he said he’d seen one breach once right from his own kayak. I tried to imagine it but mostly I just watched two sea lions flop into the water nearby. They looked at us like we were mildly interesting but not worth getting up for. That’s kind of the vibe here: nature’s busy doing its own thing and you’re just lucky to drift through it for an hour or two.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak tour of La Jolla sea caves

• Arrive at La Jolla Cove
• Explore La Jolla Cove beach and cliffs
• Kayak through San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park
• Observe sea lions, dolphins, and whales
• Learn from naturalist/biologist guide

Top questions

What wildlife can I see on the La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour?

You might spot sea lions, dolphins, fish beneath your kayak, and sometimes grey whales during migration season.

Is there an age limit for this kayak tour?

The minimum age is 15 years old for participants.

Are guides included on the La Jolla kayak tour?

Yes, tours are led by local guides who are naturalists or biologists.

Will I get wet during the La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour?

Yes, all guests should expect to get wet during the tour.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

The location is wheelchair accessible and infants/small children can ride in prams or strollers nearby.

What equipment is provided on this kayak tour?

You’ll get a single kayak (for avid kayakers), helmet, and personal flotation device (PFD).

How big is the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park?

The park covers about 6,000 acres including ocean bottom and tidelands.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a single kayak designed for solo paddlers (great if you’re an avid kayaker), plus helmet and personal flotation device—all provided before heading out with your local guide into La Jolla Cove’s waters.