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

5.0 (41 reviews) 1 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

41 reviews

5.0

A magical moment swimming alongside a gentle sea turtle and creating memories you’ll never forget. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Meet one of La Jolla Cove’s most charming locals always ready to say hello. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Snorkeling On the Water Small Group Excellent Quality Involves Animals Top Product Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 1 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 8 people
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: Snorkel San Diego Scuba

Ages: Adults (12–60 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Use of snorkeling equipment: Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins
Included: Showers, changing rooms and restrooms are available.
Included: Storage for personal items during tour.

Not included

Not included: Gratuity for guides

Itinerary

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.

Stop 1
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Underwater Park

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

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.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

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

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

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.