San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park is a protected marine area off the La Jolla coast, with access from La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove. Its reefs, kelp beds, sand flats and submarine canyon draw snorkelers, divers and kayakers. Look for orange Garibaldi fish, rays and sea bass in the water, or paddle toward the seven sea caves along the coast. You can rent snorkeling or kayak gear nearby, or join a guided kayak trip. Arrive early for a better chance of finding parking.
Four underwater habitats
San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park covers about 6,000 acres of ocean floor and tidelands. It is also an underwater ecological reserve, protecting marine life along the La Jolla coast. Buoys mark protected areas, where fishing and collecting are prohibited.
Four habitats shape the underwater terrain: rocky reefs, kelp beds, sand flats and a submarine canyon. The canyon reaches as deep as 600 feet, while the reserve’s average depth is about 20 feet. The variety gives snorkelers and divers different environments to explore, from shallow sand to kelp and reef.
Marine life includes orange Garibaldi, California’s state fish, as well as rays, sea bass, perch, squid and other fish. Sea lions and seals can also be seen in the area. Leopard sharks gather near La Jolla Shores to mate and give birth between July and September; they are described as harmless.
Getting onto the water
You can reach the underwater park from La Jolla Shores Beach or La Jolla Cove. Snorkeling and scuba diving let you explore below the surface; kayaking and stand-up paddling offer a view of the coast from the water. Nearby shops rent kayaks and snorkeling equipment, and guided excursions are available.
Kayak trips can head toward La Jolla’s seven sea caves. A guided tour lasts about two hours, and paddling in the ocean can be a workout if you are new to kayaking. The caves are part of the coastal landscape that draws visitors to the water, while the park’s reefs, kelp and canyon give underwater explorers more to see beyond the shoreline.
Protecting the reserve
The underwater park includes an ecological reserve and a marine life refuge. Its protected status means the marine plants and animals are not to be disturbed, and fishing and scavenging are not allowed in the marked reserve. Leave shells and other natural material where you find them.
Conditions matter when planning time in the water. Check the tide schedule before setting out; an incoming tide may be less suitable. The seafloor drops quickly near shore where the La Jolla and Scripps Canyons meet, so choose an activity suited to your swimming and paddling ability. Lifeguards are on hand to assist visitors and help protect the area.
FAQ
How do you get to La Jolla Underwater Park?
You can access the marine area from La Jolla Shores Beach or La Jolla Cove.
What can you do at La Jolla Underwater Park?
Snorkel, scuba dive, kayak or stand-up paddle. Guided kayak trips can take you toward the seven sea caves.
Can you fish or collect shells in the reserve?
No. Fishing and collecting are prohibited in the protected marine area. Leave marine life and natural materials undisturbed.
How long does a kayak tour take?
A kayak tour to the sea caves lasts about two hours.
