Up Close and Personal: See the Migration of the California Gray Whales…. by Kayak!

It's one of nature's great spectacles: the annual migration of the gray whales. And La Jolla’s coastline is just one of their passing points as approximately 26,000 of these giant creatures make the 10,000 mile migratory journey to and from the chilly waters of Alaska to the warm lagoons of Baja California, where the females give birth to their calves.

To spot a gray whale swimming off our coastline is one of those awe-inspiring sights that makes you appreciate these gentle giants. But to spot one by kayak is even more spectacular. There’s no better way than to get up-close-and-personal with one of the largest mammals on our earth. And La Jolla Kayak provides the perfect (and rare) opportunity to do just that!

Our experienced guides will lead you by your single or double kayak on a 2½ hour excursion approximately one mile off-shore to catch a glimpse of the whales. Along the way, you’ll observe the stunning reefs and marine life native to our area while exploring the spectacular sea cliffs, the Seven Caves and the 6,000 Underwater Reserve renowned to La Jolla. You may even come face-to-face with sea lions, harbor seals, garibaldi and leopard sharks. While we can’t guarantee that you’ll see a whale (*), we do guarantee that you’ll come away with a new appreciation for the marine life and natural beauty of our underwater world.

Whale Watching Excursion Dates: December 15th, 2008 – February 15th, 2009
Tour Times: 10:30am and 1:30pm (tours are approximately 2 ½ hours)
Costs: $60.00 per person (single kayak); $110 per couple (double kayak).
Tour rates include: Transportation of your kayak to and from the beach; Guided tour with a certified instructor; kayak rental; mandatory 5-minute safety training session; life vest; backrest; paddle; and wetsuit. Restrooms, changing facilities and secure lockers are also provided at no additional charge.

And don’t forget your sunscreen and camera!

(*La Jolla Kayak does not guarantee whale sightings during the whale watching kayak tour.)

Come join us on a thrilling kayak experience of the Seven Caves and La Jolla's Underwater Park. We will explore some of the finest scenery along the Pacific Coast and see some of the most spectacular marine life around, such as Dolphin, Sea Lions, Leopard Sharks, and Garibaldi. Our certified instructors will provide you with a safe and memorable trip. No experience necessary!

The Original Kayak Tour is available year-round (weather permitting) and the price includes your paddle, Personal Floatation Device (PFD), kayak, and tour guide.

Combination packages of the Original Kayak Tour and the Soledad Slide Bike Tour are also available.

Come join us on a thrilling kayak experience of the Seven Caves and La Jolla's Underwater Park. We will explore some of the finest scenery along the Pacific Coast and see some of the most spectacular marine life around, such as Dolphin, Sea Lions, Leopard Sharks, and Garibaldi. Our certified instructors will provide you with a safe and memorable trip. No experience necessary!

The Original Kayak Tour is available year-round (weather permitting) and the price includes your paddle, Personal Floatation Device (PFD), kayak, and tour guide.

Combination packages of the Original Kayak Tour and the Soledad Slide Bike Tour are also available.

*Reservations made within 24 hours are subject to availability.

A Kayak and Snorkel Tour is our most impressive tour to fully experience the beautiful marine life of the La Jolla Underwater Park. Cruise along the surface by kayak then dive-in to snorkel around the Seven Caves or to swim with the Leopard Sharks gliding just feet beneath you. Our certified guides will point out hidden wildlife and insure you are safe during the trip.

The Kayak and Snorkel Tour lasts 2 hours after which you can keep the gear to continue snorkeling for another 2 hours. Swimming experience is recommended and all participants need to be 8 years of age or older.

We've expanded on our popular 10am tour and brunch by adding an 9:30am option as well! Enjoy a morning of kayaking to the spectacular sea cliffs, the Seven Caves and kelp forest and end your adventure with a delicious brunch at Piatti Restaurant, located directly across the street from La Jolla Kayak. Brunch Paddle includes: Transportation of your kayak to and from the beach; Guided Tour of the 7 Caves and La Jolla Cove with a Certified Instructor; Kayak Rental; Mandatory Safety Training Session (five minutes in duration); Life Vest; Backrest; Paddle; and Brunch. Brunch Paddle Tours are available on Saturday and Sundays only, year-round (weather permitting). *Reservations made within 24 hours are subject to availability.

There is no better way to take in the spectacular beauty and extraordinary charm of La Jolla than from the seat of a bicycle. And no one offers a better or more affordable bike tour than La Jolla Kayak.

Your tour begins under the Mt. Soledad cross taking in a breathtaking view that stretches from Orange County to Mexico. Your ride continues down the mountain past some of the most expensive real estate in the world and on to La Jolla’s famous coastline. You will have a chance to stop and appreciate the amazing scenery along the way including Windansea Beach, Bird Rock, the seal rookery at the Children’s Pool, La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Village with its upscale shops and eateries and finally back to your starting point at La Jolla Shores.

Riders are transported to the top of Mt. Soledad in a comfortable van. The tour is an easy ride, mostly downhill and suitable for riders of all skill levels. Our new mountain bikes are safe and comfortable. If you prefer to explore La Jolla on your own, we can supply you with everything you’ll need including bike, helmet and maps.

Combine the Soledad Slide Bike Tour with the Original La Jolla Kayak Tour! The bike tour lasts 2 hours, and the kayak tour lasts 1.5 hours for a half-day surf and turf adventure!

La Jolla kayak is the best place for you and your family to begin your once-in-a-lifetime Leopard Shark adventure. These sharks can be seen just a few yards from shore nearly year-round and they are HARMLESS to humans. From June to September thousands of Leopard Sharks migrate to La Jolla Shores for their mating season and during the rest of the year about 100-200 of the local leopard sharks can still be found.

Guided snorkel tours with the leopard sharks includes all the equipment you will need; Mask & Snorkel, Fins, and Wetsuit. The tour will last one hour with your guide and you can keep the equipment for 2 more hours afterwards to explore on your own. Our experienced guides will make sure you check out the best spots and will keep everyone safe. The tour is appropriate for all swimmers over the age of six.

Snorkel Rentals

If you want to snorkel on your own we can supply your party with everything you’ll need including, masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits, guide maps, and even waterproof cameras! Stronger and more experienced swimmers are welcome to rent their own equipment and explore the Leopard sharks and La Jolla’s underwater world.