La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour
Paddle the coast from La Jolla Shores
⏱ About 2 hours👤 All ages$$
Get Tickets
Get Sea Cave Kayak Tickets
Skip the line · mobile tickets accepted at the door
You meet at Avenida de la Playa in La Jolla, arriving about an hour before your departure time, and launch from La Jolla Shores. The route follows the rocky coast to the sea caves and through kelp forests, and the tour ends with a wave ride back to shore. Tandem kayaks hold two people, the tour includes the paddle, a life jacket and a guide, and groups are small enough for the guide to give instruction and keep an eye on everyone.
Wildlife is a highlight. Sea lions, seabirds and brown pelicans are commonly seen, and reviewers also mention garibaldi, leopard sharks and occasionally dolphins or seals. Be aware that entering the caves is not guaranteed: it depends on ocean conditions, group ability and the guide's judgment, and some groups do not get inside. Treat the cave entry as a bonus and the coastal paddle as the main experience.
Come prepared to get wet. Bring a swimsuit, water shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and leave valuables behind. Wetsuits are available to rent in fall, winter and spring, for an extra charge. All participants must be able to swim, the minimum age is 6 for a double kayak and 16 for a single, and the tour is not recommended for people with back problems, pregnancy or heart conditions. It is not wheelchair accessible. Gratuities, food and drink and lockers are not included. Pair it with a walk around La Jolla Cove afterward.
What to Expect
Format
A guided tandem-kayak tour from La Jolla Shores to the sea caves, with a life jacket, paddle and guide included.
Best Time
Morning departures usually have calmer water; ocean conditions decide whether the caves can be entered.
Duration
About two hours, with reviewers reporting ninety minutes to two and a half hours.
Tips
Wear a swimsuit and water shoes, bring sunscreen and a hat, and leave valuables behind. Arrive an hour early at the meeting point. Consider a wetsuit rental in cooler months.
⚡ Quick Picks
Best For
Active travelers and wildlife fans who can swim and enjoy being on the water.
Families
Possible with children aged 6 and up in a double kayak; everyone must be able to swim.
Couples
A fun, adventurous shared activity in a tandem kayak.
Pair With
La Jolla Cove and Birch Aquarium are close by.
Time Needed
Half a morning.
Ready to book Sea Cave Kayak?
Get Tickets →Frequently Asked Questions
Will we definitely enter the sea caves?
No. Entry depends on ocean conditions, group ability and the guide's judgment.
What is the minimum age?
6 for a double kayak and 16 for a single kayak, and everyone must be able to swim.
What should I bring?
A swimsuit, water shoes, a hat and sunscreen; leave valuables behind. Wetsuits can be rented in fall, winter and spring.
What wildlife will I see?
Commonly sea lions, seabirds and pelicans, and sometimes garibaldi, leopard sharks, dolphins or seals.
Is it accessible?
The tour is not wheelchair accessible, though service animals are allowed.
More San Diego Attractions
Browse all →
La Jolla Cove & Coast
A stunning pocket cove in upscale La Jolla — sea lions and seals lounging on the rocks, clear water for snorkeling and kayaking among sea caves, tide pools, coastal bluff trails, and a walkable village. Free to enjoy.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
The public aquarium of the renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography, perched on a bluff above La Jolla — ocean exhibits, a kelp-forest tank, seahorses, tide-pool touch experiences, and sweeping Pacific views.
San Diego Whale Watching
Head out from the bay to spot whales off the San Diego coast — gray whales on their migration in winter and spring, and giant blue and other whales in summer, with dolphins year-round. One of the best whale-watching spots on the West Coast.