La Jolla Caves Snorkel & Paddleboard Rental

I apologize but no, and the reason for that is the lifeguard rule in the La Jolla cove that states ‘no floats’ - including life vests, boogie boards, surf boards, paddleboards and kayaks etc. The closest thing for buoyancy allowed are wetsuits which we do offer.

Prices vary and are determined by group size, activity and launch location. Please contact us with this info for a booking. Thank you!

Rental companies can be distinguished by their equipment, pricing, and customer service. Our all-inclusive package includes all snorkel equipment in addition to secure storage space, electronics charging, a private changing room, rinse water and waterproof phone pouches. Our gear is high quality and inspected regularly to be in prime condition. We have inclusive sizing and fits in 3mm thick wetsuits for youths and adults (ranging from XS-XXXXL in both full and spring styles) and superior masks (available in traditional and full face styles). Our masks are GoPro-ready and treated with complimentary anti-fog. Furthermore, our entire range of swim fins are the trusted U.S. Diver's brand. We also have dive hoods and gloves in a range of sizes for extra warmth and protection. Our mission is to provide a safe, affordable way for for visitors and locals alike to interact with our abundance of wildlife, and we are grateful to serve every customer that chooses us.

It depends on the water conditions and your skill level. Paddleboarding in La Jolla is an intermediate level experience and is only recommended for people who have paddled in the ocean previously. Paddlers at that level can paddle through the caves based on their judgement that it is safe to do so. On rough days water can be funneled into the caves in such a way that it becomes unsafe but on calm days the caves can be navigated on a paddleboard or as a snorkeler with ease. When in doubt, ask us! We'll be happy to discuss where and how you can enjoy a safe snorkelling or paddleboarding adventure based on these factors.

The La Jolla Cove and the surrounding areas are a marine reserve where no fishing is allowed. Because of this, our local animal populations have ballooned into plentiful amounts of bright orange garibaldi fish as well as lobsters, eels, rays, sharks, starfish, octopus and even turtles. We cannot guarantee you will see everything but if there is even 5 ft. of visibility you will at the minimum see fish. We keep up with local surf, wind and water current information to provide people with an informed decision whether to snorkel or not to ensure the best experience possible.

The age limit of snorkelers is up to the sole discretion of parents/guardians. We recommend only those that know how to swim and have swam in the ocean previously to rent snorkel equipment from us. If you would like to take child snorkeling, we have wetsuits and snorkel gear for most every size ranging from small youth to XXXXL adult and encourage anyone who can do so safely to experience the wildlife and underwater beauty of the La Jolla snorkel areas.

It's always wise to be careful and vigilant when snorkeling. Most all the injuries at the La Jolla Cove are the result of rocks, waves and slips/falls. While rare, it is possible to be stung by a stingray at the Cove. We often hear from folks concerned about sharks and other wildlife. The shark species in La Jolla are relatively small and docile, such as horn sharks, 7-gill sharks, blue sharks and on a seasonal basis, leopard sharks. We have never heard of an injury to people resulting from sharks. On the other hand, sea lions can represent a danger to people – on land. During pupping season and as a rule these animals wish to be left alone while not in the water. In the water we have never heard of an injury to people resulting from these animals. They are amazingly agile in the water and swim away when they want their space. You might also like to know the area has proactive and competent lifeguards who can provide assistance and emergency rescue services.

In short, no. A tour usually implies that access to the tour area is not open to the public or that the wildlife areas are difficult to locate. La Jolla Cove is a mostly calm area of water formed by rocks that enclose a small beach with a lifeguard station. Sea lions inhabit the area year-round along with a variety of fish and crustaceans, making this a great area to start your snorkel, with or without a tour guide. The La Jolla sea caves are a 5-minute swim from the Cove with snorkel areas along the way and depths no more than 15 feet. These areas comprise what will be shown on most tours and are absolutely accessible to the public for swimming and snorkeling. We do however recommend tours for specialty experiences such as scuba diving, spear fishing, and lobster diving.