With a long shoreline of alternating sandy beaches and rocky outcrops, La Jolla is a popular watersports destination in California, with plenty of surfing and kayaking tours available.
People are drawn to the seven-mile stretch of stunning La Jolla coastline from all over California and beyond. While there are many ways to explore the fringes of the Pacific US here, kayaking tours are one of the most unique. You can reach remote sea caves and or get close-up experiences of the fabulous marine life that calls these waters home. Here are three of the best kayak tours from the La Jolla area. In compiling this list, many categories were considered, such as value for money, health and safety precautions and duration.
La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour
From $33/per person
Combining the impressive rock formations of the La Jolla coastline with the chance to spot marine life, this two-hour guided tour has been around for a while and is well reviewed. This option is best for those with less experience in a kayak: part of the tour includes paddle instruction. You will then paddle out to the La Jolla Sea Caves, looking out for sea lions, dolphins and sea birds along the way. Depending on the sea conditions, you’ll even get to paddle into some of the caves, ending the trip with a little kayak surfing back to shore. Groups can be up to 20 people.
La Jolla Whale Watching Kayak Adventure
From $49/ per person
If whale-watching is your thing, this excellent three-hour tour, led by a naturalist guide, aims to bring you as close to the gentle giants as possible without actually riding one. Theis daily kayaking tour runs only from December to March, when the gray whales are migrating past the San Diego/La Jolla region between Alaska and Mexico. You may also spot some of the area’s year-round marine inhabitants such as orcas, seals, leopard sharks and pelicans. All kayaking equipment is provided.
La Jolla 90-Minute Sea Cave Kayaking Tour
From $54/ per person
If you’re looking for some sea cave kayaking in a smaller group, this 90-minute tour for up to ten people is a great option. You’ll get to see the best of La Jolla’s Ecological Reserve on this tour, including kayaking into the Emerald Cave, one of the Seven Sea Caves. Be on the look-out, too, for sea lions, whales and leopard sharks (in their right seasons), plus dolphins and other curious marine creatures. Surf your kayak back into shore, a fun and more technical kayaking skill. Double kayaks are available for $76.