The 10 Best Snorkeling Tours in San Diego

1.Snorkeling Adventure in La Jolla

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 204 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) Our pick

Meet at La Jolla Cove Market, suit up, then swim into La Jolla Underwater Park and the famous Emerald Cave. Guides such as Cass, Skylar, Maddie, and Jane explain the wildlife and help you manage the open-water swim. Bring strong swimming skills, and budget $15 for a wetsuit.

“Weren’t able to go in. asked for refund because we heard from the group in front of us that they didn’t see anything. They refused to give us a refund and we had to go with them just to not be able to go inside the water.”

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2.Explore San Diego Tide Pools with a Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 190 reviews · 1 hour (approx.) · from $32Top rated

Meet marine biologist and former teacher Matt at La Jolla’s tide pools for a one-hour guided look at small ocean creatures, plants, and survival skills. He keeps the pace friendly for children and adults, explains how to explore without harm, and sends a digital photo album afterward.

“having a biology teacher as a guide made all the difference, he shared his knowledge and care of the envirnment with us”

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3.2.5-Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 165 reviews · 2h 30m

Paddle from La Jolla Shores to the sea caves with an English-speaking guide, then snorkel over rocky reefs and sandy flats. You may see garibaldi, rays, leopard sharks, sea lions, and rockfish. Guides such as Jada, Zach, Anthony, and Vanessa are praised for clear safety help and local nature stories.

“I had a great time on this kayak and snorkel tour. Our tour guide Will was super knowledgeable about the area and shared the history and current state of the coves and the ecosystem around it.”

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4.La Jolla Kayak and Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 117 reviews

Paddle from La Jolla Shores toward the sea caves, carrying your snorkel gear aboard the kayak. Guides such as Roman, Coya, Ellie, Sammy, and Savannah lead groups of up to 10 through changing ocean conditions. Expect wetsuits, marine life, and a real workout.

“The staff helping to prep and provide us equipments was not very cooperative. We were just a few minutes late and he refused to give us wetsuits but gave us everything else. We literally begged him to at least provide to 1 member in our pRead more”

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5.La Jolla Cove Guided Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 73 reviews · 1h 30m · from $90

Join guide Rich for a 90-minute La Jolla Cove snorkel in a protected marine sanctuary. Use the included wetsuit and gear as you swim through Emerald Cove, visit sea caves, and look for sea lions, garibaldi, sardines, rays, sharks, lobsters, and octopuses.

“It was an amazing experience, I felt safe all the time & our guide Ritch was just the nicest and easiest going guide! He always made sure everyone was okay and explained everything really well. 10/10 experience!”

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6.Snorkel San Diego’s Mission Bay with a Marine Biologist

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $60

Join marine biologist Matt for a 60-minute snorkel in calm Mission Bay. He supplies snorkel gear, explains local sea life, and sends a digital photo album. The group is capped at five, but you must rent your own wetsuit for about $17.

“Matt was very knowledgeable about what we would see and took the time to explain and make sure everyone understood how to use the equipment. The location was perfect for beginners and we saw octopus, lobster, crabs, sea slugs and all sorts of fish. Matt even sends you some nice pics and videos of the excursion. I took my 13 year old grandson with me and it was a great experience. Definitely recommend.”

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7.Two Hour Kayak and Snorkel Tour for Two in La Jolla

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 34 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Paddle a two-person kayak at La Jolla Cove, then stop for guided snorkeling among sea lions and bright orange garibaldi. Brodie and the Everyday California crew provide instruction and local facts. The two-hour trip does not enter the sea caves, and you must be a comfortable swimmer.

“My friend and I got charged for this over a third-party and we were probably charged 235 dollars in total for this. In the past, I have done the same exp for 25% of the cost with no hidden fees. We paid extra fees at the actual company. Also, be careful of kayaking into the sea if it's your first time. My friend and I wiped out a lot because of very high waves and so we got sea water in our mouths, bleh! I wouldn't recommend the activity especially at this price. Boooo to this third-party company!!!”

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8.All Day Snorkel Package with Wetsuit Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 28 reviews · 1 day (approx.) · from $30

Pick up a wetsuit, fins, mask, snorkel, and locker at La Jolla Outpost near La Jolla Cove. Use the shop’s VR video guidance to find coves and caves, then walk to the water and snorkel at your own pace. Conditions can change quickly, so check the surf before you go.

“The overall experience was very good,the people at the store who helped us was very helpful and gave us lockers to put our belongings in,it was a very fun trip and can’t wait to do it again over the summer!”

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9.La Jolla Snorkel with the Leopard Sharks

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 27 reviews · 50 minutes (approx.)

Meet at Bike & Kayak Tours in La Jolla for a 50-minute guided snorkel in the Ecological Reserve. Your guide provides a wetsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins, explains the basics, and leads your private group into La Jolla Cove, where harmless leopard sharks may appear.

“Although we didn’t find or see any leopard sharks, we really had fun. My 10 year year-old were nervous about this event so that is why we didn’t really try to go for then expected into the water. Our tour guide were very nice and accommodating.”

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10.Full-Day Snorkel Gear Rental with Wetsuit Option

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 7 reviews · 1 day · from $15Best value

Pick up sanitized snorkel gear near La Jolla Cove, watch short safety and location videos, then choose La Jolla Cove or La Jolla Shores for a self-guided day in the water. Kennedy and Elise are among the helpful staff members, but no guide joins you.

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