We use cookies for essential site functions and, with your permission, for analytics and advertising. California residents can opt out of the sale or sharing of personal information at any time. See our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, and Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.
Seven sea caves, two flat-water bays, and a harbor full of sea lions — with very different skill requirements.
Last updated
San Diego has four main kayaking areas. La Jolla Shores is the famous one: guided tours paddle about 1.5 miles along the La Jolla Ecological Reserve to the Seven Sea Caves, usually 90 minutes to two hours, typically $45-$75 per person, and you'll pass sea lions, leopard sharks in summer, and kelp forest. Mission Bay is the flat-water option — no surf launch, no wind swell, ideal for beginners and kids, with hourly rentals around $20-$40. San Diego Bay from Coronado or the Embarcadero gives skyline views but demands attention to boat traffic and afternoon chop. Mission Bay's back bays and the Kendall-Frost marsh are the quiet wildlife paddle. The key variable everywhere is timing: morning is glassy, afternoon wind picks up after about 11am nearly year-round. Wear a wetsuit top from December through May; water temperatures run in the high 50s to low 60s.
| Spot | Best for | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| La Jolla Shores / sea caves | Sea caves, wildlife, guided tours | Moderate — surf launch |
| Mission Bay | Beginners, kids, calm water | Easy |
| San Diego Bay / Coronado | Skyline views, long flat paddles | Moderate — boat traffic |
| Back bays and marsh | Birds, quiet, no crowds | Easy |
| Oceanside Harbor | North County launch, calm basin | Easy |
The signature San Diego kayak experience. Guides handle the surf launch, read the swell for whether caves are enterable that day, and keep you legal inside the marine reserve. Book the earliest slot for the calmest water and the best chance of entering a cave.
Cheaper and more flexible, but you own the surf launch and the return landing, which is where most flips happen. Only worth it if you've launched through waves before.
Launch from Ventura Cove, Santa Clara Point, or De Anza and you get protected water with no waves. Tandem kayaks let one strong paddler carry a small kid comfortably.
The Coronado Ferry Landing and Glorietta Bay give you skyline and Coronado Bridge views. Stay clear of the shipping channel and the Navy's marked security zones.
Summer brings leopard sharks to the shallows off La Jolla Shores, harmless and hundreds strong. Sea lions haul out near the caves year-round; keep the legally required distance.
Expect roughly $20-$40 per hour for a rental and $45-$75 per person for a guided sea-cave tour, usually including paddle, life vest, and a dry bag.
Morning. Wind and chop build most days by late morning and can turn a pleasant paddle into a workout, especially on the return.
Quick-dry clothes, sunscreen, a hat that clips, and secured sunglasses. December through May, add a wetsuit top — water sits in the high 50s to low 60s.
The La Jolla Ecological Reserve prohibits taking anything and restricts approaching marine mammals. Cave entry depends on swell and is closed by guides when it isn't safe.
La Jolla Shores lot fills by 9am on summer weekends. Mission Bay lots are far easier. Budget extra time or use the metered street parking uphill.
Rentals run about $20-$40 per hour. Guided La Jolla sea cave tours are typically $45-$75 per person for 90 minutes to two hours, including gear.
Yes, on a guided tour — guides manage the surf launch and read conditions. Renting solo as a first-timer is not recommended because of the surf launch and landing.
Mission Bay. It's protected flat water with no surf, easy launches at Ventura Cove and Santa Clara Point, and tandem kayaks so an adult can do the work.
Not in summer, when water hits the upper 60s. From December through May a wetsuit top or spring suit is a good idea, especially if you might flip.
Morning. Winds typically build after 11am, so early launches get glassier water, better cave conditions, and easier parking.
The Sandi Spots Newsletter
New beach finds, hidden taco shops, weekend events, and seasonal guides — once a week from a local. No spam, ever.
One email a week. Unsubscribe anytime.
Written and fact-checked by the Sandi Spots Editorial team — San Diego residents publishing under Sleep Coast LLC. Every place we recommend has been visited in person or verified against an official source, and no business can pay for inclusion or a higher ranking. Last updated .