Mention San Diego, and what comes to mind? Sun, sand, and surf? San Diego is known for being a beach town, but there are many ways to experience the water in San Diego, from the harbor, to the bay, to the Pacific. Below are some of our favorite ways to experience the magic of San Diego’s waters.
Kayak La Jolla’s caves.
You can book a kayak tour that launches right from La Jolla Shores. A trained guide will lead you through the seven caves of La Jolla Shores and point out highlights as you cruise through La Jolla’s famed Ecological Reserve and Marine Life Refuge. You can expect to see sea lions, seals, garibaldi, dolphins, and more.
La Jolla Kayak
2199 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
858-459-1114
LaJollaKayak.com
Let’s go surfing now.
San Diego is synonymous with surfing. La Jolla Shores is one of the best places to try Southern California’s beloved sport. (The Beach Boys even mentioned La Jolla in “Surfin’ USA.”) One of our favorite places for lessons is Surf Diva. They offer private and group lessons. Although the clarity of the ocean in San Diego doesn’t usually look like the above photos (its very rare!), you are still sure to have fun.
Surf Diva
2160 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-8273
SurfDiva.com
Dive in and snorkel La Jolla.
La Jolla’s Ecological Reserve and Marine Life Refuge encompass the waters off La Jolla Cove, making it one of the best places to snorkel in Southern California. Coral, rocks, seagrass, and kelp forests welcome a wide variety of species, including seals, sea lions, garibaldi, octopus, rays, and more. You can book a snorkel tour or rent your own equipment. We suggest entering at the little beach at La Jolla Cove, where it’s possible to see many bright-colored fish in waist-deep water.
Everyday California
2261 Avenida de la Play, La Jolla, CA 92037
858-454-6195
Adventure.EverydayCalifornia.com
What’s up with SUP
Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) is a wonderful way to experience the water while getting a good workout. If you don’t fall in, you can stay dry, making it a good year-round activity in San Diego. If you’re trying SUP for the first time, we suggest the calmer waters of Mission Bay.
Mission Bay Sportscenter
1010 Santa Clara Place, San Diego, CA 92109
858-488-1004
MissionBaySportCenter.com
WaveRunners are fun.
For those who feel the need for speed, WaveRunners are the way to go. In San Diego Harbor, make sure to be careful around the larger cargo and military ships. In Mission Bay, please be mindful of the slower sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboarders.
Mission Bay Sportscenter
1010 Santa Clara Place, San Diego, CA 92109
858-488-1004
MissionBaySportCenter.com
Waterski the bay.
If you want to rent a boat (or a boat and driver so you can do all the waterskiing you want), check out Mission Bay Sportcenter. They also have a load of wetsuits to fit every member of the family.
Mission Bay Sportscenter
1010 Santa Clara Place, San Diego, CA 92109
858-488-1004
MissionBaySportCenter.com
Go whale watching.
“Thar she blows!” Whale watching is a year-round activity in San Diego. The mighty gray whales travel along the California coastline on the way to their breeding grounds in the Gulf of Mexico. In the summer, the blue whale, the largest animal on earth, can frequently be found feeding offshore.
Hornblower Cruises
1800 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
619-686-8715
Hornblower.com
Sailing is the life for me.
Hop on a sailboat and be instantly transported into a different frame of mind. Mission Bay is easier to sail than the open ocean or even San Diego Harbor, where you have to share the water with aircraft carriers. Mission Bay is a recreational body of water and the perfect place to sail a 14-foot sailboat or even a catamaran. Afterwards, be sure to stop for lunch at the waterfront Barefoot Bar, where you’ll frequently find live tropical music playing. You’ll feel like you’re in the islands!
Action Sport Rentals at Paradise Point Resort
1404 Vacation Road, San Diego CA 92109
858-581-5939
ActionSportRentals.com
Have a blast boogie boarding.
Boogie boarding is another form of wave riding that’s a lot like surfing. Because you’re already in a prone, ready-to-surf position, you can enjoy the thrill of riding waves almost instantly. There are numerous kiosks and shops around La Jolla where you can rent boogie boards for the day or week.
La Jolla Surf Systems
2132 Avenida de la Playa, San Diego, CA 92037
858-456-92037
LaJollaSurfSystems.com
Dive in and have a wet and wild time in San Diego’s waters!
ElleG Photography is a San Diego beach photographer specializing in family portrait photography at the beach and underwater photo sessions. She loves photographing fellow water lovers with their feet planted in the sand or submerged 12 feet deep. If you have any questions about the best beach for photos or the best time of day to shoot, give her a call at 858-344-1068 or contact her at lisa@ellegphoto.com.
