Alexandra here - San Diego native, La Jolla local and lifelong ocean lover.
La Jolla is one of the most popular snorkeling destinations in Southern California, and it’s easy to see why. With calm coves, kelp forests, and a protected marine ecosystem, snorkeling in La Jolla offers some of the most accessible and wildlife-rich underwater experiences in San Diego and all of California. From bright orange garibaldi to rays and hundreds of leopard sharks, the marine life here feels surprisingly abundant for a spot just 20 minutes from downtown San Diego.
That said, snorkeling in La Jolla isn’t as simple as showing up and jumping in. Ocean conditions change, access points matter, and many first-time snorkelers have questions about safety, wildlife, and where to go. This local guide breaks it all down, what to expect, where to snorkel, and how to have the best and safest snorkeling experience in La Jolla.
Why La Jolla Is One of the Best Snorkeling Destinations in California
Is La Jolla Good for Snorkeling?
La Jolla’s snorkeling is not just good, it ranks up there with some of the top snorkeling destinations worldwide. When the conditions are good, you could find yourself questioning if you’re in Southern California or the Caribbean. This gatorade-blue water might be a little chilly, but it makes up for the low temperature with crystal clear water visibility and the sheer number of marine species that call it home. While you can find other solid snorkeling spots in San Diego, La Jolla takes the cake.
Where Is the Best Snorkeling in San Diego?
There’s no shortage of places to jump in the water for a quick snorkel on the San Diego coastline - Ocean Beach and Point Loma kelp beds can be magical, and the Mission Beach Jetty is home to lots of rock-dwelling creatures if you’re into spearfishing, but rough surf and difficult access points are deterrents to many snorkelers and divers.
Why La Jolla Consistently Ranks #1 for Snorkeling
What sets La Jolla apart is its geography. Protected coves and kelp forests help block larger swells, sometimes creating lake-like conditions that are ideal for snorkeling. There are also over seven miles of public shoreline with relatively easy water entry.
Much of the area is designated as a Marine Protected Area (MPA), meaning it is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. In simple terms, the ecosystem is allowed to thrive, and you can definitely see the difference underwater.
How to Tell if It’s Going to Be a Good Snorkeling Day in La Jolla
Check the Swell
In this modern age, we’re lucky to have great tools that let us check conditions before putting on our wetsuits. Surfline and Surf-forecast.com are our go-to resources. While both sites are designed with surfers in mind, snorkelers should focus on wave height rather than overall surf ratings.
Ideal snorkeling conditions usually mean small swell. One to two feet is perfect. Smaller swell equals better visibility and less sand and silt being stirred up underwater. If Surfline labels a day as “poor” for surfing, that can actually be a great sign for snorkeling.
Look at Wind Conditions
Using the same forecast tools, take a look at wind speed and direction. Light wind generally means calmer surface conditions and clearer water. Mornings tend to be the least windy, which is why early hours are almost always the best time to snorkel.
Pay Attention to Water Visibility
Our secret tool that we’ll let you in on is the magical Scripps Pier underwater camera hosted by Coastal Ocean Observation Lab at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. This camera lets you see exactly what things are looking like underwater in La Jolla, but know that the Scripps Pier is a fair distance away from our recommended snorkel spots and visibility could vary slightly.
Is It Safe to Snorkel in La Jolla?
This is one of the most common questions we get asked, and the short answer is yes, snorkeling in La Jolla is generally very safe when conditions are right and you’re being mindful of the ocean.
The biggest factors that affect safety here have far more to do with ocean conditions than wildlife. Swell, visibility, surge, and shorebreak all play a role in how enjoyable and safe your snorkel will be. On calm days with good visibility, La Jolla is incredibly beginner-friendly. On rough days, even experienced swimmers should think twice about jumping in.
If you’re ever unsure, check in with the lifeguards on duty. You can find them in the main towers at both La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove and they are incredible resources and always happy to answer questions about conditions that day.
La Jolla Cove vs. La Jolla Shores for Snorkeling
Snorkeling at La Jolla Cove
When most people picture La Jolla, they’re imagining La Jolla Cove. This small, public beach is known for its white sand and bright blue-green water, and it regularly ranks among the most beautiful beaches in the country.
It’s also important to know what you’re getting into.
Sea lions are extremely active at the Cove. If you’ve seen viral videos of sea lions chasing tourists, they were probably filmed here. They’re curious and social, and they will often come check you out. If you stay calm, give them space, and let them do their thing, you shouldn't have any trouble.
The Cove can also have a dramatic shorebreak, with waves breaking quickly in shallow water. Inflatables of any kind are not allowed, so if you’re not a strong swimmer or rely on flotation, La Jolla Shores is usually the better choice.
If you’re comfortable with the conditions, the Cove offers immediate access to rocky reefs and the edge of the kelp forest, with tons of marine life right from the start. One thing to note is that you most likely will not see leopard sharks at the La Jolla Cove. Occasionally you’ll find one swimming through the eel grass, but these are mostly found in La Jolla Shores - we'll get to that next.
Snorkeling at La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Shores is larger, more accessible, and generally more forgiving than La Jolla Cove, making it a great option for beginners, families, and anyone looking for an easier entry into the water. The wide sandy beach and large parking lot also make logistics simpler.
Our recommended snorkeling entry is directly in front of the Marine Room restaurant. You can access it from Spindrift Drive or by walking south along the beach until you reach the terracotta-colored building with large ocean-facing windows. It's hard to miss!
Once in the water, you’ll start over the sand flats, which are the best place to see La Jolla’s famous leopard sharks during the warmer months. The leopard sharks are usually found in large numbers cruising the shallow water directly in front of the Marine Room. The sand flats may look quiet at first, but keep an eye out for rays (always shuffle your feet when entering), shovelnose guitarfish, halibut, sand dollars, and other well-camouflaged species.
Pro tip: Leopard sharks are extremely shy. Move slowly and smoothly if you want to observe them without scaring them off.
From there, head south toward the cliffs and sea caves to reach the scattered rocky reef. This area mirrors the reef found at La Jolla Cove and is where marine life really picks up. In this rocky reef, common sightings include garibaldi, kelp bass, sardines, rockfish, mackerel, halibut, rays, horn sharks, angel sharks, sea lions, harbor seals, lobsters, crabs, octopus, and occasionally green sea turtles. If you're out searching for turtles, they are most often found right in front of the gazebo on the cliffside napping or munching on kelp.
Where to Rent Snorkel Gear in La Jolla
Everyday California is a one-stop shop for getting in the water in La Jolla. We offer rental gear for snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, and we’re located right in La Jolla Shores so you don’t have to haul gear around town.
What Snorkel Gear You Actually Need
The essentials for snorkeling in La Jolla are a properly fitting mask, snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit. Fit matters more than people expect, especially with masks. A quick tip: add a small amount of defog to your mask to prevent it from clouding up once you’re in the water.
Renting vs. Bringing Your Own Gear
If you’re traveling, renting locally is often the easiest option. Local rental gear is suited for colder water temperatures and current conditions, and you don’t have to worry about packing bulky equipment. Comfort and proper fit make a huge difference in how much you enjoy your time in the water.
Best Time to Snorkel in La Jolla
The best time of day to snorkel in La Jolla is almost always in the morning. Winds are lighter, surface conditions are calmer, and visibility is typically at its best. Use resources like Surfline and Surf-forecast.com to get a better idea of what the day is going to be like.
Seasonally, summer through early fall offers the warmest water and most consistent conditions. Winter snorkeling is absolutely possible, and often times amazing due to cold water visibility, but conditions can be more variable and require extra flexibility.
Snorkeling Tips for First-Time Snorkelers in La Jolla
If it’s your first time snorkeling in La Jolla, a little preparation goes a long way. Take your time entering and exiting the water, especially in areas with shorebreak. Enter with your mask around your neck, never your head (it can get knocked off very easily) and your fins in hand. Make your way in past the wave break, keep a visual landmark on shore so you don’t drift too far, and don’t hesitate to turn back if conditions start to change.
If you’re not a strong swimmer or don’t feel totally comfortable navigating ocean conditions on your own, going with a guide can make a huge difference. Everyday California runs guided snorkeling tours designed for first-timers and anyone who wants extra support in the water. Having a local guide means help with entry points, real-time condition checks, and knowing exactly where to look for marine life.
For those who want to experience snorkeling without swimming the entire time, our kayak and snorkeling tour is a great option. You’ll paddle out to calmer areas, then snorkel with guidance and support, making it one of the easiest and most approachable ways to experience La Jolla’s underwater world.
Whether you go solo or with a guide, the goal is the same: stay safe, stay relaxed, and enjoy the experience.
Is Snorkeling in La Jolla Worth It?
Absolutely.
La Jolla offers a rare combination of easy access, protected waters, and an incredible amount of marine life. Whether it’s your first time snorkeling or you’ve spent years exploring the ocean, there’s always something new to see here.
The key is preparation. Choosing the right day, the right entry point, and the right gear makes all the difference. For confident swimmers, snorkeling on your own can be an unforgettable experience. For anyone who wants extra guidance or prefers a more supported introduction to the water, going with a local outfitter can remove a lot of the guesswork.
Everyday California has been guiding people on the water in La Jolla for years, offering snorkeling tours and kayak and snorkeling experiences led by locals who know the area inside and out. It’s an easy way to snorkel safely, learn about the marine life, and fully enjoy the experience without worrying about conditions or logistics.
However you choose to do it, snorkeling in La Jolla is absolutely worth it. Respect the ocean, respect the wildlife, and you’ll see why this place keeps people coming back again and again.
