Paddle from La Jolla’s Avenida de la Playa on a guided, two-hour kayak tour that tracks migrating gray whales and other marine life. Guides provide safety briefings, NOAA-compliant etiquette and a close-but-respectful vantage point for wildlife viewing.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A brisk Pacific wind strips the salt from your skin as two kayaks push off from a sandy shelf at Avenida de la Playa. Guides check straps, hand out spray skirts and nod toward the open water: the gray whale migration runs like clockwork offshore, and today the ocean is awake.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for people with moderate fitness; brief bursts of paddling and core stability are required.
Wildlife
History
La Jolla’s shore has been inhabited by the Kumeyaay and later developed as a fishing and research hub; modern marine protections established ecological reserves along these reefs.
Conservation
Operators strictly follow NOAA’s Marine Mammal Protection Act and local reserve rules; take-away: keep distance, pack out trash and minimize noise to reduce stress on animals.
Reserve your spot on the 2 Hour Whale Watching Kayak Tour for Two today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Be inside the meeting point 30 minutes before departure to complete gear fitting and the safety briefing.
Dress in Layers and Swimwear
Ocean conditions vary; wear a quick-drying base layer with a windproof outer layer and bring a towel for after the paddle.
Protect Electronics
Use a waterproof dry bag for phones and cameras and secure them to your kayak; waves and spray are common.
Listen to the Guide
Guides enforce NOAA distances and safety procedures—follow their instructions to keep wildlife undisturbed and the group safe.
Waterproof dry bag
Protects electronics and personal items from spray and waves.
Low-profile water shoes
Provide traction on slippery launches and protect feet when entering or exiting the water.
summer
Sun-protective layering (rash guard, hat)
Shields skin from prolonged sun exposure on reflective water surfaces.
summer
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is important during vigorous paddling and sunny conditions.