Make the most of your underwater experience in La Jolla with these tips, including do-it-yourself fun and guided adventure.
Savvy San Diego tourists know that most of La Jolla is underwater via the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve and many choose to see the beauty and marine biodiversity up close, an abundance that lands La Jolla consistently as one of California’s best snorkeling spots. Snorkeling in La Jolla lets visitors experience that biodiversity firsthand.
If you want to experience La Jolla with a mask and a snorkel, you’re in good company: Thousands snorkel in La Jolla every year, taking part in an underwater tour or simply wading in for self-discovery.
Read on for our guide to La Jolla snorkeling, including tips that will keep you safe and leave you a-goggle with awe.
Why is snorkeling in La Jolla so popular?
If you can swim, you can snorkel, which makes snorkeling in La Jolla one of the easiest underwater adventures. It’s important anyone snorkeling is able to swim without personal flotation devices, and if you’ve passed that hurdle, you’re ready to take on snorkeling.
No certification is necessary and snorkeling is accessible for all ages. Tours exist, though many people choose their own adventure, as snorkeling is easy to undertake without an expert.
Snorkeling is also popular in La Jolla because of its proximity: drive, park and walk into the water; no boat or other steps needed.
And once you’re in the water, La Jolla marine life greets you with a plethora of aquatic flora and fauna – you’ll get hooked on the fascinating sights.
What you’ll see snorkeling in La Jolla
On any given day, the animals visible to La Jolla snorkelers include the bright orange garibaldi (California’s state fish), leopard sharks, sea lions, green sea turtles and so much more. With the Underwater Park stretching for 6,000 acres, there are innumerable species of sea life residing under the waves, and the combination of possibilities are endless. Every La Jolla snorkel session reveals more!
Your underwater interactions aren’t limited to creatures: La Jolla’s kelp forests, seagrass meadows and the iconic La Jolla sea caves mean your adventure brings you up close with the region’s magnificent geographical and biological features, leaving you astonished at the spectacular wonders.
Where to snorkel in La Jolla
There are two best La Jolla snorkeling spots: La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores.
At La Jolla Cove, you’ll dunk yourself in the brisk waves, probably alongside swimmers and sunbathers. Snorkeling in La Jolla Cove means odds are favorable a sea lion or two will appear in the water with you, and plant life will abound as you make your way through the protected marine sanctuary.
At La Jolla Shores, wade into the waters outside The Marine Room at the south end of Kellogg Park. Once submerged, you’ll be introduced to the entrancing wildlife that calls La Jolla home. It’s likely you’ll spy the harmless leopard sharks, gently gliding through the water, as well as several other species that will have you widening your eyes in amazement.
Best times to snorkel La Jolla
The ocean water is warmest in late summer, so snorkeling in La Jolla is at its best in July, August and September. These are also the months marine life is at its most abundant.
Snorkeling La Jolla happens year-round, however; you may just need a wetsuit.
Safety tips for a good snorkeling trip
- Bring a mask, snorkel, fins and your towel and apply reef-friendly sunscreen before getting in, and follow these guidelines to ensure your safety and enjoyment (the first two are the most important):
- Check in with lifeguards to let them know you’ll be in the water and to ask about the latest visibility and rip current conditions. Our San Diego lifeguards are ocean experts and can advise you on the best place for snorkeling that day.
- Take and touch nothing; the wildlife here is, well, wild. And La Jolla Cove and The Shores are a Marine Protected Area, meaning state laws prohibit activities including taking anything away.
- Remember the ocean means waves; be aware of where the rocks are so you don’t get pushed into injury.
- Swim with a friend to avoid accidents and access help quickly if needed.
- Ensure your mask and fins fit well.
Snorkel tours in La Jolla
Snorkeling in La Jolla with an experienced guide means the most safety, along with expert information, the right equipment and more.
Companies like Everyday California, La Jolla Bike & Kayak Tours, La Jolla Kayak, Snorkel San Diego Scuba and La Jolla Outpost offer snorkel tours of varying lengths and with different age minimums. Equipment is included with wetsuits available at an additional cost. These outfits will show you the best snorkeling spots San Diego has to offer – mostly in La Jolla – and bring you straight to the wildlife encounters you’re hoping for.
Getting to La Jolla snorkeling spots
If you’re driving to La Jolla Cove, navigate to Coast Boulevard at Girard Avenue. Street parking is available, though there are parking lots further away for all-day parking.
If you’re driving to La Jolla Shores, head to the Kellogg Park parking lot on Camino del Oro at Calle Frescota or search for street parking.
If you’re using public transportation, use the San Diego MTS line 30, Old Town to UTC via Pacific Beach, to access either The Cove or The Shores.
Relaxing after snorkeling in La Jolla
Explore more of what The Village has to offer after your day of snorkeling in La Jolla here . Find recommended dining spots and local attractions near La Jolla’s stunning coastline, or read our guides to La Jolla Shores and elsewhere in La Jolla. You can’t kelp but have a good time!
