Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
This popular kayak tour will allow you to kayak the La Jolla sea caves and ecological reserve, which boasts an amazing array of scenery and wildlife you can't find anywhere else in San Diego. As you paddle alongside your expert naturalist/biologist guide, keep an eye out for sea lions, dolphins and even a Grey Whale!
Minimum age is 6 years old and they will have to ride in the tandem with an adult over the age of 18.
THIS TOUR WILL BE FOR 2 TRAVELERS IN THE SAME TANDEM KAYAK. SO 1 TRAVELER EQUALS 1 TANDEM KAYAK OR 2 GUESTS. DO NOT BOOK THIS OPTION IF YOU ARE ONLY 1 GUEST. BOOK THE SINGLE KAYAK OPTION IF YOU ARE ONE GUEST
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
PLEASE BE IN THE KAYAK SHOP 1 HOUR BEFORE TOUR START TIME, Allow time for parking and gear set up
Expect to get wet, please wear appropriate clothes such as a bathing suit and shoes that can get wet (tennis shoes, 'river shoes' or flip flops)
Hats, sun screen and towels are strongly advised
Please do not bring valuables and things that cannot get wet
There is a weight limit of 250 pounds per single kayak and 450 pounds per double kayak
For safety reasons, the tour operator does not guarantee going into the caves on tours. Entrance to caves is based on ocean conditions, safety, and participants ability as determined by guide.
Minimum age is 6 years for a double kayak and 16 years for a single kayak
All participants must be able to swim
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
No experience is needed! Your knowledgable guide will help you learn the basics and tour you around one of the premier eco-tourist destinations in San Diego. After a brief paddle instruction and safety talk, you'll take your kayak down to the beach in La Jolla Shores and paddle to the La Jolla Sea Caves taking in the gorgeous views and watching for the abundant wildlife. You'll also go through the incredible rock formations and caves (if conditions permit), through the expansive kelp forests and wildlfie hot spots and cap it all off with a kayak surf ride back to the beach. You can see numerous types of sea birds and usually sea lions, seals and sometimes dolphins or even orcas! What to Expect: Be prepared to get wet! For safety reasons, the tour operator does not guarantee going into the caves on tours. Entrance to caves based on ocean conditions, safety and participants ability as determined by guide. This tour is recommended for ages 6 and up. Participants must be able to swim.
La Jolla Shores Park
La Jolla Shores Park
Kayaks (Tandem(two travellers in one kayak)) and Paddle
One Traveler is 1 Tandem Kayak
Professional guide
Life jacket
Wet suit rentals are offered during fall, winter and spring
Gratuities
Food and drink
Lockers and Wetsuits
1 Guest is 1 Tandem for 2 : This is for two travellers in one kayak. You have to be 6 years old to be with an adult.
1,280 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Munah S,May 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
I enjoyed it very much. Instructors were great & very funny. Definitely would do again. You will get wet and maybe flip over but it’s part of the experience
Cess I,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
The guided kayak tour is amazing! Be ready with change of clothes and I’m sure you’ll get wet in this activity! Our guides was awesome Alex and Cassidy! We even saw how they rescue a distressed bird before entering the cave. We saw leopard sharks, sea lions and lots of birds. They even pointed out the house of the author of Dr. Seuss! So far, recommended activity overall! P.S. If you also like to document your experience, make sure to bring waterproof cameras, floater and rigs to the paddle. Also, this is a lot of upper body and hip work! So be ready too!!


Lindsay M,May 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
We had a great experience with La Jolla Kayak! Our guides, Dane and Colin, were both incredibly nice, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout the tour. They made everyone feel comfortable on the water and shared lots of interesting information about the caves and marine life around La Jolla. The whole experience was fun, well-organized, and memorable. Highly recommend this tour if you’re visiting the area!
Sanjida M,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
It was a great experience, definite must try for first timers. My kids had a lot of fun. The instructors were excellent
Steven B,May 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
Luca was an amazing guide keeping us safe and informed. Plenty of adventure and fun. Water was a little choppy but we were guided well.
sarahlB8026UF,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Excellent experience. The whole family really enjoyed it. The guides were personable and helpful, while still letting everyone create their own journey. We saw some seals and sea lions, plus a lot of pelicans. Length of the tour was perfect. Would go again!
Julie B,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
They cared about the clientele they cared about the environment. They were very informative and really great about working with people in all levels of experience.
taylorgH7586YW,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
Worth the price we paid. Had a great time.
Susan T,May 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
It’s a 2.5 mile kayak. In the ocean, we had an amazing guide. Chance made it fun and we learned so much about the history and wild life in The area. Highly recommend.
lauren o,May 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
We loved our sea kayak adventure with Ane. She was extremely knowledgeable about the local marine area and her passion for what she does was clearly evident! That combined with her laid back personality made for a wonderful and memorable experience! We saw sea lions, leopard sharks, the CA state salt water fish and of course lots of sea birds. The coastal experience of kayaking along the cliffs and caves was amazing! Thank you!
Operated by Hike Bike Kayak Adventures