La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour

Paddle a kayak out to the La Jolla sea caves on this 2 hour tour. Take in the scenery as you go and enjoy your time on the water.

Overview

Two hours on the water with Bike and Kayak Tours, Inc. gets you into the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, where three distinct habitats sit close together: rocky reefs, sandy flats, and kelp beds. The tour paddles to all three, then works its way along the sea cliffs to the seven caves of La Jolla. The group goes into Clam's Cave, the largest of the seven.

Before anyone launches, there is a paddling lesson and a safety briefing, and all the core equipment is provided: kayak, paddle, lifejacket, and helmet. Wetsuits and lockers can be rented at check-in for anyone who wants them. Once out on the water, you have the chance to see the reserve's marine life, which regularly includes sea lions, harbor seals, garibaldi, leopard sharks, and guitarfish, with dolphins making occasional appearances.

The tour suits confident swimmers and children aged five and up. Reviews of this tour repeatedly mention guides who are knowledgeable and funny. Ocean conditions vary, and one reviewer's group was kept out of the caves because of high waves, so treat cave entry as a bonus rather than a guarantee.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at the shopCheck in at Bike and Kayak Tours Inc in La Jolla at 2158 Avenida De La Playa. Lockers and wetsuits can be rented here.
2. Lesson and briefingTake a paddling lesson and safety briefing, then collect the kayak, paddle, lifejacket, and helmet.
3. Guided paddle, 1.5 hoursPaddle through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve across rocky reefs, sandy flats, and kelp beds, visiting the seven caves with a possible stop in Clam's Cave. This portion is listed as optional in the itinerary.
4. Return to the shopArrive back at Bike and Kayak Tours Inc in La Jolla, where the tour ends.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you arrive prepared, since this is an ocean tour and conditions shape the day.

• Beach conditions vary. One reviewer mentions a rough ocean day, when their group was kept out of the caves because of high waves. Cave entry depends on the swell, so go in expecting great paddling and treat the caves as a bonus.
• Swimming ability. The listing recommends this tour for swimmers only, and for children aged five and up. If anyone in your party is not comfortable in open water, this is not the right fit.
• Guides set the tone. Reviewers describe the guides as knowledgeable and funny, and one reviewer also found the instructors patient and helpful.
• Gear and storage. The kayak, paddle, lifejacket, and helmet are included. Wetsuits and lockers are available to rent at check-in. Gratuities are not included.
• Getting there. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way to the shop on Avenida De La Playa in La Jolla.
• Wildlife watching. Travelers report seeing sea lions and other marine life, and the listing names harbor seals, garibaldi, leopard sharks, guitarfish, and occasional dolphins. Keep an eye out while you paddle.

Common issues. The honest caveat is cave access: some travelers say the cave time can be brief, and one reviewer's group was kept out of the caves entirely on a high-surf day. Another reviewer found the ocean quite rough. Gratuities are not included in the price, and wetsuits and lockers carry a separate rental charge at check-in.

Common Questions