Top La Jolla Outdoor Activities

Explore the slot canyons in Torrey Pines on this guided tour. Discover spectacular, hard-to-reach areas and take in views of the Pacific Ocean. Visit sandstone slot canyons and wind caves on the trek and stop at a majestic grotto with a waterfall. The hike up can be strenuous at times, but you will be rewarded with stunning views after summiting the cliffs.

Embark on a thrilling adventure to La Jolla’s mystical sea caves and be at one with the ocean on board a single kayak during this small-group excursion. Soak up remarkable scenery and discover wildlife species unique to San Diego in the ecological reserve with an expert naturalist/biologist guide leading the way.

Join our seasoned guides with a passion for the ocean for a snorkeling session to see the world underneath the waves. We offer high-quality dive gear and wetsuits to keep you comfortable in the cool ocean temperatures. Leopard sharks, sea turtles, Garibaldi, and sea lions are just some of the sea life you might witness. We’ll tour the famous La Jolla shoreline and make our way to the famous Emerald Cave. (Participants must know how to swim.)

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.

Go with the La Jolla water sports company consistently voted #1 in the area. We are a proud local company that is continually upgrading our equipment and involved in our community helping at-risk youth experience the water. We are also a member of 1% for the Planet, providing 1% of our profits for beach clean-up. Rent from us and you'll enjoy 90 minutes of kayaking for two in the beautiful La Jolla Ecological Reserve.

The seven beautiful sea caves along La Jolla Ecological Reserve can be difficult to explore, even for experienced kayakers. This small-group kayaking tour offers a guide to help small groups glide through the water and take the best routes to the caves. Paddle to all seven caves while keeping an eye out for sea lions, leopard sharks, and the occasional dolphin.

Avoid crowds and traffic in San Diego and have a peaceful adventure on the water with this small-group sailing tour. Keeping the group size small ensures a more personalized experience, without the noise and crowds of large group sightseeing boats. Along the way, pass by lots of great photo opportunities—including the Star of India, Coronado Bridge, and views of the city’s skyline.

A rare sunset sailing adventure aboard our 35-foot sailboat, Luna: small group, local captain sharing hidden stories, hands-on sailing, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable vistas of San Diego Bay. Participate or sit back and enjoy breathtaking sunset views of the city's skyline and waterfront attractions as we sail among tall ships, mega-yachts, and military vessels. Watch for playful sea lions, dolphins, pelicans, and maybe even a whale. Look to the skies for pelicans, ospreys, and other marine birds. We invite you to celebrate a special occasion with your partner, family or group and capture the moments in breathtaking photos. No sailing experience is needed for this family-friendly outing, but participation is welcome. We love sharing our knowledge and experience. Choose a public or private tour option when you book. Feel free to bring easy to handle snacks and drinks. Food and drink are not included. Free cancellation, 100% refund up to 24 hours before your reservation.

Take a guided ride through La Jolla and Pacific Beach on an e-bike. Enjoy the feeling of pedalling with power as you cruise along some of San Diego’s most picturesque spots. See the sea lions at La Jolla Cove, watch the waves crash at Windansea Beach, and tour some of San Diego’s most lavish neighborhoods on a tour that’s suitable for all levels of rider.

San Diego’s La Jolla Ecological Reserve is one of the best spots on the West Coast to kayak and snorkel. On this two-activity tour—all gear provided—you and your crew will take turns between floating above water and snorkeling in it, hanging out with garibaldi, leopard sharks, rays, sea lions, and tons of other fascinating marine life.

Enjoy a seamless day on the water with this snorkel equipment packages that provides sanitized, quality, and specially engineered equipment for snorkeling in the marine protected waters near the La Jolla Cove. Guests can use VR video to navigate to the best coves and caves and have access to complimentary lockers for an easy, carefree experience in the water.

Explore La Jolla Ecological Reserve's sea caves during a 90-minute kayaking tour. Follow your experienced guide through several diverse ecological habitats, home to one of the highest concentrations of sea life in California. Paddle toward the Seven Sea Caves, where you can get stunning views from inside Emerald Cave, the only north-facing cave in the state (conditions permitting). Explore a giant kelp forest inhabited by wildlife like harbor seals and sea lions. Use of all kayaking equipment is included; no kayaking experience is necessary.

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. Explore beautiful sea cliffs and caves as you glide through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve filled with marine life. Paddle to Sunny Jim’s Cave, the Arch Cave, the Clams’ Cave and other sea caves for amazing close-ups of sandstone formations. Witness sea lions, garibaldi, leopard sharks, shovelnose guitarfish (rock on, man) and even the occasional dolphin on this sought-after La Jolla kayak tour. Ages 5 and up.

Discover the natural wonders around the San Diego coastline with a marine biologist as your guide on this small-group tour. The guide, with over 20 years of combined science and education experience, tells you all about the sea creatures and critters you’ll spot in their natural habitat—from what they eat to how you can better protect them.

Discover the stunning La Jolla coastline with our kayak rentals, perfect for adventurers of all ages. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your leisure while observing vibrant marine life and beautiful underwater landscapes. Rentals come with essential gear and safety training, ensuring a smooth experience. - 90 minute - All kayak rentals include necessary equipment and safety gear - Convenient beach pickup and drop-off for all rentals Exclusions: - Locker rentals - Wetsuit Rentals

SDBK is the top ranked kayak operator by the City of San Diego for kayak operations. This ranking is based on meaningful criteria including the extensiveness and quality of our training programs, our proprietary guide certification process and stringent guidelines, our operating procedures, the quality and content of our opperations, our Water Safety Plan and Emergency Response Plan. Additionally, we are the closest operator to the beach in La Jolla and we also have the most available tours as the top ranked largest operator. Cave entry is not permitted on a rental; however, you can book one of our guided tours. If conditions do permit entry into the largest sea cave we access on our guided tours. Our priority is guest safety and we are unable to enter the Clam's Cave is ocean conditions do not permit.

An easy beach break with regular, predictable waves that don’t get too big, La Jolla Shores is one of California’s best destinations for learning to surf. Join an experienced instructor and no more than four other learners on a class that’s good for absolute beginners and intermediates alike. Your class includes your board and an Everyday California rash guard top, with full wetsuits available at an additional charge.

Book the Best E-Bike Tour In La Jolla. Your bike adventure will begin at Hike Bike Kayak’s storefront where you’ll check-in and get fitted on your pedal assist-E-bike. Breeze up and down the coastline and appreciate San Diego’s famous scenery including Windansea Beach, Bird Rock, the Children’s Pool, and La Jolla Cove. This tour is one of the best ways to experience San Diego’s jewel coast. Our experienced tour guides (who have been trained by a 3rd generation La Jollan) will steer you in the right direction and show you La Jolla’s hidden treasures. (Must have biking experience, must be at least 5'2 in height as well.)

Guests get to kayak out into the La Jolla Ecological Reserve with trained professional guides to take them to various snorkel sports in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve (spot depends on safety and may change depending on the day.) Once the group arrivals at chosen snorkel spot, the guides will till all of the kayaks together with rope and drop a sea anchor, so the kayaks are stationary, and the guests get to hop out and snorkel in the majestic waters of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve. After the snorkeling portion, guests kayak back to the launching point. Entire duration last two hours. No snorkel experience necessary but preferred. Must be a comfortable swimmer in the ocean to participate.

Find hidden gems and learn all about the neighborhood with the help of a friendly guide on this historic walking tour. From the village to the coast, you’ll walk at a leisurely pace for around three miles as you hear stories about La Jolla’s past, from philanthropists and awe-inspiring women to murderers. They can also share dining and activity advice tailored to your interests.

Relax in the sun aboard a catamaran in San Diego Bay on this small group sailing excursion. Your captain will welcome you aboard with beer, wine, and soft drinks. You can relax, sunbathe, look at the sea life, and help sail if you like. You’ll also be keeping costs down with this small group tour.

Take in the sunshine, sand and surf from your saddle as you cruise along the Pacific with one of your local expert guides. See why La Jolla truly is the "Jewel" of the sea and experience our local marine life including protected reefs, California Sea Lions and Harbor Seals. Check out the "Locals" surf spots, hidden beaches and other historical sites along this 2 hour unforgettable ride.

Admire a new perspective on the coastal highlights of Southern California on this small-group electric bike tour from La Jolla. Benefit from the flexibility of your motor-assisted bike, so you can pedal up hills or simply cruise along the road with greater ease. Take in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean from Mt. Soledad, then steer back to the water’s edge to explore the glamorous community’s most iconic spots.