La Jolla Cove Guided Snorkeling Tour with Sea Lions and Sea Caves
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Why Book This Tour:
Snorkel in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine reserves with expert guides who know these waters well. Swim alongside curious sea lions, snorkel into one or two ancient sea caves, and spot flashes of color from Garibaldi and other hidden sea life. With small group sizes, high-quality gear, and access to La Jolla’s dramatic underwater cliffs, this is a San Diego experience that feels both wild and personal.
Designed for good swimmers. Many guests are first-time ocean snorkelers, but participants must be comfortable swimming in deep water without a life jacket.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Parking is limited; please allow at least 30 minutes.
Tours depart on time. Guests more than 10 minutes late are considered no-shows and will not be rescheduled or refunded.
Minimum age: 12
Minumum weight: 90 lbs
Ages 12–17 must snorkel with a parent or legal guardian
Good swimming skills required.
Life jackets and flotation devices are not permitted.
Best suited for active participants who are comfortable swimming in the ocean.
Wetsuits are required and available up to 300 lbs.
What To Expect
Duration total: 90 minutes, includes 30 minutes: check-in, gearing up, safety briefing, and ocean entry. 60 minutes: in the ocean. What You'll Do: Meet your guide at La Jolla Cove and gear up with a mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit. After a safety briefing and snorkeling tips, enter the ocean directly from the shoreline. Follow your guide along the cliffs and explore the underwater world of La Jolla’s marine sanctuary. Watch sea lions swim and play while spotting colorful fish like the bright orange Garibaldi, and look for octopuses, rays, and lobsters among the rocks. You'll also snorkel along the sea cave coastline while learning about the area's marine life and geology. Your guide will point out wildlife along the way.. IMPORTANT: This tour is designed for good swimmers. While many guests are first-time ocean snorkelers, participants must be comfortable swimming in deep water without a life jacket and able to handle normal ocean conditions, including waves, currents, and shore entry/exit. Life jackets and flotation devices are not permitted. Fins: Please enter your shoe size in the “Special Requirements” box during checkout. We'll follow up if sizing confirmation is needed.
Options
La Jolla Cove Guided Snorkeling Tour with Sea Lions and Sea Caves
What‘s Included
Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins
Showers, changing rooms and restrooms are available.
Storage for personal items during tour.
Gratuity for guides
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
The person who took us...
Alyssa G,Jun 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The person who took us was so awesome and helpful. He took the time to help me and another woman who were having a hard time in the beginning with the waves. And he made sure to keep us safe and not let us go too far to were the water was getting bad. Would highly recommend. All equipment needed was provided.
Amazing!! 5/5 experience!
Maria C,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a great experience. Swimming with the sea lions is something we will never forget. The kids loved it. Thank you!
I had an amazing time...
Rebecca S,Jun 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I had an amazing time snorkeling! The guide was very knowledgeable, kind, reassuring and overall provided a great experience. I would recommend to anyone who wants to snorkel in the safest & most flexible conditions!
This experience is as...
Khadydja S,May 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience is as truly amazing and I would 10/10 recommend for first timers, the tour guide was awesome and the experience fun and I felt safe the entire time!
Fantastic tour, tons of fun
Alekzandra L,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I was able to book this last minute and it didn't disappoint! Rich was very polite and knowledgeable and I had a ton of fun. We saw sea lions and horn sharks and a ton of Garibaldi and other local fish. Definitely give this tour a go if you're in the area!
RIch is very friendly,...
Heather F,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00RIch is very friendly, knowledgeable and supportive. He gave us an amazing tour and was such a fun person to guide my son and me. We swam with Horned sharks, sea lions and he gave me the courage to swim in the caves. It was the highlight of our trip! Highly recommend !
Swimming
Patricia C,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Just be sure to swim to the open sea not just by entering I couldn't get in with the group to the bottom but it looks beautiful and that just swims a little bit is beautiful
Highly recommend- good for beginners and experienced snorkelers
am392,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide was VERY knowledgeable and responsible covering all safety issues prior to getting into the water. He worked diligently with all experience levels however you should probably be able to swim at a novice level at minimum. We saw a lot of sea life including small horn sharks. The seals/sea lions kept their distance from us but they were all around us and the sea and all surroundings were absolutely beautiful. Highly recommend.
Highly recommend- good for beginners or experienced snorkelers
Andrea M,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide was VERY knowledgeable and responsible covering all safety issues prior to getting into the water. He worked diligently with all experience levels however you should probably be able to swim at a novice level at minimum. We saw a lot of sea life including small horn sharks. The seals/sea lions kept their distance from us but they were all around us and the sea and all surroundings were absolutely beautiful. Highly recommend.
A chance to see the wonderful wildlife in La Jolla cove
pauletteb771,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had an incredible time! Rich was a wonderful snorkeling guide for someone is a total beginner and new to wearing a wetsuit. He is the nicest person, so kind and helpful. He gave great recommendations for food nearby. You will not regret snorkeling at La Jolla cove!!! The wildlife is amazing
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Operated by Snorkel San Diego Scuba