La Jolla, located in northern San Diego, is a luxurious resort with the ocean, mountains, and city life all in one. The name “La Jolla” means “jewel” in Spanish, and this beach city truly lives up to its name with a stunningly beautiful coastline. La Jolla Shores is a protected area, home to many marine species, where you can see wild sea lions and harbor seals up close. The natural sea caves are dramatic, and kayaking through them is an exhilarating experience! Kayaking on the beautiful emerald-green sea is sure to be an unforgettable adventure. This time, I’ll introduce a kayaking tour organized by a shop called Everyday California!
Preparing for the Kayak Tour
First, we gather at the Everyday California shop. Here, you’ll change into a wetsuit for kayaking, and you can store your belongings in designated lockers. The meeting spot for the tour, La Jolla Shores Beach, is about a 5-minute walk from the shop. It’s easy to get soaked, especially in winter or on days with strong waves, so wearing a wetsuit is recommended. Since there aren’t many changing rooms and getting into a damp wetsuit can take time, it’s a good idea to allow about an hour before the meeting time to get ready.
Once, I forgot my towel, but fortunately, I could buy one at the shop. Another time, I participated without a wetsuit, wearing clothes that could get wet, but because it was a day with strong waves, I ended up completely soaked and felt cold (haha). The ocean water in San Diego is surprisingly chilly, so a wetsuit helps keep you warm and comfortable.
Items that come in handy include a swimsuit (to wear under the wetsuit), a towel, beach sandals (for the walk from the shop to the beach), a waterproof case (for your phone), sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Finally, Setting Off on the Kayak
At the meeting spot on the beach, you’ll check in with the tour guide. Here, you’ll put on a life vest and receive a brief introduction on how to use the paddle and get into the kayak. The tour takes about 1.5 hours, and you can choose between a single or double kayak. Double kayaks are especially fun because you can chat as you paddle!
The tour begins at La Jolla Shores Beach, and we make our way along the coastline of La Jolla. This area is famous as a habitat for marine life, and the guide’s commentary is fascinating. After a while, you get the hang of using the paddle, and as you learn to navigate the waves smoothly, you realize just how far you’ve come once the shores of La Jolla start to fade from view. Along the way, we pass by wild sea lions and harbor seals basking in the sun, fully enjoying the kayak experience. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a wild sea turtle!
Exploring the La Jolla Caves
We also paddle through the cave area of La Jolla Caves, and the highlight is Emerald Cave! Following the guide’s instructions, we pass through in sequence. The view that opens up as you paddle through the dark cave is unforgettable!
After over an hour of paddling, covering about 5 miles, the view of La Jolla Beach from the sea is truly beautiful. Following the guide’s instructions, we return to the shore one by one, and as a fun finale, you get to ride the waves back to the beach, giving you a taste of surfing with the kayak. It’s fun from start to finish!
Kayaking on the beautiful ocean under the blue sky is truly the ultimate adventure. We encountered wild sea turtles and harbor seals, which was so much fun! The 90-minute paddle flew by while we were out on the water, and the gentle fatigue we felt afterward came with a deep sense of satisfaction.
Depending on the weather and sea conditions, the route may be subject to change. There was a time when strong waves kept us from reaching Emerald Cave, but the decision was made with safety in mind. That, too, is part of the experience—embracing the unpredictability of nature.
So why not head out on a kayak adventure and soak in the great outdoors under a wide open sky?
Everyday California (Kayak Tour）
2261 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
The surfer bear logo on the clothes is super cute—worth a peek while you’re there.
La Jolla Shores Beach
8200 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla
＊More from the “Nature & Scenic Activities Guide” (Vol.1)
