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

Exploring the captivating La Jolla Ecological Reserve by kayak is a thrilling adventure. This 2-hour guided tour takes adventurers through the stunning seven caves, showcasing the area’s vibrant marine life. Paddlers will marvel at towering rock formations, learn about local geology and conservation efforts, and possibly spot playful sea lions, colorful garibaldi, or even dolphins. With its affordable price and small group size, this tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of La Jolla’s coastline.

This experience made our article of We Ranks La Jolla’s 8 Top Canoe & Kayak Experiences.

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Key Points

This 2-hour kayak tour allows you to explore the 7 caves in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, including the largest Clam’s Cave.
During the tour, you can spot various marine life like sea lions, garibaldi, leopard sharks, shovelnose guitarfish, and potentially dolphins.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, such as kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, and helmets, and wetsuits can be rented separately.
The tour is limited to swimmers and children must be at least 5 years old, with guides emphasizing proper paddling techniques and environmental considerations.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and the tour is priced at $79 per group of up to 2 people.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The 2-Hour Kayak Tour of the 7 Caves in La Jolla takes participants on a guided exploration of the area’s ecological reserve.

The 1.5-hour tour costs $79 per group of up to 2 people. Adventurers can paddle through three distinct habitats – rocky reefs, sandy flats, and kelp beds – while spotting wildlife like sea lions, leopard sharks, and even the occasional dolphin.

The tour includes a visit to all seven caves, including the largest one, Clam’s Cave. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and tours are available at various start times.

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Highlights of the Experience

Guided by knowledgeable tour guides, adventurers can paddle through three distinct habitats – rocky reefs, sandy flats, and kelp beds – on this 2-hour kayak tour. Along the way, they may spot sea lions, garibaldi, leopard sharks, shovelnose guitarfish, and even the occasional dolphin. The tour’s highlight is exploring all seven caves, including the largest, Clam’s Cave.

| — | — | — | — |

| Paddle through 3 habitats | Sea lions, garibaldi, leopard sharks, shovelnose guitarfish, dolphins | Visit all 7 caves, including Clam’s Cave | 4.8/5, praised for knowledge and safety |

The guided tour provides an up-close look at the La Jolla Ecological Reserve’s natural wonders.

Exploring the Caves

Paddling through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, adventurers can explore all seven caves, including the largest, Clam’s Cave.

Gliding through the crystalline waters, they’ll marvel at the towering rock formations and the diverse marine life that call these caves home.

From the serene sandy flats to the vibrant kelp beds, the caves offer a glimpse into the intricacies of this unique coastal ecosystem.

With the guidance of a knowledgeable tour guide, visitors can learn about the geology, wildlife, and conservation efforts that protect this precious natural wonder.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities

Visitors can spot an array of marine life throughout the tour. From playful sea lions to vibrant garibaldi fish, the La Jolla Ecological Reserve is teeming with diverse wildlife. Keen-eyed participants may even catch a glimpse of elusive leopard sharks or shovelnose guitarfish. With a bit of luck, dolphins may make an appearance, delighting guests with their acrobatic displays.

| Marine Life | Description |

| — | — |

| Sea Lions | Curious and social, these pinnipeds often bask on rocks near the caves. |

| Garibaldi | The bright orange California state fish, easily recognized among the kelp beds. |

| Leopard Sharks | Spotted, shallow-water sharks that occasionally visit the area. |

| Shovelnose Guitarfish | Flat, guitar-shaped rays that can be spotted gliding over the seafloor. |

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Required Equipment and Safety Considerations

The tour includes all necessary equipment for a safe and enjoyable kayaking experience. Participants are provided with a kayak, paddle, lifejacket, and helmet.

Wetsuits and lockers are available for rent at check-in, recommended for comfort in the cool ocean waters. For safety, the tour is limited to swimmers only, and children must be at least 5 years old.

Guides emphasize proper paddling techniques and environmental considerations to ensure a responsible and memorable adventure. With the right gear and precautions, guests can fully enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve.

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Meeting Point and Directions

The tour meeting point is located at Bike and Kayak Tours Inc, 2158 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037. Look for the red awning to find the entrance.

| Directions | |

| — | — |

| From the North | Take I-5 S, exit at La Jolla Pkwy, turn left onto Torrey Pines Rd, and right onto Avenida De La Playa |

| From the South | Take I-5 N, exit at La Jolla Pkwy, turn right onto Torrey Pines Rd, and right onto Avenida De La Playa |

| From the East | Take I-8 W, exit at India St, continue onto Rosecrans St, and turn left onto Avenida De La Playa |

| Parking | Street parking or nearby public lots available |

| Arrive Early | Recommended to arrive 15-30 minutes before your tour start time |

Customer Feedback and Ratings

According to reviews, customers have an overall positive experience with the La Jolla Kayak Tour. With a 4.5/5 rating based on 376 reviews, the tour receives high marks.

Customers praise the knowledgeable and safety-conscious tour guides, rating them 4.8/5. While some note the tide may affect cave access, the overall consensus is that the tour provides a fun and memorable experience.

Customers suggest providing more information on parking and wetsuit rentals, but these minor points don’t detract from the tour’s popularity. The La Jolla Kayak Tour delivers an engaging and exciting way to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Booking and Availability Details

How can travelers book the La Jolla Kayak Tour?

The 2-hour tour is available for booking with flexible start times. Travelers can check availability and reserve their spot online. A ‘Book Now, Pay Later’ option is also available.

The tour costs $79 per group of up to 2 participants. Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund.

The tour meets at Bike and Kayak Tours Inc in La Jolla, easily identifiable by the red awning. Advance booking is recommended, as tour slots can fill up, especially during peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The minimum age requirement for the tour is 5 years old. Children must be at least 5 years of age to participate in the kayak tour, as it’s recommended for swimmers only.

Can We Bring Our Own Kayaks and Equipment?

No, participants can’t bring their own kayaks and equipment. The tour includes all necessary gear like kayaks, paddles, and life jackets. Bringing personal equipment is not allowed for safety and liability reasons.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, the tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. The 2-hour kayak tour is the only package available. Guests must book the standard tour if they wish to explore the 7 caves in La Jolla.

How Accessible Is the Meeting Point for People With Disabilities?

The meeting point is accessible, with a nearby paved parking lot. However, the tour itself may pose challenges for those with mobility issues, as it involves navigating uneven terrain and climbing in and out of kayaks.

Are There Any Discounts or Package Deals Available?

There don’t appear to be any discounts or package deals explicitly mentioned for this tour. However, customers may want to check if the tour operator offers any promotions or bundle options that could provide a discount.

The Sum Up

Embark on an unforgettable 2-hour kayak adventure through the stunning La Jolla Ecological Reserve. Paddle past towering rock formations, explore the seven remarkable caves, and witness the vibrant marine life. This guided tour provides a unique opportunity to learn about the natural beauty of the region. With experienced guides and essential equipment, you’ll have a safe and memorable experience exploring the captivating La Jolla coastline.