Seven caves can be accessed by kayak or boat, except for Sunny Jim Cave, which requires climbing a stairway and going through a tunnel. The entrance to the tunnel is located inside the Cave Store on Coast Blvd, and a fee is charged to visit the Cave. The best way to explore the caves is by taking a Kayak Tour. The La Jolla Ecological Reserve and Underwater Park is a protected marine and a popular attraction for sightseers, snorkelers, divers, and kayakers.
La Jolla Sea Caves
A fun way to see the caves is by taking a kayak tour. These guided tours last about two hours, and you will go inside the caves depending on water and tidal conditions. While you are out on the sea kayak to look for sea lions, Garibaldi, leopard sharks, and maybe even a dolphin, an expert guide will be with you at all times to ensure your safety. Chances are you will get wet on this trip, but it’s all part of the fun. Kayaking is an experience that the whole family can enjoy.
Over the years, visitors have been attracted to the seven caves of La Jolla. Long ago, smugglers used it to bring in Chinese and other immigrants. Contraband whiskey was also smuggled through the Cave during the Prohibition era.
Many visitors also visit “The Cave Store.” The cave opening has been revived and protected over 100 years of preservation. The old Crescent Cafe, The Cave Store, is on 1325 Coast Boulevard in La Jolla. La Jolla Sea Caves can only be visited by kayak or boat, but occasionally, you can walk into the caves when there is a shallow tide. At all other times, guided tours are the best.
Experienced kayakers can rent a kayak to go on their own, but the tours are a better choice for the average person. No kayak experience is required; however, all participants must swim and have ample water experience. All equipment is provided, including life jackets, helmets, and a quick water safety course. Go ahead, try it; it’s an experience you will not forget.
The seven sea caves in La Jolla are part of a 75-million-year-old sandstone sea cliff. The seven sculpted caves are open to the north as they sit between the beach of La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove. The seven sea caves are named from west to east: The Clam’s Cave, Sunny Jim’s Cave, Arch Cave, Sea Surprise, Shopping Cart, Little Sister, and White Lady.
The La Jolla Sea Caves are only accessible by kayak, except Sunny Jim’s. This Cave is the only La Jolla cave accessible by land via a hand-dug tunnel leading down from the historical landmark, the Cave Store. The Cave was named “Sunny Jim” by Frank Baum, the Wizard of Oz. Mr. Baum gave the Cave this unique name due to the shape of the Cave’s opening.
The Clam’s Cave is the only sea cave visible from land. Clam’s Cave is double-sided, and the backside can be seen from Goldfish Point on Coast Blvd. The rest of the La Jolla caves are only visible via the ocean. These other caves are usually awash in waves and seldom seen by anyone except kayakers.
White Lady, named for her long, bustled-dress silhouette, is located on the eastern corner of the sea cliff. In front of the Cave, many larger rocks in the ocean promote crashing waves and whitewash, lending significance to the description “white.”
About the La Jolla sea cave trip:
Where is the facility for tge trip & equipment rental?
How long is the trip & cost?
What’s the link to make reservations?
Any other details are appreciated.
Summer is the busy season and they have no problem filling up the tours.
I would recommend this trip to any inexperienced kayaker. They provided all the equipment, a short training session, and guide to get us to the caves and back safely. We saw a lot of fish and even a couple of seals inside the caves.
There are several tour groups offering sea cave trips. We used the deal listed in this page through San Diego Bike & Kayak Tours. I think they are the biggest tour operator.
Fun time well worth the drive down from Los Angeles. We went on a weekday and is was not too crowded.
Good to hear you enjoyed visiting the sea caves.
Hello!
I am going to be visiting San Diego in a week and am really excited that you recommend this trip for any inexperienced kayakers! I was wondering what the conditions were like? Did you have to get out of the kayak at all, or did you just stay in it the whole time? Just wondering because I struggle with getting back in after! hahaha. I can swim and whatnot, but I hate tipping and having to get back in!
I would appreciate any feedback! Thanks!
Amanda
Hello Amanda
You do not have to get out of the kayak. You will get wet especially when launching from the beach. A guide will be with your group for the whole trip and there is a training session before you start.
Life jackets are provided, just in case.
Have fun and thanks for visiting DayTrippen.com