LA JOLLA CAVES

La Jolla Sea Caves
Pronounced “La-Hoy-Ya,” which is most likely derived from La Joya, Spanish for The Jewel, La Jolla is frequently referred to as the “Jewel by the Sea.” On the other hand, the name is thought by some to come from a Native American word meaning “the cave,” derived from the once extensive number of caves in the hills along the water's edge.

Local authorities, to stop the drownings that were once common occurrences, have since deliberately destroyed most of these. Some of the caves also collapsed due to ongoing erosion.



La Jolla Caves Kayaking
A day spent kayaking and snorkeling the remaining caves will be an experience you’re unlikely to forget. The caves are part of La Jolla Cove Ecological Reserve, protected since 1929.

Here, an underwater canyon drops away from the beach starting in shallows just a few feet deep. Sea creatures from squid to whales feed their way up the canyon, and the nutrient upwellings means there’s an explosion of marine life here.

See some incredible views and copious wildlife while kayaking. No experience is necessary – if you can ride a bike then you can paddle a kayak. You can take a guided, 2-hour kayak tour where, if you’re lucky, you’ll see seals, sea lions, and even dolphins.

Most tour operators provide kayaks, paddle, life jackets and guide. What to bring: shoes that can get wet, bathing suit and/or drip-dry shorts/shirt, hat and sunscreen.

Located near the La Jolla caves are buoys, which designate an area prohibited to motorized boats, part of the ecological reserve. There is ample space for kayaking between the rocky shore and the no-boat zone, but more advanced kayakers can choose to paddle through a narrow channel to the caves.

The passage into the caves isn’t long but it’s narrow. The size of the ocean swells and your steering ability should dictate whether or not you can paddle through the channel; crashing into cave walls can be dangerous for you and the kayak.

La Jolla Kayaking
La Jolla Kayak Fishing, a tour company, will teach you everything from basic kayaking skills, kayak setup, fishing techniques and surf survival. They will help you land trophy game fish such as yellow-tail, white sea bass and even thresher sharks. Their one-day fishing trips run between six and eight hours and are limited to three people per trip. The kayak and all fishing gear are provided and you can purchase a fishing license for an additional fee.

There are many La Jolla kayak rentals available. Before heading out to the caves, test drive your canoe to see if it meets the following criteria:

Will you be comfortable sitting in the cockpit for several hours at a time?
Can you enter and exit the cockpit easily?
Do you feel stable in calm water?
Do you feel stable in rough water?
Does the kayak maneuver to your liking?
Can you easily edge your kayak? How stable does it feel?