La Jolla Cove Guided Snorkeling Tour: Swim With Sea Lions
If there's one bucket-list snorkel in San Diego, it's swimming with the sea lions at La Jolla Cove — and this guided tour is the highest-rated way to do it (4.9 stars from 117 reviews). It's a 1.5-hour, small-group, open-ocean snorkel from the beach, with a wetsuit and gear included. Here's exactly what the tour is like, what's included, and who it suits. (Comparing options first? See all the tours we rate on our homepage.)
About This Activity
Up to 24h in advance — full refund
Book today, pay nothing until later
Active open-ocean snorkel
Limited to 8 participants
English-speaking instructor
117 verified reviews
Check Live Availability & Prices
Real-time dates and prices for the top-rated La Jolla Cove guided snorkel — book directly with GetYourGuide.
Why Book the Guided Snorkel at La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is open ocean, not a calm lagoon, and the marine life — sea lions especially — is wild. A guide makes the difference between a nervous flail and a relaxed swim: they read the day's surf and currents, find the calmest entry, and put you where the sea lions and fish actually are.
This tour is run by Snorkel San Diego Scuba in groups capped at eight, with a wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins included. The guides (guests rave about Rich and Richard) brief you on the beach, stay with you in the water, and know the cove inside out. It's an active swim — see "who it's for" below — but for confident swimmers it's the best snorkel tour in San Diego.
What It's Like Out There
What You'll See
La Jolla Cove sits inside a protected reserve, so the wildlife is abundant and unusually relaxed. On a typical tour you'll see:
- California sea lions and harbor seals swimming right past you
- Schools of bright orange garibaldi — California's state fish
- Rays, spiny lobster and the occasional octopus on the reef
- Sea caves and dramatic sandstone cliffs along the coast
Seasonal sightings can include dolphins, and in late summer the leopard sharks gather a mile north at La Jolla Shores.
What's Included
The price covers a fully guided, gear-included snorkel:
- 1.5-hour guided open-ocean snorkel at La Jolla Cove
- Wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins
- Showers, changing rooms, restrooms and storage
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included
Gratuities for the guide are appreciated but optional. Bring your own swimwear and a towel; flotation devices aren't permitted at this site.
How the Tour Flows
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0:00
Meet at La Jolla Cove
Meet your guide on the grass just south of the brick restroom building, across from the La Jolla Cove Suites.
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0:15
Gear up & briefing
Get fitted with a wetsuit and gear, then a safety and technique briefing on the beach.
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0:30
Snorkel the Cove
Swim out with your guide toward Emerald Cove and the sea-cave area, with the sea lions and fish.
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1:20
Return & rinse off
Head back in, then use the showers and changing rooms before you go.
Important Things to Know Before You Book
This is billed as an active open-ocean snorkel, and that's accurate — it can be more demanding than a typical beach float. A few key rules:
- Strong ocean swimming skills are required
- Flotation devices and life jackets aren't permitted here
- Minimum age 12; ages 12–17 must snorkel with a parent or guardian
- Minimum weight ~90 lbs; wetsuits provided up to ~300 lbs
- Parking is limited — allow at least 30 minutes
- Tours depart on time; guests more than 10 minutes late are no-shows
Conditions are weather-dependent. Lifeguards are on duty, and the guide will move or reschedule if the surf is unsafe. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before keeps booking low-risk.
Where It Happens
Who This Tour Is (and Isn't) For
Great for confident swimmers who want a guided, bucket-list swim with sea lions. It's not the right pick for:
- Non-swimmers or anyone uneasy in deep, open water (no flotation allowed)
- Young children under 12
- Travelers wanting a calm, shallow beach snorkel — start at La Jolla Shores instead
- Anyone with heart, back or other serious medical conditions
La Jolla Cove Guided Snorkel FAQ
Will I actually swim with sea lions?
Usually, yes. Sea lions and harbor seals live right at the Cove and routinely swim past snorkelers — it's the tour's highlight. As with any wildlife it's never guaranteed, but sightings are very common.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Yes. This is an active open-ocean snorkel and flotation devices aren't permitted at La Jolla Cove, so you must be comfortable in deep water. If you're not a confident swimmer, start at La Jolla Shores or take a guided kayak-and-snorkel tour instead.
Is a wetsuit provided?
Yes — a wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins are all included. La Jolla water runs about 58–70°F, so the wetsuit is what keeps you comfortable enough to enjoy the swim.
What's the minimum age?
12 years. Ages 12–17 must snorkel with a parent or legal guardian, and there's a minimum weight of about 90 lbs.
Where do you meet?
On the grass at La Jolla Cove, just south of the brick restroom/shower building and across from the La Jolla Cove Suites at 1155 Coast Blvd. Hotel pickup is also included.
What Snorkelers Say
It was amazing — Rich was patient and friendly, explaining the basics. He took care of our safety and created a wonderful experience, swimming with the sea lions and colorful fish.
Great snorkeling — swimming with sea lions is not something you can do every day! Richard is a top guide, friendly and very professional.
This was the highlight of my trip! So amazing. Our guide Rich was so informative and made us all feel extremely comfortable. A memory I will never forget.