Kayak the Clam Cave

Kayaking the Sea Caves of La Jolla

Kayaking the seven sea caves in La Jolla Shores is a blast, if you can make it past the “guards”—that is, a bunch of playful sea lions! The helpful guides at Hike Bike Kayak Adventure Tours will handle all the details so all you have to worry about is having fun. They stow your gear, outfit you with a helmet and PFD, give you a quick kayaking lesson, and you’re off!

The paddling can be a bit challenging. You’re in the open ocean, where you’ll encounter waves, swells, and currents. But again, the guides are a huge help, and soon you and your kayak (solo or tandem; your choice) are out past the breakers and cruising calmer water.

Kayak La Jolla Sea Caves

The sound of barking sea lions fills the air as you near the sea caves, and soon you see them splashing and playing in the water around the cave entrances. Watch them dive and swim right under your kayak!

The area surrounding the sea caves is part of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, so underwater plants and wildlife are abundant here. Kelp forests sway in the water below, and bright orange garibaldi (our official state fish!) dart around the rocky reefs. You might even glimpse a sea turtle or leopard shark. Most of the caves you will only get to see from a safe distance, but if the conditions are right, the guides will lead you through one known as the Clam—named for the way it sucks in water. Inside, the water is crystal clear, and you’ll get a few minutes to revel in the splendor before continuing on your journey. Alas, you eventually have to make your way back to shore, which means navigating the waves. But remember, your guides are awesome. They’ll have you dialed in so you won’t capsize. And if you get a bit damp, hey—it’s summer, and this is the ocean! A cool combo.

Hike Bike Kayak Adventure Tours (HBK) is located at 2222 Avenida de la Playa in La Jolla. From the I-5, take the Genesee Ave. exit and go west, then turn left on N. Torrey Pines Rd. Continue about a mile, then turn right on La Jolla Shores Drive. Go 2 miles and turn right on Avenida de la Playa. The La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour is offered year-round, seven days a week. Advance reservations strongly recommended. Free parking is available in the neighborhood near HBK, but allow plenty of time to find a spot. No dogs. 

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  2. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View
  3. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View
  4. Surfboards and tents for shade are set up on the beach at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area in the Swim Lagoon Area

    Switchbacks and Swimming Holes

    Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Two kayakers on Upper Klamath Basin on tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures

    Zen & the Art of Kayaking

    It’s the most meditative and relaxing experience you’ll ever have on a kayak. Yes, you read that right, a Zen experience on a kayak. It all happens in beautiful Klamath County when you head out on a guided tour with Sky Lakes Wilderness Adventures.

    View
  3. A Rose in the Pines

    A crackling fire, a bottle of wine, a bubbling Jacuzzi tub with a waterfall … now the big question: Marvin Gaye tunes or not? In the morning (ahem) it's breakfast in bed and a leis

    View
  4. Alex Villicana, Villicana Winery and Re:Find Distillery

    Locals' Feature: Alex Villicana

    Tech booms, AI revolutions, okay that’s all fine, but you wanna know what else is really cool? Being a pioneer in a world-famous industry that—in Paso Robles—remains solidly down to earth. When Alex Villicana established Villicana Winery in 1993, he clearly had grape expectations...

    View