La Jolla Cove Guided Snorkeling Tour with Sea Lions and Sea Caves

5.0 (41 reviews) La Jolla, USA
Duration1h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 8 travelers

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

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.

  1. La Jolla Cove
  2. La Jolla Underwater Park

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

La Jolla Cove Meeting Location:
Meet your guide in the grassy park south of the brick restroom/shower building. From La Jolla Cove Suites Hotel (1155 Coast Blvd), walk across the street toward the ocean and onto the grass. There is no physical building at the meeting spot.

End point

La Jolla Cove Meeting Location:
Meet your guide in the grassy park south of the brick restroom/shower building. From La Jolla Cove Suites Hotel (1155 Coast Blvd), walk across the street toward the ocean and onto the grass. There is no physical building at the meeting spot.

Additional information

  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (41)
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