Explore La Jolla’s 7 Caves by Kayak

La Jolla Seven Caves Kayak Tour

Even though we only go kayaking occasionally, my favorite place is in La Jolla, CA, whenever we head down to the San Diego area. We especially love the 7 caves tour.

Below you’ll find my recommendations for where to book La Jolla kayak tours (best price), the names and brief descriptions of La Jolla’s Seven Sea Caves, and where to dine and stay while you’re in La Jolla. Taking a kayak tour of the Seven Caves in La Jolla is an experience like no other.

Part of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, you’ll get up-close views of the sea cliffs, the sandstone caves, and beautiful marine life, like leopard sharks (friendly), and sea lions, that you can only see this by kayak. It’s easy, even if you don’t have previous paddling experience.

What’s even cooler than a paddle through the caves? Getting an ultra-cool discount, like one of the guided kayak tour deals listed below.

The discount offers are from different sources, but all offer fun kayak adventure deals for San Diego. Some tours are combined with other activities, like snorkeling or cycling. The links here take you to the different deal sources to see which one suits your needs.

3 ways to Rent a Kayak in La Jolla + Discounts

1. {BEST PRICE} San Diego Kayak Tour Discount Tickets are available from a popular SoCal ticket source (they require free sign up first, but you can unsubscribe anytime). Choices include:

• Kayak Tours of the Seven Caves | La Jolla {details} ticket deal $29 (full price is $69) but not always available (and the deal site is slow to load). If you miss this one, check back later, or see the other sources below for a slightly better price than if you book directly.

2. {BEST TIMES} This company has the following tours available whenever you want to go.

• La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour {details}
• La Jolla Kayak and Snorkel Tour {details}
• San Diego Kayak & Snorkal Tour {Most Available}

3. {DISCOUNT PASSES} You can always saves 20 percent or more on a guided kayak tour of La Jolla’s Seven Caves, as part of a custom discount package of any two or more attractions and activities in the San Diego area.

• Go San Diego Pass {Best Discount Pass} with “build your own” option, print at home or show on your smart phone. Choose as few as two SoCal activities, or as many as you want and save on all of them.

SAVVY TIP: If the cave tour is a bit steep for your budget, take a look at the Coronado Kayak Tour in Coronado {details}. A good alternative at about half the usual price.

What are La Jolla’s Seven Sea Caves?

The Seven Sea Caves of La Jolla are situated in million year old sandstone cliffs. Known as “littoral caves,” the seven  unique sea caves are accessible by kayaking or  snorkeling. The cave called Sunny Jim is the only one you can tour on foot.

From east to west, the Seven Caves are named: White Lady, Little Sister, Shopping Cart, Sea Surprize, Arch Cave, Sunny Jim Cave, and Clam’s Cave.

White Lady Cave

White Lady Cave is named for a tragic death of a young bride in 1850’s. A young newly married couple, the Hathaways drove from Los Angeles to La Jolla for a secluded getaway. The bride was looking for sea shells near the sea caves when the tide surged in and swept her away.

While searching for her, the bride’s brother saw a resemblance of her in her white wedding dress in the sandstone cave where her husband last saw her.

Little Sister Cave

Next to White Lady, and similar in shape, is a smaller cave called the Little Sister. Little Sister cave is so small you might miss it entirely. If you’re taking a tour, your guide should point this one out.

Shopping Cart Cave

Shopping Cart Cave was once a well-known Spiny Lobsters hangout, making it a popular “shopping” spot for local restaurants. Alas, lobster traps are no longer allowed within this Marine Protected Area.

Fortunately there are plenty of other areas nearby for catching lobster during the season.

The Shopping Cart Cave faces due west, so the strong underwater currents tend to pull lost sunglasses, cameras, and other lost tourist items into its “cart.”

Sea Surprize Cave

Sea Surprize offers mysterious “surprises” for explorers who venture inside its expansive 80 feet of passageways. Some say the interior of the cave features orange flow stone streaks above a crystal pool full of calcite-coated sea anemones.

Arch Cave

Arch cave is the most complex, and the second deepest sea cave on the Californian Coastline. It features six shallow radiating tunnels.

The narrow entrance and extensive erosion makes this cave hazardous close up and is best viewed from the water.

Sunny Jim’s Cave

Sunny Jim’s Cave is the most visited, probably because you can view the cave by foot through The Cave Store (for a small fee), or from the sea by kayak or snorkel tour.

From the Cave Store, you’ll walk down 145 steps and find an amazing view out to sea from inside the cave.

The stairs were originally carved by workers hired by the previous owner, Gustav Shultz, who lived in the house above the cave in the early 1900’s. He had the steps carved through his living room floor to the back side of the cave.

When Shultz died, the mafia began using Sunny Jim’s cave to bring whiskey to San Diego during prohibition.

Clam Cave

Of all the seven caves, Clam Cave is the only one you can see from land. Its name comes from the unusual double-sided entrance that resembles a clam shell.

The cavernous Clam Cave features multiple points of entry and exit. The wide main entrances make the cavern popular with kayakers and snorkelers.

3 Places to Curb those Post Kayak Munchies

If you’re like me, kayaking the cove will make you hungry. Here are a three restaurants in La Jolla to grab some grub and relax after a day on the water.

George’s at the Cove

My fave for lunch outdoors on the patio, with good food in a gorgeous setting. Also great for a romantic dinner. George’s Bar has a relaxed indoor/outdoor feel. Location: 1250 Prospect St, Ste 110, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037.

The Baked Bear

Cool off with an ice cream sandwich, or get one of their warm brownies or cookies. You can actually create your own ice cream cookie sandwich. Perfect way to cool off after a day at the beach. Location: 4516 Mission Blvd., La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92109.

El Pescador Fish Market

When in San Diego you must eat seafood, be it fish burritos to ceviche tacos. This place is always busy and popular with locals. Order at the counter, grab a cold beer and find a seat at one of the high tops or long communal tables. Location: 634 Pearl St, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037.

Top-rated Hotels in La Jolla

If you’re staying over in La Jolla and looking for great value, these are my top 3 picks. (Also find the top 8 Affordable La Jolla Hotel + best rates & reviews, according to TripAdvisor.

La Valencia Hotel

{Top Pick} My fave, with amazing ocean views, Charming updated 1920s hotel. Almost don’t want to share my secret spot, but since you asked. Even locals go to this hotel’s restaurant. Nice wine available by the glass. And the barbecue buffet is amazing.

Location: 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037.

Pantai Inn 

{Best for Families} Great ocean views, free breakfast, nice grounds. Across the street from the beach. I like this one for families because of the kitchen and dining areas. Comfortable bed and big TV.

La Jolla Cove Suites

{Convenient} Some rooms have balconies with views of the cove. We had a kitchen, so this one’s also great for families. Pool and large Jacuzzi. Easy to walk to everything fun.