Snorkeling Adventure in La Jolla
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 15 minutes
Mobile ticket
We're proud to have an out-going team of seasoned guides who spend their lives around the ocean! We also offer quality dive gear and the use of wetsuits to keep you comfortable in our Pacific Ocean!
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Horn Sharks, Sea Lions, Garibaldis, Zebra Fish, Opal Eye, Kelp Bass, Water Birds, and tons of other sea life that call the La Jolla Cave and surrounding reefs their home! We'll pass many free diving spots on the way to the Famous Emerald Cave that we'll swim into! Guests MUST know how to swim :) MEETING LOCATION: We'll meet at our shop, La Jolla Cove Market - where we'll suit up! It's a quick walk to where we'll jump into the water. There is a big sign that says MARKET, or: 8008 Girard Ave, Suite 190, La Jolla. This tour involves swimming throughout the cove and into the water cave. Our wetsuits are very buoyant, but guests MUST know how to swim as there is no life jackets available in the cove because its a protected wildlife area. Guests will be required to sign a waiver before entering the water.
Options
Snorkel Tour La Jolla
What‘s Included
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Wetsuit Rental Available at our shop
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
208 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
20 and 16 year old...
Monica N,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.0020 and 16 year old swimmers. We had an amazing time. The guide was so friendly and very knowledgeable. We will definitely be back!
Was an amazing experience...
VINCENT K,May 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Was an amazing experience getting the chance to Snorkel in La Jolla and see the different types of acquatic life. I will say that you should be a proficient swimmer for this experience or else I would imagine it being harder to focus on seeing the Fishes. Would highly recommend
Wonderful experience
Kathy P,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful guide and great experience! We swam a good distance to the cave. Next time I will bring my own snorkel gear as I had some trouble with the mask fitting.
Great place
NorthStar65770052969,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time with La Jolla Snorkeling Outpost. Staff was friendly, gear was solid, and they made everything super easy. The snorkeling itself was amazing—clear water and lots of fish. Definitely worth it.
An amazing experience - highly recommended!
Zofia G,Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Had an amazing experience with Jayne. She was very informative and made sure I had a great time. She also helped me release a muscle cramp - once again, thank you for that! :) The tour took place in late September and the visibility was great. I had a 7 mm wetsuit on which was perfect for approx. 67 F water temperature - I didn’t feel any cold and felt like I could stay in the water for hours. We saw a cute horn shark, lots of Garibaldis, a sheephead, and lots of other fish. We also visited a few caves, but the main highlight of the tour for me were the sea lions. It was amazing to see them swim around. The adults tend to keep their distance, but be prepared that a curious and playful pup might come really close to check you out :) Overall, I had a great time and will definitely be back! Thank you, Jayne!
Not a Calm Cove Snorkel—Be Prepared for an Open Ocean Swim with Varying Conditions
emdashing,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Maddie was a wonderful guide—patient, encouraging, and supportive throughout. What’s most important for future guests to know is that this is not a calm Cove snorkel but an open-ocean swim beyond the Cove to reach the caves. Depending on water conditions, this may not feel strenuous for some people, but in our case it felt more like a mini triathlon—fighting currents, cold to mild water temperatures, and with no planned rest breaks—especially as the afternoon breeze made the water choppier and less clear. Because of this, strong swimming ability is recommended, and a wetsuit or flotation support can add comfort and safety. Setting clearer expectations from the start would help guests prepare properly and decide if this excursion is the right fit for them.
Swimmer Be Aware!
Palmarin M,Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00This snorkel tour is outside of La Jolla Cove and explores the caves just beyond. Floatation devices are NOT included. I would not recommend this if you do not feel confident swimming in open ocean. I would rate this activity as enjoyable for STRONG, CONFIDENT Swimmers only. If you are not used to exerting yourself physical and are anxious about being in the ocean then I don't think this is an activity for you.
A fun experience, but good to have a little experience snorkeling beforehand
texasgal149,Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00FYI's for tourists - I only gave it 4 stars because you can easily bring your own snorkel and mask and just see the fish on your own, without having to swim so far out and back to the caves. You just go off the little beach in the cove where the sea lions hang out. I'm glad we brought our own masks and snorkels and had some practice with them, the day before this tour. For beginners, it can be a little weird getting used to only breathing through your mouth. Jane, our tour guide, did point out a spiny lobster that I would have overlooked otherwise. She told us a lot about the area and the marine wildlife. We didn't get to actually go in the caves this time. Lots of other people there (kayaks) and the water was getting pretty choppy because the tide was coming in. It was a fun adventure and cool to see all the underwater life in the area. But the tour was a bit stressful for two middle aged adults like us. Jane checked up on us, then came out and swam with us when she saw we were lagging behind. She was encouraging, knowledgeable and friendly. Just because of the swim distance and the increasing swells, we probably will need to get in better shape if we go again.
Great Experience Snorkeling
Jay K,Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was fantastic. Our guide, Jane, was knowledgeable and pleasant. We never would have done the cave without her. We felt safe in the water with her too. We had a great time and would not hesitate to book a tour with them again. If I can give one piece of advice to people taking the tour, Bring $5. We wanted to tip her at the end but of course left our money in the car for safety.
I wouldn't recommend it- its a waste of money.
Maria M,Aug 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00I had a bad snorkeling experience. It felt dangerous because there were no safety measures in place. If someone gets tired in the water, there’s no support or help available. Also, there wasn’t much to see, which made the whole experience disappointing and unsafe.”
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