All-Day La Jolla Snorkel & Wetsuit Rental: Is It Worth It?
If you're a confident swimmer who just wants to get in the water without a guided tour, the cheapest way to snorkel La Jolla is to rent gear. For around $30 you get a mask, snorkel, fins and a wetsuit for the whole day, plus free lockers — then snorkel the Cove and La Jolla Shores at your own pace. Here's how the all-day rental works and who it suits. (Want a guide instead? Compare all the tours we rate on our homepage.)
About This Activity
Up to 24h in advance — full refund
Book today, pay nothing until later
Keep the gear until 7 PM
Mask, snorkel, fins & wetsuit
Store your valuables while you swim
The cheapest way to snorkel La Jolla
Why Rent Snorkel Gear Instead of Booking a Tour
The best snorkeling in La Jolla is genuinely from shore, so if you can swim confidently you don't strictly need a guide. An all-day rental near the Cove gets you quality gear and a wetsuit for a fraction of a guided tour, and lets you snorkel on your own schedule — out at the Cove in the morning, the Shores in the afternoon, back for a refill of energy in between.
The trade-off is that you're on your own: no one to read the conditions, find the wildlife, or keep an eye on you. So this option suits strong, experienced swimmers; newer snorkelers are better off with a guided tour.
What You Can See on Your Own
What You'll See
With all-day gear you can hit more than one spot. Across the Cove and La Jolla Shores you can expect:
- Sea lions and harbor seals at the Cove
- Bright orange garibaldi and kelp bass on the reef
- Harmless leopard sharks in the shallows at La Jolla Shores (summer–fall)
- Bat rays, stingrays and guitarfish on the sandy flats
One reviewer found leopard sharks, sand sharks and stingrays in just 4–6 feet of water — exactly the kind of thing you can chase down with all-day gear and a tip from the locals.
What's Included
A simple, all-day gear package:
- Mask, snorkel and fins for the full day (until ~7 PM)
- Wetsuit rental included
- Free lockers for your valuables
- Changing room and restroom at the shop
Good to know
Pickup is from a shop on Girard Ave in La Jolla, a short walk from the Cove — call ahead so the gear is ready. There's no guide and no towel, so bring your own towel and water shoes, and check the surf report before you go.
How the Rental Works
Because it's a rental, not a tour, there's no schedule to keep. You pick up your mask, snorkel, fins and wetsuit at the shop, stash your valuables in a free locker, and walk down to the Cove or drive to La Jolla Shores.
The gear is yours for the day, so you can snorkel a spot, warm up, and head back in — or move between the Cove and the Shores to find the calmest water and the best wildlife. Just return everything by closing.
Where to Snorkel
Who This Is (and Isn't) For
Ideal for confident, independent swimmers who want flexibility and the lowest price. Not the right pick for:
- Beginners or anyone who wants a guide in the water
- Travelers who'd rather not hunt for parking and the shop
- Anyone wanting to be put right on the sea lions and caves — book a guided tour for that
All-Day Snorkel Rental FAQ
How much does it cost to rent snorkel gear in La Jolla?
An all-day package with mask, snorkel, fins and a wetsuit is about $30, with free lockers. It's the cheapest way to snorkel La Jolla if you're comfortable going without a guide.
Do I need a wetsuit?
Yes, effectively — La Jolla water is 58–70°F, so a wetsuit is what keeps you in long enough to enjoy it. The all-day rental includes one.
Where do I pick up the gear?
From a shop on Girard Ave in La Jolla, a short walk from the Cove. Call ahead so your gear is ready, and note there's a small walk down to the water.
Can I snorkel without a guide in La Jolla?
Yes, if you're a strong swimmer. The Cove and La Jolla Shores are both shore-access. Newer snorkelers, or anyone who wants the sea lions and caves found for them, should book a guided tour instead.
Where should I actually snorkel with the rental?
La Jolla Cove for sea lions and the reef, and La Jolla Shores for calmer water and leopard sharks in summer. Ask the shop or local snorkelers for the day's best conditions.
What Snorkelers Say
Nice to get an all-day rental for a discounted price. Ask the locals their favorite spots — we found leopard sharks, sand sharks, stingrays and lots of little fish in 4–6 ft of water.
Seeing the caves and the sea animals was amazing — an unforgettable experience. We spent three hours exploring thanks to the all-day package. Practical and affordable.
We rented the equipment and walked to La Jolla Cove. Sea lions and birds swam around us and there were a lot of fish. It was fun — I would recommend!