Experience Thrilling Adventures with these 8 La Jolla Kayak Tours

Everyone that visits San Diego should do one of the La Jolla Kayak tours at least once. There’s nothing more peaceful than going to spot gorgeous coves and intriguing caves in the calm ocean while the sun is shining.

Undoubtedly, La Jolla is one of the best places in San Diego for a kayaking adventure. There are numerous kayak tour opportunities from hillside towns. These tours allow visitors to hit the Pacific Ocean and see unique forms of nature and wildlife.

Greg and I love kayaking in La Jolla and it is always a fun outing. It is pretty beginner friendly too, so even if you have never been in a kayak before, this is totally doable. The only tricky part is getting through the waves on the shore, but the kayaking tour guides will help you through. You will get wet though, so I recommend leaving your valuables in the provided lockers or bringing a little floating dry bag to keep your things safe. Definitely wear sunscreen and I recommend a hat and, unless you wear only swimwear, some quick-drying clothes (or bring some to change into later).

Here’s our list of the top kayak tours in La Jolla, you must check these out during your visit!

The Best La Jolla Kayak Tours

La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour

This hour and a half sea cave kayak tour will take you inside the area’s caves with the help of expert tour guides. Soak up some gorgeous scenery while catching glimpses of marine life, including sea birds, sea lions, seals, even occasionally dolphins or a sea turtle.

Grab the chance to paddle through stunning kelp beds surrounding the La Jolla Ecological Reserve & Underwater Park. Bring your GoPro because you want to ensure you get some snaps of this.

The tour provides all equipment, including a life jacket, kayaks and paddles, and a wet suit if you prefer to wear one.

Morning or afternoon departure times are available, and your guide will meet you at Avenida de la Playa in La Jolla. Before you head out to the water, full training and safety procedures will be provided.

As soon as everyone is good to go, drag your boat to the sea for a great time!

La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two

If you’re looking for more of a private La Jolla kayak cave tour, this hour and a half excursion for two might be up your alley.

Follow your guide, who knows the La Jolla sea caves more than anyone else, as they bring you through many diverse ecological habitats. 

See the likes of the wonderful Emerald Cove, the only north-facing cove in the whole state of California. Snap up the chance to get close to sea life, such as harbor seals, otters, and sea lions.

No prior experience is required on this tour. Your group of two will be shown all you need to know before heading out into sea. Use of the company’s gear and equipment is included in the price, e.g., life jackets, kayaks, etc. If you’d like to rent a wetsuit or locker, you can do so for an added fee.

Each participant must arrive at the departure location 30 minutes before to get organized. The staff members will get you ready and outfitted so it doesn’t cut into your kayaking time.

2 Hour Whale Watching Kayak Tour for Two

Now, for something a little different. This two hour sea kayaking La Jolla tour brings you to see grey whales.

Yes, you read that right. Enjoy an intimate experience for two people as you paddle your way off the coast of La Jolla in the hope of seeing grey whales. Learn about the creature’s behavior and how they live their lives while seeing La Jolla from a whole other perspective.

The tour’s meeting point will be 2261 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, Ca, 92037. Get there 30 minutes before to get geared up. From there you’ll head down to the beach for your safety briefing and tutorial with a certified guide. Depart from the shores and head 2 miles out to try to spot some whales. 

There will be plenty of breaks along the way for you to rehydrate and explanations about the marine life. One great thing about this activity is that the company donates a percentage of every booking to Greenwave & Urban Surf 4 Kids, so your money goes toward a good cause.

Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves

Seeing the seven impressive caves of La Jolla on your own without a guide can be a difficult and dangerous task. Join this two hour La Jolla cove kayaking tour to discover the popular seven caves, including Arch Cave, Clams’ Cave, and Jim’s Cave.

Float through the water seeing places you wouldn’t be able to alone. Admire awe-inspiring sandstone formations while learning how they were created. Get up close to leopard sharks, sea lions, dolphins, and more.

Anyone who hasn’t kayaked before will get full training upon arrival. By the time you get back to shore, you’ll be a professional. All equipment needed is included: helmets, life jackets, and of course, your La Jolla kayak rental.

Leave all valuables behind before heading out to sea. You’re promised to get wet, at least from the waist down, on this tour.

Like most tours on this list, get to the meeting point 30 minutes early. Your guide will meet you at 2158 Avenida De La Playa.

La Jolla Kayak and Snorkel Tour

Why just kayak when you can snorkel as well? This two and a half hour La Jolla kayak snorkel tour is set in the Ecological Reserve, and wow, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss out on.

Kayak your way from the La Jolla shores through jaw-dropping caves before heading out to open water for snorkeling. Wave at the leopard sharks as they swim around you — don’t be frightened, they won’t harm you. Other forms of sea life can be seen, too, like rays, shovelnose guitarfish, rockfish, sea lions, and spiny lobster. You’ll feel like one of them for a couple of hours.

The sea cave kayak and snorkeling tour includes essential gear like masks, fins, paddles, etc. If you do happen to have your own snorkeling equipment, you’re allowed to bring it along and use it. Just let the company know before.

An experienced guide will be in a nearby kayak at all times in case there’s trouble with gear or you need anything. 

Kayak Rental For Two People From La Jolla Shores

Escape the hustle and bustle of the San Diego lifestyle and spend time with your significant other, best friend, or child on this hour and a half double kayak tour of the La Jolla caves.

Row yourselves around the La Jolla Ecological Reserve at a pace that suits both of you. There’s no guide with you, so you can check out whatever you want.

A safety briefing will be provided before, as well as a list of locations you can and can’t visit. Arrive at the meeting point (Everyday California’s Office) 30 minutes early, your kayak and paddles will be waiting.

Depending on the time of year, kayakers may see different species of fish, seals, sea lions, dolphins, and whales. Don’t panic if you do! They’re enjoying the water as much as you are and won’t harm you.

Anyone who takes part in this La Jolla shores kayaking excursion must be a competent swimmer in case the kayak topples over when you’re out at sea alone. Unfortunately, you cannot bring the kayak inside any of the 7 caves. If you want to look inside, consider one of the other tours on this list instead.

90 Minute Kayak Rental In La Jolla

Take part in a 90 minute guided kayak tour of La Jolla. Grasp the basics of Kayaking, from steering to paddling, and see a whole new side to La Jolla you never even knew existed. Follow your guide past the breathtaking caves, charming kelp forests, and underwater canyons while listening to interesting stories and facts. 

With some luck, you might see different types of dolphins that are known to congregate around certain areas. These include bottlenose dolphins, white-sided dolphins, and common dolphins. 

On average, each tour covers about six miles round trip. So, you’ll be kayaking for the majority of the time. Experience isn’t necessary. If you need help, your guide will be by your side every second. When you return to shore, a scorching hot beverage will be waiting for you to warm you up.

Every participant should bring shoes which can get wet, a bathing suit or swimming shorts, sunscreen, and a strap to hold their sunglasses in case they fall into the sea. You can leave a change of clothes and valuables behind in one of the lockers provided.

There’s a minimum booking requirement of two people. The maximum number of people that can go on this tour is nine, so reserve your spot to avoid disappointment.

La Jolla kayak tours are a great way to see areas you wouldn’t be able to on a larger boat. Once you have a guide by your side, it opens up many opportunities. Plus, you know you will be completely safe wherever you go.

Which La Jolla kayak tour will you sign up for?!

For more things to do be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to La Jolla.

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