5 La Jolla Kayaking Tours to Book Early

1.La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour For Two (Tandem Kayak)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,205 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $75Our pick

Paddle a tandem kayak from La Jolla Shores toward the sea caves with a professional guide such as Alex, Hannah, Ike, or Cassidy. You’ll learn basic technique, watch for sea lions, seals, birds, leopard sharks, dolphins, and other marine life, then ride the waves back to shore. Cave entry depends on conditions and guide approval.

“Second kayak trip with this company this year and it was awesome again! Brody and Adam are pros - humorous, enthusiastic, confident and capable as they kept us safe, described the surroundings, pointed out the wildlife, and made sure everyone was well taken care of. Easy paddle out this time over the breaking waves and the calm seas permitted us to enter the caves. We saw small tiger sharks in the shallows, two adorable sea lions sleeping and snuggly up in the caves, a breathtaking shoreline view as we paddled, close up view of the sea lions at La Jolla point as the tourists looked down, and the icing on…”

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2.Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 871 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)

Paddle a two-person kayak through La Jolla Ecological Reserve for about 90 minutes with guides such as Sawyer, Hannah, or Lydia. Expect sea lions, seals, birds, fish, and perhaps leopard sharks, with a close look at one sea cave when ocean conditions allow. No kayaking experience is required, but you will get wet.

“Every person we came into contact with at the tour company were friendly and kind from the desk to the tour guides. It was enjoyable and informative.”

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3.2-Hour Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 586 reviews · 2 hours

Paddle from 2158 Avenida De La Playa into La Jolla Ecological Reserve with an English-speaking guide. After a safety lesson, you’ll explore rocky reefs, sandy flats, kelp beds, and the seven sea caves, entering Clam’s Cave when tides and surf allow. Guides such as Zach, Sammy, Tyler, and Cole add wildlife facts and local stories.

“Cool, fun, refreshing. Wish we could have seen the caves! Up close”

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4.Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 355 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Paddle a tandem kayak from 2158 Avenida de la Playa into La Jolla Ecological Reserve with a guide such as Zack, Sebastian, or Magdalena. You’ll receive instruction and equipment, then seek out Sunny Jim’s, Arch, Clams’, and four other caves. Sea lions, garibaldi, leopard sharks, dolphins, and other wildlife may appear, but waves decide which caves you can enter.

“Great tour and guides were very nice. If you are an experienced kayaker you can just rent the kayaks yourself. But if you are with someone who wants to hear the stories of the area, and need guidance going inside the caves then the tour is for you!”

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5.Sunset Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 24 reviews · 2 hours

Meet at 2158 Avenida De La Playa, take a short kayaking lesson, then paddle a two-person kayak through La Jolla Ecological Reserve. You’ll visit the seven sea caves, enter Clam’s Cave when conditions allow, and look for sea lions, harbor seals, garibaldi, leopard sharks, shovelnose guitarfish, and dolphins.

“Awesome afternoon kayak tour with lots of wildlife and nature! Would highly recommend :)”

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