Meet your guide at the designated starting point in La Jolla and receive a safety briefing and trip orientation. Then get outfitted in your kayaking gear and boat, and learn the basics of paddling and steering your kayak.

When you’re ready, follow your guide to the ocean and set out in your single or double kayak. Paddle out from La Jolla Shores, passing the La Jolla sea caves, huge kelp forests and underwater canyons while learning from your naturalist guide about the marine life around you. Your guide might show you leopard sharks, sea lions, seals, fish, pelicans and other seabirds, in addition to the Pacific white-sided dolphins, common dolphins and bottlenose dolphins that are commonly seen in the area.

Gray whales migrate offshore from San Diego from December to March, although sightings are not predictable in the wild. However, a kayak tour on the Pacific Ocean is a memorable experience and gray whales are frequently spotted in these waters.

Expect to paddle for almost the entire time that you are out on the water, about six miles round-trip. Although this is an active tour, prior experience is not required; simply bring your sense of adventure and be prepared to get wet. All kayaking gear and instruction is provided, along with warm beverages upon your return.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 1 day of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
What to Bring: Expect to get wet. Wear shoes that can get wet (Tevas, tennis shoes, 'river shoes' or flip flops), bathing suit and/or drip dry shorts/shirt, hat, sun screen. Bring a 'leash' for valuable glasses. You can leave a towel and dry clothes at our shop or in your vehicle. Please DO NOT bring valuables and things that cannot get wet: cell phones, pagers, car keys, non-waterproof watches, non-waterproof cameras.
Free parking is available on the side streets. The spots marked 'two-hour' parking are NOT RECOMMENDED (not enough time).
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required. Individuals who book for only 1 passenger will be required to pay price for second passenger directly to operator upon check-in.
There is a weight limit of 375 pounds.

Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 9 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.0

19 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-8 of 19 reviews

La Jolla Kayak trip - "You will get wet!"

John_M, Feb 2023

Our young tour guide proved to be very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and wildlife in and around the water. We saw dolphins, sealions, porpoises, seals, pelikans and comorants. And even got to visit one of the caves. All in all a very memorable and entertaining day on the water!

Fab day out!

Taylor_L, Aug 2022

Decided to go it alone rather than take the tour. Store was easy to find and parking on street close by was free. Team in store were friendly, helpful and no queues. Hired a locker and walked to beach where great guys helped select kayaks and get us on our way. Easy to steer and manoeuvre. Loving seeing beautiful La Jolla from the sea and the caves/sea lions were spectacular.

no whales which is understandable, but...

Naveesha M, Mar 2018

no whales which is understandable, but no pictures were taken and it seemed like everyone else knew it wasnt whale season except for me. If I had known that I wouldnt have booked it. Not shown anythig else either, so kind of a waste of kayak trip and time

There were 5 of us. We had a really...

Jefferey H, Dec 2017

There were 5 of us. We had a really good time. Saw dolphins, seals, But no whales. We were lucky it was a beautiful day, no waves, very calm. Guides were very good and attentive. We never felt rushed. Everything at all times asunder control. A great day on the water.

great experience, did not get to see...

Mariana B, Mar 2015

great experience, did not get to see many whales but it was fun

This was a great morning out on the...

Judy A, Mar 2013

This was a great morning out on the water; La Jolla has a lot to offer! March was a bit late for whale-watching however there is plenty of marine life (seals, sea lions, birds) and there is also the caves and coastline to explore. An intimate group of 3, we got full attention by our wonderful guide.

We saw bottle nose dolphins, white...

Terry J, Jan 2009

We saw bottle nose dolphins, white sided dolphins, baby Humboldt squids, sea lions, Garabaldi fish, and juvenile leopard sharks up close. Saw a mother gray whale and her 2 year old calf from afar.

Experiencia guiada en kayak para avistamiento de ballenas y animales marinos

Sonia_T, Aug 2022

Nuestra experiencia con viator no ha sido satisfactoria: contratamos una experiencia con guía en su app y en la Tienda que alquila kayaks nos dijeron no les constaba que tuviera guía dicha actividad. Tras mostrar nuestra queja respaldada con los correos y la propia descripción en viator, decir que nos lo ofrecieron sin coste adicional, y que la empresa que lo gestiona trabaja muy bien, muy amables y encantadores, tanto las chicas de atención y gestión de la actividad como los monitores. La experiencia es muy chula pero con niños menores de 10 años puede resultar pesada y algo arriesgada por la fuerza que requiere el remo y la distancia a recorrer en kayak. Vimos leones marinos muy cerca y algunos delfines, además de pelícano y otras aves.