Snorkeling in San Diego: Best Tours and Spots
- San Diego Beach Review
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
Introduction
With San Diego's diverse marine life, and stunning underwater landscapes, snorkeling here can be an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, there are plenty of guided tours that provide expert instruction and access to the best locations.
To help you find the perfect snorkeling adventure, we’ve put together a list of the top snorkeling tours in San Diego, including tour details, prices, and what to expect.
Best Snorkeling Tours in San Diego
La Jolla Cove is one of the most famous snorkeling destinations in San Diego. This tour takes you through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve, where you can swim alongside sea lions, colorful Garibaldi fish, and even leopard sharks in the summer months.
Price: $90 per person
Duration: 90 minutes
Highlights: Guided tour, marine life sightings, beginner-friendly
A thrilling snorkeling experience where participants dive with pelagic sharks and spot dolphins, Mola Mola fish, and more. This exciting tour includes a safety briefing, speedboat ride, and 2.5 hours of snorkeling.
Price: $850 per person
Duration: 6 hours
Highlights: Variety of sea life, scenery off coast, semi-private, expert guide
A scenic boat ride to some of the most pristine spots along the coastline, where you can enjoy both snorkeling and wildlife viewing. You'll have a chance to observe marine life such as sea lions, dolphins, and a variety of fish species, making it a must-do for nature lovers.
Price: $550 per person
Duration: 6 hours
Highlights: Snorkeling, wildlife watching, expert guides, scenic boat ride
This unique snorkeling experience combines marine biology education with an underwater adventure in Mission Bay. Learn about San Diego’s marine ecosystem while snorkeling in one of the city's most diverse aquatic environments.
Price: $60 per person
Duration: 2 hours
Highlights: Marine biology lesson, diverse marine life, educational and fun
For those looking to combine kayaking and snorkeling, this tour is the perfect option. Paddle along La Jolla’s stunning coastline before diving in to explore the underwater world.
Price: $160 per group (up to 2 people)
Duration: 2 hours
Highlights: Kayaking and snorkeling combo, perfect for couples or friends
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel in San Diego?
A: No, but basic swimming skills help. Many tours provide flotation devices and beginner-friendly locations.
Q: Is snorkeling safe for kids?
A: Yes! Many tours cater to families and provide child-sized gear and safety instructions.
Q: Can I rent snorkeling gear in San Diego?
A: Yes, many shops near La Jolla Cove and Mission Bay offer rentals.
Q: What marine life can I expect to see?
A: Depending on the season, you might see sea lions, Garibaldi fish, leopard sharks, bat rays, and even dolphins!
Conclusion
Snorkeling in San Diego is an amazing way to explore the underwater world, whether you're gliding through La Jolla Cove, swimming near sea caves, or learning about marine biology in Mission Bay. With plenty of guided tours to choose from, there’s an adventure for everyone.
If you're interested in more Things to Do in La Jolla, or looking to stay at La Jolla Hotels, be sure to also check out our Guide to La Jolla for more information on beaches, oceanfront dining, and more activities available.
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