Frequently Asked Questions

General

What does La Jolla Kayak offer?

We offer guided kayak, snorkel, and e-bike tours, plus rentals for kayaks, surf and boogie boards, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel gear. Our most popular experiences are the Original Kayak Cave Tour, Sunset Original Kayak Tour, Kayak & Snorkel Tour, La Jolla Shores Snorkel Tour, and La Jolla Coastal E-Bike Tour.

Where are you located?

Our shop is located at:

La Jolla Kayak
2199 Avenida de la Playa
La Jolla, CA 92037

What are your hours?

We’re open daily from 9:00am to sunset, weather and ocean conditions permitting.

Tours & Requirements

Do I need prior kayaking experience?

No experience needed! Our tours are beginner-friendly. Your guide will go over paddling basics and ocean safety before you launch and will be with you the entire time.

Do I need to know how to swim?

For kayak-only tours, you’ll be wearing a U.S. Coast Guard–approved personal flotation device (PFD), but you should be comfortable in and around the water.
For any snorkel portions, guests must be comfortable swimming on their own in the ocean.

What are the age and weight limits?

For the Original Kayak Cave Tour:

  • Ages:

    • Tandem kayak: ages 5+ (with an adult in the same kayak)

    • Single kayak: ages 15+

  • Weight limits:

    • Single kayak: up to 275 lbs

    • Tandem kayak: up to 450 lbs (combined)

If you’re unsure which kayak is best for your group, give us a call and we’ll help you choose.

How long are the tours?

Most kayak tours, including the Original Kayak Cave Tour, last about 90–120 minutes total, including check-in, gearing up, walking to the beach, and time on the water.

Will we go inside the sea caves?

Our goal is always to safely paddle into at least one of the sea caves. However, actual cave entry is 100% dependent on ocean conditions (swell, wind, tides, and visibility). If it’s not safe, we will paddle near the caves and along the beautiful cliffs of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve instead.

What to Bring & Wear

What should I wear?

Plan on getting wet! We recommend:

  • Swimsuit or quick-dry clothes (t-shirt and shorts or activewear)

  • Sandals or water shoes for the walk to the beach

  • A lightweight layer if it’s cooler or windy

Shoes are not required in the kayak, but you’ll want something easy to walk in to and from the beach.

What should I bring?

  • Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended)

  • Towel and change of clothes for after your tour

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Optional: hat, sunglasses with a strap, waterproof phone case or GoPro

We also offer wetsuit rentals and lockers at the shop for an additional charge so you can safely store personal belongings.

Day-Of Logistics

When should I arrive?

Please arrive at least 45 minutes before your scheduled tour time for check-in, waivers, gear fitting, and safety instructions.

Where do we check in?

You’ll check in at our storefront:

La Jolla Kayak
2199 Avenida de la Playa
La Jolla, CA 92037

From there, you’ll walk 1–2 blocks down to the beach with your guide.

Is parking available?

There is street parking in the La Jolla Shores neighborhood near Avenida de la Playa. During busy times, parking can be limited, so plan to arrive early to find a spot.

Weather, Ocean Conditions & Cancellations

What happens if the ocean is rough or the weather is bad?

Safety is our top priority. If ocean or weather conditions are unsafe (high surf, strong winds, lightning, poor visibility, etc.), we may:

  • Adjust the tour route

  • Skip entering the caves

  • Reschedule your tour

  • Cancel tours if necessary

If we cancel due to conditions, we’ll work with you to reschedule or provide options based on our cancellation policy.

What is your cancellation policy?

https://www.lajollakayak.com/cancellation-policy-la-jolla-kayak

Wildlife & Environment

What kind of marine life might we see?

The La Jolla Ecological Reserve is a protected marine area, so it’s full of life. On your tour, you may see:

  • Sea lions and harbor seals

  • Garibaldi (bright orange — California’s state marine fish)

  • Leopard sharks (seasonal and harmless to humans)

  • Rays and other reef fish

  • Kelp forests and seabirds

Wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, but this area is known for its incredible biodiversity.

Is the tour eco-friendly?

Yes. We operate within a marine protected area and follow local guidelines to protect wildlife and habitats. We ask guests to:

  • Keep a respectful distance from animals

  • Avoid touching or standing on reefs and kelp

  • Pack out all trash and belongings

Rentals & Groups

Can I rent a kayak or snorkel gear without a guide?

Yes. We offer kayak, snorkel, surf/boogie board, and stand-up paddleboard rentals if you’d like to explore at your own pace. If it’s your first time ocean kayaking, we recommend starting with a guided tour to learn the area and conditions.

Do you offer group or corporate events?

Absolutely. We host corporate outings, team-building events, school groups, and other large parties. For group rates and availability, please contact our team at justin@lajollakayak.com or sharon@lajollakayak.com.

Booking & Contact

How do I book a tour or rental?

You can book directly online through our “Book Now” buttons on the site or contact us if you have questions about which experience is best for you.

How can I contact you?

Phone: (858) 459-1114
Email (general): info@lajollakayak.com
Groups/Corporate: justin@lajollakayak.com or sharon@lajollakayak.com