La Jolla Kayak Rental
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
SDBK is the top ranked kayak operator by the City of San Diego for kayak operations. This ranking is based on meaningful criteria including the extensiveness and quality of our training programs, our proprietary guide certification process and stringent guidelines, our operating procedures, the quality and content of our opperations, our Water Safety Plan and Emergency Response Plan.
Additionally, we are the closest operator to the beach in La Jolla and we also have the most available tours as the top ranked largest operator.
Cave entry is not permitted on a rental; however, you can book one of our guided tours. If conditions do permit entry into the largest sea cave we access on our guided tours. Our priority is guest safety and we are unable to enter the Clam's Cave is ocean conditions do not permit.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Experience the freedom of paddling at your own pace with our top-notch La Jolla kayak rentals. Say goodbye to logistical hassles as we take care of transportation, providing complimentary delivery of the kayak rental to and from the beach launch point. Our attentive staff will guide you from the store to the water, ensuring a smooth start even amidst the waves. Our kayak rentals in San Diego are designed for the whole family to enjoy, as long as everyone is comfortable swimming. We provide all the necessary equipment, including life vests, paddles, and a customized water map. Embark on an exciting adventure to explore the wonders of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, with its captivating kelp beds and majestic cliffsides. Get ready for thrilling encounters with sea lions, gentle leopard sharks, vibrant garibaldi, and an array of marine life that call the La Jolla Shores their home.
What‘s Included
Use of Facilities- Showers, foot rinse, restrooms
2-Person Kayak
Safety Equipment
Paddle
Life Jacket
Cave Entry
Options
La Jolla Kayak Rental
Reviews
31 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Misleading information
kristigB9624QE,,Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00I was really excited to try this kayaking experience and see the caves in La Jolla. I had looked into booking a kayaking tour of the caves, but then saw the kayak rental that appeared to be the same thing without the tour guide. I prefer exploring things on my own and don't love being stuck with other groups of people. I went ahead and booked the kayak rental, which advertised "explore the caves." When I arrived at the shop, there were signs that clearly said that only groups with a tour guide would be able to enter the caves. When I asked the girl at the desk about this she told me that was the regulations. I told her that was very misleading since my rental had promised that I would be able to explore the caves. She told me that I could explore the caves from the outside. She also told me that nobody was entering the caves today because of the choppy waters. I would have upgraded to a guided tour, but at that point in the day, everything was already fully booked. Once we got to the beach, there was only 1 employee getting kayakers set up with kayaks and paddles and pushing them out. He told us he didn't have time to push up out, because he had to get his tour started. He said someone else would be out shortly. However after seeing that nobody was coming out to help us, he told us he could push us out if we could do it quickly. He was very helpful and we appreciated his kindness. Once out on the water, we had a very pleasant experience. It was very fun to have the kayak to ourselves and enjoy the peacefulness of the ocean. We approached the caves and saw many other guided groups "exploring them from the outside." I asked a tour guide from another company when it was ok to go inside the caves (what water conditions would allow for it) and he said that renters were never allowed inside without a guide...something that must be obvious to everyone, yet not advertised on your website for kayak rentals. There was one cave that guided kayakers were being guided into, which we would have loved to do, had it been clearly explained in the advertising. Overall, we had a good experience, despite the disappointment and false advertising.
100% worth it. Will do the kayak tour again.
T1721CDbradb,,Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sammy was our tour guide and amazing. When we come back to visit again we will sign up for her time slot. She made the tour an enjoyable experience and had funny stories and jokes.
Bucket List 👌❤️
465galenl,,Aug 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Both our guides were amazing and super chill, think Cora and - oh heck i know he’s from Florida, regardless I’m sure this place is great with informative friendly guides.definitely had that vibe! And because weather was so good even took us into multiple caves . She even snapped some pics of me and visiting friend and gave us . This has been on my to do San Diego bucket list for a couple years and these guys nailed it !
Bad experience and poor customer service
F7007XIlaurenf,,Aug 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Would not recommend the company. Rented a locker and the girl told us as we were walking out she would grab the token. Our locker was never locked and was left open the entire time. Was told to find someone in a red shirt on the beach to get the kayak. Nobody was wearing a red shirt. Had to ask another company where this company was. Despite us having life jackets on wondering around the beach, the guy was sitting under an umbrella playing on his phone with no shirt on and no sign. Also, was completely ignored and not spoken to when returning the paddles and kayak. Would not recommend. The company in the blue shirts were friendly and more helpful and they did not even have our money.
Parking unavailable, but we were still charged for unused services
robinw237,,Aug 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00So disappointed in Customer Service. When we made reservations for our 4 family members to rent kayaks, I asked about parking. I was told there was no designated parking available at the site, and to ‘just find ‘on street’ parking.’ We arrived 45 minutes early, and drove around for 1/2 hour, and over 1/2 mile away, looking for a spot, to no avail. Finally decided that only 3 of us would go kayaking and the 4 th family member would drop off the other 3, take the car quite a distance away, park and just wait the 2 hours. Bike and Kayak Tours would not consider removing the 4th person from the prepaid charges. They didn’t care. So BEWARE, that parking may not be available, but you will still be charged for services that cannot be accessed.
Renting the Kayak was...
Alma S,,Jul 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Renting the Kayak was super simple and quick. The instructors were all very informative and knowledgeable. Provided instructions from the store to the beach and once we got the kayaks they let us know where we could go and how to kayak. It was my first time kayaking and I would absolutely rent from them again.
Ok experience Kayaking in la Jolla
510yannr,,Jul 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The kayak rental was fine, we had a good time, though it was not outstanding. We got our rental via a gocity pass, and we were mislead in that the pass would allow to get the cave tour, but it did not, it only included the rental, and the caves were extra. In addition, the area accessible to the kayaks was relatively limited, surrounded by surfing areas, swimming areas, and snorkling areas, and not-to-access-without-guide caves... We enjoyed our time though even if it was not quite what we were shooting for.
Bike and Kayak Tours is the best!
bizzwriter,,Jun 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had done the kayak tour of the La Jolla sea caves last summer and had a blast. So we came back this summer to do our own solo adventure. The reservation and rental process was seamless. When we arrived for our rental, the friendly staff got us set up and on the water no muss no fuss. Love that someone was there to greet us on the beach, pull our kayaks to the water, then push us through the waves to get us to clear water. Had a fantastic couple hours on the water -- it was a beautiful day!
Amazing family adventure!
Ambassador704711,,Jun 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a perfect place for a kayak rental for our family! Staff was friendly, social, and was quick to give us some places to see on our visit! The kayak adventure is truly something to experience, a must do if visiting San Diego area!
Kayak Rental - Had a Blast! Will definitely be back again.
Roam11812572545,,May 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00this was my first time kayaking and i had a blast out there. it was a great experience. i didn’t realize how fun riding in on the high waves could be. i will definitely be coming back here again when u come out to california again.
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Operated by Bike and Kayak Tours, Inc