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San Diego Water sports

Our most recommended San Diego Water sports

La Jolla: 2.5-Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour

1. La Jolla: 2.5-Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour

Paddle to the sea caves of La Jolla and snorkel amidst the surrounding Ecological Reserve. Get up close and personal with the Garibaldi, Leopard sharks, rays, and other unique local creatures. Explore La Jolla's pristine underwater Ecological Reserve during the calm water months of summer. Snorkel in two unique habitats, the rocky reef between Goldfish Point and Emerald Cove, and the sandy flats outside of the Marine Room. Along the reef and caves, you'll likely see Garibaldi, sheepshead, blue moon, and other indigenous fish. Sea lions, Brandt's cormorants, and brown pelicans also frequent this habitat. Harmless leopard sharks, bat rays, and shovel-nosed guitar fish inhabit the sandy flats on the south end of La Jolla Shores. Snorkel in these shallow waters teeming with life throughout the warm water months. All snorkeling equipment and wetsuit (which can be kept for the remainder of the day after the tour) is included.

La Jolla: 2-Hour Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves

2. La Jolla: 2-Hour Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves

Take a lesson before the tour begins and grab all the necessary kayak equipment. The tour takes place in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve. There are 3 different habitats in the reserve, and on your tour you will have the chance paddle to all three - the rocky reefs, sandy flats, and kelp beds. Paddle to the seven caves of La Jolla and go into the Clam’s cave, which is the largest cave on the tour. See the local marine life on the tour including sea lions, harbor seals, Garibaldi, leopard sharks, and the occasional dolphin.

La Jolla: Sea Cave Kayaking Tour with Guide

3. La Jolla: Sea Cave Kayaking Tour with Guide

Discover San Diego's Marine Protected Area, home to a variety of fish, birds, dolphins, turtles, sea-lions, and whales. With the help of an experienced guide, explore the famous Sea Caves of La Jolla and paddle inside Emerald Cave in a double kayak. Watch sea lions sunbathing on the rocks and swimming in the sanctuary. Marvel at the bright orange garibaldi as they stand out among the vibrant green sea grass and numerous other fish swimming around and delighting the eye. In the summer and fall months, tour groups will often see harmless leopard sharks, and you may also find grey whales in their migration during the winter. You might even see dolphins cruising alongside your kayak before you make your way back and prepare to surf your kayak back to shore.

La Jolla Underwater Park: Kayak and Snorkel Tour

4. La Jolla Underwater Park: Kayak and Snorkel Tour

Kayak out into the reserve with your guides, who will lead the group to the best snorkeling spot on that day. One of your guides will drop anchor, secure your kayaks, and lead you snorkeling in the reserve, pointing out the marine life as you go.  Explore the area around the Seven Caves, set within a sea cliff, six of them only being accessible by kayak. Here, have the chance to swim with La Jolla’s best such as sea lions, garibaldi, bat rays, shovel nose guitar fish, and even dolphins and sea turtles, if you’re lucky.

La Jolla: Guided Snorkeling Tour

5. La Jolla: Guided Snorkeling Tour

Interact with marine animals at a safe distance and spend the day on this beautiful reserve with experienced snorkel experts to guide you. You will see marine life such as sharks, exotic fish, dolphins, seals, turtles and a multitude of sea life swimming amongst them. With four microhabitats to swim through, you will find a wide variety of underwater flora and fauna. With a small group, you’ll get a much more intimate experience of life underneath the water, with one of our guides and local lifeguards accompanying you while you swim. Guests must have a basic level of swimming to participate in this activity. As this is an introductory tour, families with younger children (age 5+) are also welcome, as well as people who feel more comfortable being guided in their snorkeling.

La Jolla: 1.5-Hour Surfing Lesson

6. La Jolla: 1.5-Hour Surfing Lesson

Has learning to surf been your dream? Your dream can become a reality on the calm waters of La Jolla Shores, the best spot to learn. Your experienced instructors are eager to share their passion for surfing with beginners and intermediates alike: no experience necessary, all equipment provided. Your instructors respect each student’s choice regarding his or her level of participation in the lesson, and comfort in the water. You’ll have fun learning how to surf in a safe environment. Your experienced instructor will teach you the fundamentals of surfing and ocean safety on land, before heading into the water to catch some waves with your group. Continually voted one of the best spots for beginner and intermediate surfers in San Diego, the calm waters of La Jolla Shores are an ideal place to learn how to surf in a fun, yet safe environment. Public and private options are available.

San Diego: Private Surf Lesson

7. San Diego: Private Surf Lesson

Hit the waves in Southern California on a private surf lesson in San Diego. Make the most of your instructor's full attention and learn about ocean conditions, surf etiquette, and proper technique. Put your wetsuit on and head out into the water with your instructor by your side. Learn the proper way to put on a wetsuit, work on footwork on the beach, and the best way to paddle before gliding into the Pacific Ocean to catch some waves. Feel safe every moment of the way with your instructor near you at all times. Immerse yourself in local culture and stay active while in San Diego. Before you know it, you'll be shredding the waves and hanging ten like the locals.

San Diego: Californian Tall Ship Sailing and Maritime Museum

8. San Diego: Californian Tall Ship Sailing and Maritime Museum

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind adventure at sea aboard the Californian, the Official Tall Ship of the State of California. See San Diego from the water on a replica of a gold rush era revenue cutter, then continue the fun at the Maritime Museum with included admission. Become part of her crew in sailing a traditionally rigged tall ship. During this unique experience back in time, you’ll be invited to haul a line, man the helm, and watch the crew as they scamper up and down the rigging to set and furl the sails. Listen as the Californian’s crew relates the history of sailing and exploration in San Diego. Hear tales of whaling and sea otter trade, local sea battles, the art of ship’s gunnery, and life at sea. Use your entry ticket to the Maritime Museum of San Diego before or after your trip at sea. See a collection of ships which includes one of the world’s oldest active ships, the Star of India and the H.M.S Surprise, featured in the award-winning film "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World". Restorations have been done to the main deck and below deck exhibitor areas. Learn about topics like San Diego's Navy, the Age of Sail, and the Age of Steam with a variety of fascinating exhibits.

San Diego: Private Group Surf Lesson

9. San Diego: Private Group Surf Lesson

Hit the waves in Southern California with some of the best instructors in the industry on a group surf lesson in San Diego just for you. Learn about ocean conditions, surf etiquette, and proper technique. Hone your skills or pick up a new hobby after this fun experience out in the ocean. Learn the proper way to put on a wetsuit, work on footwork on the beach, and the best way to paddle before heading out into the water. Make the most of learning from a dedicated instructor just for your group. Feel safe knowing your instructor is never far away and before you know it, you'll be shredding the waves and hanging ten like the locals.

La Jolla: Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

10. La Jolla: Stand Up Paddle Board Rental

Stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) is one of the best ways to get out and enjoy the water. The sport began as an ancient Hawaiian tradition that was reintroduced to the world in the mid-60s.  SUP boarding is one of the best ways to explore the Seven Sea Caves of La Jolla, a remarkable creation full of marine wildlife. These 7 unique sea caves are filled with local history and natural beauty. The La Jolla Ecological Reserve starts at the Seven Sea Caves and extends north to Scripps Pier. This remarkable stretch of water is home to an underwater park, part of La Jolla's submarine canyon, giant kelp forests and a rocky reef.  The preserve shelters numerous species, including leopard sharks, sea turtles, sea lions, dolphins and migrating whales. Only 2% of the world's ocean water is protected by state and federal law, which also makes La Jolla's ecological reserve a rare place to see undisturbed wildlife in their natural habitat. The stand up paddle boards are inflatable, lightweight, and easy to transport from the shop to the beach and back.

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What people are saying about San Diego

Overall rating

5.0 / 5

based on 3 reviews

Having never been on a sea kayak, I was a bit nervous, but our guides were excellent and made it easy to launch. We used up every bit of the 90-minute tour, saw lots of sea life, including leopard sharks, Garibaldi, and sea lions. Even a human diver!

Cali was the absolute best!!!! We had so much fun! We are going to come back in August and do another snorkeling trip!

Excellent trip, guides were informative and helpful. Highly recommend it!

Excellent ! Fun and got very wet ! Caves were amazing and sealife !

Had a blast with Isabella and Cali and the setting was beautiful!