La Jolla Cove Guided Snorkeling Tour with Sea Lions and Sea Caves
Overview
Why Book This Tour:
Snorkel in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine reserves with expert guides who know these waters well. Swim alongside curious sea lions, snorkel into one or two ancient sea caves, and spot flashes of color from Garibaldi and other hidden sea life. With small group sizes, high-quality gear, and access to La Jolla’s dramatic underwater cliffs, this is a San Diego experience that feels both wild and personal.
Designed for good swimmers. Many guests are first-time ocean snorkelers, but participants must be comfortable swimming in deep water without a life jacket.
What's Included
- Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins
- Showers, changing rooms and restrooms are available.
- Storage for personal items during tour.
- Gratuity for guides
Meeting Location
1160 Coast Boulevard
La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Duration total: 90 minutes, includes
30 minutes: check-in, gearing up, safety briefing, and ocean entry.
60 minutes: in the ocean.
What You'll Do:
Meet your guide at La Jolla Cove and gear up with a mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit. After a safety briefing and snorkeling tips, enter the ocean directly from the shoreline. Follow your guide along the cliffs and explore the underwater world of La Jolla’s marine sanctuary. Watch sea lions swim and play while spotting colorful fish like the bright orange Garibaldi, and look for octopuses, rays, and lobsters among the rocks. You'll also snorkel along the sea cave coastline while learning about the area's marine life and geology. Your guide will point out wildlife along the way..
IMPORTANT: This tour is designed for good swimmers. While many guests are first-time ocean snorkelers, participants must be comfortable swimming in deep water without a life jacket and able to handle normal ocean conditions, including waves, currents, and shore entry/exit. Life jackets and flotation devices are not permitted.
Fins: Please enter your shoe size in the “Special Requirements” box during checkout. We'll follow up if sizing confirmation is needed.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- 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
- Minimum age: 12
- Minimum weight: 90 lbs
- Ages 12–17 must snorkel with an adult.
- Ages 12–17 must have both the release and waiver forms signed by their parent or court-appointed guardian.
- Good swimming skills required.
- Life jackets and flotation devices are not permitted.
- Best suited for active participants who are comfortable swimming in the ocean.
- Wetsuits are required and available up to 300 lbs.
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Parking is limited; please allow at least 30 minutes.
- Tours depart on time. Guests more than 10 minutes late are considered no-shows and will not be rescheduled or refunded.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (14)
Q: Do you take pregnant customers snorkeling?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5574779P2
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 41 traveler reviews collected by Key West Private Charters and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities

Kayak La Jolla and the 7 Caves! This 90 minute guided tour in La Jolla is a favorite of both locals and San Diego visitors....
$79

We are consistently voted the # 1 watersports company in La Jolla year after year. We are a member of 1% For The Planet. 1%...
$45

Embark on a renowned kayak tour that offers the unique experience of navigating the La Jolla sea caves and ecological reserve. This excursion showcases a...
$79

Join a professional marine biologist for a hands-on exploration of San Diego’s tide pools. Get up close with sea stars, anemones, crabs, hermit crabs, snails,...
$70
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Explore America's #1 Ballpark on one of our daily guided tours. Experience the ballpark as only players and staff do. Led by a tour guide,...
$43

Experience the ultimate San Diego sailing adventure with a spacious catamaran cruise, offering your choice of a relaxing daytime sail or a breathtaking sunset sail....
$119

Family-friendly experience where you can learn about life in tide pools from a marine biologist with over 20 years of combined science, education, and museum...
$34

We're proud to have an out-going team of seasoned guides who spend their lives around the ocean! We also offer quality dive gear and the...
$55







