Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two
4.5
Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two
By Everyday California
About
San Diego has spectacular sea caves, but really exploring the kelp forests, wildlife, and scenery means going out on the water. Get up-close views of the La Jolla Caves on this tour in a double kayak, paddling alongside guides in La Jolla Ecological Reserve. First-time kayakers are welcome on this laid-back tour, with the chance to see harbor seals, sea lions, dolphins, sea turtles, and whales.
from per group (up to 2)
$99.00
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 0-99, max of 2 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Paddle a stable double kayak that's beginner friendly
- See native plants and wildlife on the La Jolla coast
- Enter one of La Jolla's most famous sea caves
- Look down into a giant kelp forest
- This is a fun, 2-person activity led by expert kayak guides
- Professional guide
- 2 person kayak with all required equipment
What's not included- Gratuities
- Concessionaire Percentage Fee
- Hotel pickup
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option not selected)
- Transportation to/from attractions
- Wetsuits are available for rental for $12.00 per wetsuit per person for the day.
- Lockers are available to store belongs (small items) for $6.00 per locker for the day.
- Make your way to La Jolla, arriving a little bit before your departure time to get suited up in the onsite changing rooms. Head to the La Jolla Shores boat launch for a safety briefing and paddling instruction, and then launch a double kayak with help from your guide. Take plenty of breaks on the way to La Jolla Caves, stopping to learn about the four distinct micro-habitats that you pass. In addition to large marine wildlife, there are a lot of fish and birds to see, as well as the summertime aggregation of leopard sharks, one of the largest gathering in the world. Don't worry, these harmless sharks have small mouths and don't bite. See La Jolla's seven sea caves, paddling into the Emerald Cave when conditions allow. Following your time at Emerald Cave, check out the nearby giant kelp forest, the ideal spot for watching marine wildlife. Afterward, head back to the starting point.
- Start:
- 2261 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037, USAPlease, ensure that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your reservation time for Check-in at: 2261 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA, 92037 We have changing rooms, lockers available for rent, and anything else anyone would need to have an amazing experience available at our shop.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 21165P1- Children must be at least 5 years old and accompanied by an adult
- Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of guests
- Dress code is swim wear or beach attire (anything that can get wet)
- Kayak weight limit is 425 lbs
- Once you have purchased your voucher, please contact suppliers booking office directly at the number on your voucher to confirm the reservation. Failure to do so may result in not being able to participate in activity
- Reservations, recommended two weeks in advanced, subject to availability
- Please arrive 30 minutes prior to schedule tour time for check in
- A maximum of 6 people
- Most travelers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 2 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- How much is Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two?
- Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two price starts from $99.00. Discover and book Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two on Tripadvisor
- What is the Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two cancellation policy?
- Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two on Tripadvisor
- Which company provides Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two?
- Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two is hosted by Everyday California. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Everyday California on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two on Tripadvisor
- How much time do I need for Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two?
- On average, this experience will take approximately 1h 30m. Discover and book Original La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour for Two on Tripadvisor
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 21165P1
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Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- charlessJ1536VX0 contributionsSpencer was a great guideThe views and vibes were great. We had a great time and saw plenty of sea life. Definitely recommend to anyone in the area.Written April 17, 2024
- A5960ZOpatriciam0 contributionsBest place to learn how to surf!Recommend Robbie to teach you how to surf! I had no experience and I had a blast!! He made it easy to learn and so fun! I definitely will be back!Written April 7, 2024
- barmia20240 contributionsLearned to SurfThe team at Everday Cali was kind and professional. Great experience and my kid learned to Surf. James the instructor was amazing.Written April 7, 2024
- Jennifer S0 contributionsLoved the kayaking tour!Our family had a great time kayaking! Our guide, Trevor, was very knowledgeable and personable. The staff inside the shop were all very helpful and friendly too.Written March 29, 2024
- hann7480 contributionsGreat tour, excellent serviceWent out with my husband and 11 and 14 year olds. Surf was unusually rough, but a fun and interesting tour was our reward once we got to calmer water. Great variety of info was shared from kayaking technique to local history and ecology. Robby was skilled, knowledgeable, affable, and fun! Kenzie was new to the group and towed part of my party in when they felt poorly. She did so well with my crew for being new to the group, so kind and laid back. Everyone working in the shop and on the shore was kind and helpful. Special thanks to the man and woman on the shore who helped get us safely to shore once our kayak flipped. This place is so well run. I can’t recommend highly enough.Written March 27, 2024
- traciep1560 contributionsJust rent kayaksFirst of all, our guide was amazing as always, but this is the second trip where we have not been able to do what is part of the tour. Last year, we never got to enter the sea caves. This year, we were not able to snorkel due to the conditions of the water. Both times, there is never mention of any type of refund. This time, our guide tried finding a spot with visibility to no avail. To me, it would make more sense to rent kayaks as opposed to spending money on a tour (you won’t go on) in addition to the wetsuits etc.Written March 13, 2024
- lanavan0 contributionsFun in the sunWe had a wonderful time on the kayak tour in La Jolla. Our guide Christian, really made it great. His knowledge of the area, sea life, kelp, and nature was impressive. We had so much fun on the water. We even got to see two dolphins and a sea lion. Although the waves were too big for us to go in the cave, we still had a wonderful time.Written March 13, 2024
- Roam406032021690 contributionsGreat Day on the Water.great time on the water. Our guide was amazing, enguaging and very knowledgeable of the wildlife and marine topography. The shop personnel are friendly and truly want their customers adventures to be memorable and fun! The equipment was all in very good condition.Written March 11, 2024
- Naman M0 contributionsAmazingGuides were amazing and encouraging best place for kayaking , best experience i had in San Diego. Must try …………………………!!Written March 2, 2024
- Worldtravela12340 contributionsDanielle and Everett were AMAZING and made the whole tour worthwhile!Danielle and Everett were amazing tour guides and gave us an AWESOME EXPERIENCE for our anniversary. I found Danielle to be hilarious which made our tour even better. Everette pushed us through the caves which was awesome. They deserve all the burritos in San Diego for the experience they gave us! Thank you and we will be back with our kiddos!Written February 17, 2024
- B501ZWamandap0 contributionsSurf LessonsSurf lessons in La Jolla were amazing! It was a beautiful day and our instructor, Josiah, was so thorough and kind. We had a great day and highly recommend them for your surf lessons!Written February 12, 2024
- Jensutt0 contributionsBest guide everIt was crazy cold and after a storm so visibility in the water was nil but Brodie made the trip memorable. He was knowledgeable and energetic and most importantly, kept us safe in choppy waters. He found us a beautiful kelp forest that we were able to snorkel in when everything else was not going to happen. We loved it and we are ready to go back in October for ideal conditions with Brodie! Also the man has a masters in Environmental law! God bless him!!Written January 16, 2024
- maralP2289BK0 contributionsVery nice experienceScuba Steve was our super fun guide for the kayak tour. He is very competent and experienced! I loved his jokes and that he always wore a smile on his face. Loved the positivity. Great guy! I had an awesome time!Written November 26, 2023
- Jee L0 contributionsFirst time surfing lesson and no regrets!I had Cesar as my instructor and he was fantastic: positive, encouraging and a great instructor. I booked a 90 minute beginner lesson which came with board and wetsuit. The 90 minutes start when you set out from the shop so you’re not quite in the water the whole time. But don’t worry- you have plenty of time to practice over and over again! BTW, my husband and son watched my lesson, trying to take pictures and Cesar was especially great with them as well. I’m sure next time they would try it out as well (if it’s warmer). I had a great time!Written November 8, 2023
- Bourgeois T0 contributionsAmazing ExperienceSuper Fun !!! Amazing Guide with lots of info about the wild life !!! At the arrival, you are taken care of by friendly staff, everyone is smiling!!! Great experience!!!Written November 4, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
435 reviews
Excellent
343
Very good
37
Average
19
Poor
14
Terrible
22
Nancy F
Phoenix, AZ55 contributions
Jun 2020
Bought a Groupon for my SD vacation was not able to redeem because Everyday California offers a limited reservation site for Groupon users which means basically you pay the full price or you can't go. Roman lied to me repeatedly about what was available and spoke to me like I was stupid. My friend paid for us to go, 90 minutes of paddling, 2 minutes into one cave where the staff turns your kayak around and pulls you back out with no time for any pictures. Way over priced for what you end up getting, guides are nice they explain a lot about the area but overall it is just not worth it.
Written July 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey Nancy,
We always appreciate feedback, and will try our hardest to get better. The prices are at its highest right now because it is the peak of our beautiful season. For lower rates, we always suggest coming down here in the offseason, Oct-March.
Last week was some of the best weather and conditions we have had on record. We are glad you and your friends got to kayak around in the ecological reserve and experience the natural sea caves and abundant wildlife that La Jolla Shores has to offer. Have a great summer!
Written July 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dgsantia
9 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
I did the La Jolla Kayaking Tour in the caves by myself and it was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! I was really afraid of falling in the water because I didn’t think I had the body strength to pull myself back up on the kayak but despite the waves, I never fell off. I’m fat, out of shape and have never kayaked in my life but the guides and everyone at the shop made it super easy and hyped me up throughout the entire experience. My guide was Trent and Jacob. I was absolutely blown away by Trent’s athleticism. I can not get over how much stamina was required for him to push all 7 kayaks into and out of the caves. It’s been exactly 6 days since my kayak tour and I still think about him. Hope he’s doing well and that all his dreams come true.
Anyways, 10/10 experience. Extremely affordable and way too fun to not do it. Would 100% recommend taking dramamine beforehand even you don’t seasick! Not worth the risk.
Anyways, 10/10 experience. Extremely affordable and way too fun to not do it. Would 100% recommend taking dramamine beforehand even you don’t seasick! Not worth the risk.
Written May 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jennifer m
Castaic, CA11 contributions
Jul 2021
We joined this tour with x4 kids (5, 8, 9, and 11). We all had a blast! The store was cool, with great staff. I was really nervous about going out into the open ocean with my 5 year old (my 5 year old is a better swimmer than I am), but the beach staff was very accommodating. They pushed us out further into calmer water, and then retrieved us before we hit the waves coming in. They were all so encouraging and safe. Our tour guides were Mark and Kristin. They were nice and fun. They all obviously love what they do and it shows! The kayaking part was a bit strenuous if your not an exerciser (raising hand). They did take periodic breaks to teach you a little something about the eco system, and tell stories about the area. We got to see some sea lions barking and swimming! We were even able to go into the cavern, which was awesome! The guides get off their kayaks and hold onto the back of your kayak to steer you into and out of the cavern. Afterwards, we hung out and played on the beach. Bring some cash for the push cart vendors on the beach if your hungry after. We were all smiling the entire time!
Written July 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria B
1 contribution
Aug 2022
Phillip M was a great tour guide! We saw the four microhabitats. Two sea lions came up close to us, and we went inside Emerald Cave and saw three more sea lion pups. The waves were a little rough that day (Aug 21st 2022), but their team held onto the stern to keep us from tipping. You should know that the guides can't paddle for you; it's up to you to keep up with the group and move forward through the waves. But I felt very safe overall, and didn't have any trouble keeping up, even though my arms aren't that strong. If you don't want to surf your kayak in to the beach at the end, the team will grab the bow and keep you from tipping. Phillip knew a lot of stuff about SD that I had never heard, even after living here 16 months. Overall, loved it, learned so many facts about La Jolla and San Diego, and got to see the caves in a totally different way.
Written August 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fawn M
19 contributions
Nov 2021 • Couples
Hands down the best part of our San Diego vacation! Our guides Reuben and Danielle were amazing! We saw a pod of dolphins, lots of leopard sharks, and got a great view of the birds and sea lions around the cove. The waves got a bit rough around the caves and some kayakers got into distress but Reuben and Danielle remained calm and kept not only their tour group, but the other two tour groups, near us safe and calm.
Cannot express how awesome the experience was! Will definitely return!
P.S. please fix Danielle’s TipJar link!
Cannot express how awesome the experience was! Will definitely return!
P.S. please fix Danielle’s TipJar link!
Written November 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark N
3 contributions
Apr 2023
We've done a lot of kayak trips, and to be honest this isn't one of the best. There isn't much to see unless you're lucky enough to get some dolphins come along. Going into the cave for a couple of minutes is a bit of a novelty, but not sure it's worth the 20-30 minute slog across the bay just for that - you spend most of the time waiting for everyone else to take their turn in the cave. Also the double kayaks are smaller than normal, with short straps on the backrests, so if you're reasonably tall your legs will be too bent to be comfortable.
If I was to do it again I would just rent a better kayak and take the time to adjust the seats properly rather than being rushed into the sea before you even sit on it. If the wildlife shows up you're going to see it whether you have a guide with you or not - apart from a couple of anecdotes about the history of the area they didn't really add much to the trip.
If I was to do it again I would just rent a better kayak and take the time to adjust the seats properly rather than being rushed into the sea before you even sit on it. If the wildlife shows up you're going to see it whether you have a guide with you or not - apart from a couple of anecdotes about the history of the area they didn't really add much to the trip.
Written April 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark,
Thank you for your honest and practical review. As you experienced, our guided tour is intentionally designed to cater to a wide demographic of guests including people with little to no water experience with safety being priority. For those who are experienced, we recommend a kayak rental. As long as you are comfortable in the ocean on your own and lifeguards permit, rentals are an amazing way to experience the cove in an intimate way. Please come back to take advantage of your Survivor Discount for 50% off rentals in the future!
Best,
Josh - EDCA
Written May 1, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dan T
Kirksville, MO5 contributions
May 2021
This should have been a really good trip, but it fell extremely short. We took our trip on Memorial Day 2021, and after getting there very early, and getting fitted with our wetsuits, we were given vague instructions on how to get to the staging area of the beach. On our own we went the wrong way. After asking a few people, we finally got where we needed to be, but we were late. They were nice to wait for us, and it was exciting to be doing this. We however got nowhere near the sea caves, which was supposed to be the highlight. When I asked our guid, Abby, she explained that we were on a tight schedule and didn’t have time because we were late getting out. But then she proceeded to say we were going to slowly make our way back to shore. That didn’t make sense if we supposedly didn’t have time to go to the sea caves. When I got back, I voiced my disappointment. I was told by Ryan that we could get a discount or at least get our wetsuits waived. To date, nothing has happened with any of it. I’m sure this tour is great if everything goes great, but when things go wrong, they’re not inclined to make it right.
Written June 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loveoftheoutdoors
Salt Lake City, UT87 contributions
Mar 2023
Jared and Danielle were our guides. Overall we had a great trip. I gave my review 4 stars because we couldn't hear Danielle most of the time so we missed out on some of the talking points during the tour. We did stay back a bit farther from the group because everyone was bumping into each other and we didn't want to get tipped, It would have been nice to have Jared give the same talking points to the back of the group or perhaps a flier when we returned providing the information. I had read this very problem with other reviews before we booked so I was prepared going into the trip.
The young lady that helped us in the shop suggested we rent wet suites and buy straps for our sunglasses. She explained everything very well and we left the shop equipped for the trip.
We booked our tour first thing in the morning so the water was calm and we were able to enter the cave. Overall it was a wonderful experience for my teenage daughter and I.
The young lady that helped us in the shop suggested we rent wet suites and buy straps for our sunglasses. She explained everything very well and we left the shop equipped for the trip.
We booked our tour first thing in the morning so the water was calm and we were able to enter the cave. Overall it was a wonderful experience for my teenage daughter and I.
Written March 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! Sounds like you had a great time - and thank you for reading ahead and preparing appropriately! We appreciate your feedback and will continue to speak loud and clear for everybody to hear on the water. Don't forget to return for discounted rentals and more adventures!
Josh - EDCA
Written April 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
L P
Howell, NJ90 contributions
Mar 2021
Very friendly, safe and professionally run operation in the charming town of LaJolla. We went on a very good day, placid seas, low winds, sunny and mild. Guide was very informative but if you do not stay close she was a little hard to hear. We did not bother with wet suits although they were available. Water temp was 57, air 72. We got a little wet but no need for wet suit. Bring towel and change of clothes for after.
We each got individually escorted into one cave, maybe 50 feet, in and out, a minute or so. So it was not the channels through caves experience I was hoping for. Really just kayaking and listening to tour.
We each got individually escorted into one cave, maybe 50 feet, in and out, a minute or so. So it was not the channels through caves experience I was hoping for. Really just kayaking and listening to tour.
Written March 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AAimer
Palmdale, CA4 contributions
Jul 2022
I had a sh*tshow of an experience. They changed my booking time by calling me and asking if I can make it earlier - I made it clear that I'd do my best, and they said no problem - if you can't make it, we'll make it work. I get there on the day of and they RUSH me (and my 7 year old) to the beach telling me "good luck" to make it there. The guy at the store tells me we'll get a couple of splashes (to be expected) but I get to the beach and the guide is telling me to get waist deep into the water. I explain the guys at the office told me NOT to wear a wet suit, that I'd barely get splashes, and hence I was not dressed appropriately. There's a lot more detail to this, including the girl at the counter with a lollipop in her mouth who couldn't offer one speck of customer service despite my very calm and proper approach to explain what had just taken place. She quickly turned her attention away to chat with her associate friend. Holy smokes this was a terrible experience and this is coming from a well traveled person who's not opposed to getting wet, having to rush, etc. You guys were a total sh*tshow on that day.
Written July 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you need to know how to swim to do this?
Chris C
7 contributions
You wear life jackets, so you should be fine.
(Someone answered that you can touch bottom - that is not necessarily true. You start out from shore, where of course you can touch. But they also take you pretty far out into very deep water.)
troylyn b
5 contributions
I am considering doing the tour in February, do find that the weather and water to be too cold?
T Judge
1 contribution
They rent wet suits. Not expensive. Rent one as it would likely be cold in February. You will get wet and always at risk of falling into the water when launching or when coming back to shore.
Our 8 year old son will be accompanying us and I wanted to know if we all could be on the same kayak or how will this work?
Jonathan H
1 contribution
They have two seater kayaks too. He could ride with you.
Hi! Do we get to kayak into the caves or near them? I have been seeing that some companies do not take you into thecaves
David C
Vallejo, CA228 contributions
It's more of a grotto than a cave as you won't go all the way back. It's fun and the reflections from the water light up the grotto.
Is there a pick up or do we individually go to start point of tour?
Dan T
Kirksville, MO5 contributions
You get there on your own. That's where I ran into my problem with them, is that the directions were not very clear and we were late to the launch. My guide wouldn't take us to the sea caves, even though there was clearly still time to do so. So get very precise directions, and hopefully, unlike me, you'll get your money's worth. If you don't, good luck getting them to make it right.
My family is three people. It's organized two adults and a child. Child is almost 4
years old. She is good at swimming. We are japanese.
I have some questions.
1. Can my doughter participate this tour?
2. when our family is permitted applying for this tour, what should I reserve tour when ? How many people should I apply for this tour? Not count my child?
Trek825319
San Diego, CA
We have 8 people, needing 4 kayaks. Is that a problem? Also, any discount for the 4 kayaks (like AAA or AARP)?
dgsantia
9 contributions
They have a ton of kayaks but I think they limit the amount of people on each tour due to covid. I don’t think you’ll have a problem, though! Idk about any discounts. I would recommend paying the full price! The guides work so hard and deserve every penny!
Do you get to see Dr. Seuss? I want to see the Lorax in the yard.
Nancy F
Phoenix, AZ55 contributions
This is a Kayak tour not a kiddie park
