Southern California
La Jolla Sea Caves and Channel Islands Kayaking Guide
How to kayak the La Jolla sea caves and Santa Cruz Island: tours vs rentals, launch spots, best months, ferry tips and the swell rules that keep you safe.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 4 min read
La Jolla’s seven sea caves sit in the cliffs east of La Jolla Cove. Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park has larger caves near Scorpion Anchorage.
This guide covers outfitters, seasons and safety for both. See also my 3 days in San Diego itinerary.
In This Guide
La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour: What to Expect
The caves are in the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve, a no-take zone with Garibaldi, seals, sea lions and summer leopard sharks.
Tours run 90 minutes to 2 hours and cover about a mile each way. They use sit-on-top kayaks and need no experience.
Launching From La Jolla Shores
Almost every tour launches from La Jolla Shores at Kellogg Park. Rental shops are on Avenida de la Playa; arrive 30 minutes early for summer parking.
Can You Paddle Inside the Caves?
Only on very calm days, when guides may enter the larger openings. Swell decides it: a surge can pin a kayak against rock in seconds.
Guided Tour vs. Renting a Kayak in La Jolla
Book a guided tour for a first visit. La Jolla Kayak, Everyday California and Bike and Kayak Tours all launch from La Jolla Shores.
Confident paddlers can rent from the same shops. Check the surf forecast, keep clear of swimmers at the Cove, and give sea lions room.
The Lodge at Torrey Pines is 10 minutes from La Jolla Shores by car. Orli La Jolla is a village inn a walk from the Cove.
Best Time to Kayak the La Jolla Sea Caves
August through October has the warmest water and calmest mornings. Spring is windier, and winter swells can cancel tours for days.
Leopard sharks gather off La Jolla Shores from about July to September. They’re harmless.
- Swell under about 3 feet gives the best cave access
- Mornings are calmer than afternoons
- Water: low 60s in spring to around 70 in late summer
- Book summer weekend tours a week ahead
Kayaking the Sea Caves on Santa Cruz Island
Santa Cruz Island’s main paddling zone runs along the cliffs from Scorpion Anchorage to Cavern Point.
The island has no services, so bring food, water and a warm layer. See my Channel Islands National Park guide.
Getting There on the Island Packers Ferry
Island Packers runs ferries from Ventura Harbor and Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, about an hour to Scorpion. See my California whale watching guide for whales on the crossing.
Guided Cave Tours From Scorpion
Channel Islands Adventure Company and Santa Barbara Adventure Company run 2 to 3 hour tours from Scorpion Beach. Self-guided paddling is for experienced ocean kayakers only.
Painted Cave and Anacapa Island
Painted Cave, on the northwest side of Santa Cruz Island, is over 1,000 feet long and usually seen on a special boat trip.
Anacapa Island has guided paddles in some seasons. Landing means a long staircase from the dock.
More Sea Caves in Orange County and Palos Verdes
Laguna Beach has small sea caves for calm summer days, with tours from Crescent Bay or Shaw’s Cove toward Heisler Park. See my Laguna Beach weekend guide.
In Palos Verdes, the Terranea Discovery Trail leads to Hudson’s Bluff Sea Cave, which I included in my Palos Verdes reel. You walk in, and only at low tide.
Sea Kayaking Safety and Reserve Rules
Wear a life jacket at all times and a helmet near caves. Bring a dry bag with sunscreen, water and a layer.
Federal law requires distance from marine mammals, including La Jolla’s sea lions. Don’t land on closed beaches or haul-outs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you kayak into the La Jolla sea caves?
Only on calm, low swell days, and guided tours usually stay outside. You can always walk into Sunny Jim Cave through The Cave Store tunnel.
Do you need experience to kayak the La Jolla sea caves?
No. Guided tours use stable sit-on-top kayaks and include a short lesson. You should be able to paddle for about 2 hours.
Do I need experience to kayak the Channel Islands?
Not for a guided tour from Scorpion Anchorage. Self-guided paddling is only for experienced ocean kayakers.
When can you see leopard sharks in La Jolla?
From about July to September, in the shallows off La Jolla Shores. They’re harmless to people.
How long is the ferry to Santa Cruz Island?
About an hour from Ventura Harbor to Scorpion Anchorage. Boats usually leave in the morning and return late afternoon.
Destination guide
My San Diego County hotel, Airbnb and tour picks
