7 Best Snorkeling Spots to Explore in San Diego!
Looking to add some excitement to your vacation? Why not try snorkeling in San Diego?
The crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life make for an unforgettable experience. And it may not be the typical snorkeling experience where you find colorful fish, but the adventure of a lifetime where you can safely swim along leopard sharks!
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Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, San Diego has something for you. In this guide, you will learn about some of the best spots for snorkeling in San Diego. So, pack your swimsuit and get ready to explore the beautiful underwater world!
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Where to go snorkeling in San Diego?
1. La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove, located about 13 miles from downtown and San Diego International Airport (SAN), is one of the best spots to go snorkeling in San Diego.
There is an abundance of marine life to see, including multi-colored fish, bat rays, and lobsters. La Jolla seals and sea lions also hang out on rock cliffs, so it is not uncommon for them to swim up to or near you.
The best time to go snorkeling in La Jolla Cove is during the summer months when the water is warm, clean, and clear with great visibility. Even though you may be able to spot leopard sharks year-round, the chance is highest during their mating season between the months of June and October when thousands of them migrate to the shores.
Leopard sharks are beautiful and friendly. Even though they are carnivores, they typically feed on small bony fish and don’t attack humans, so don’t be afraid!
🤿Book La Jolla Cove and Cave Snorkel Tour
2. La Jolla Shores Beach
La Jolla Shores Beach is a wide and sandy stretch of beach just south of La Jolla Village and north of La Jolla Cove. Not only is it a great spot for snorkeling in San Diego, but it’s also a popular choice for the locals to go for swimming and sunbathing.
The water is shallow and warm, making it an easy and perfect launch point for inexperienced snorkelers and families with kids. All that you need to do is put on your snorkel and fins and swim out into the ocean to explore what lives among the low-lying rocks and kelp beds here.
Because La Jolla Shores Beach is easily accessible and has low risk, you can go snorkeling on your own or with your friends and families without booking a tour. If you don’t have your snorkeling gear, no worry, rental is actually pretty cheap if you book in advance ($12-$15).
⭐Reserve All-Day Snorkel Gear Package Rental
The snorkel gear has been specifically engineered to last for the area with coarse thick sand and cliff reefs, and booking this rental also gives you free access to lockers, restrooms, and changing room.
One of the popular points to enter the water in La Jolla Shores is from the Marine Room, a fine dining restaurant part of the private La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club complex. You can access the beach via a walkway behind the restaurant.
3. Devil’s Slide Reef
Devil’s Slide Reef got its name from all the rock slides in the area. Even though it is a great spot to go for snorkeling in San Diego because of its diverse marine life, it is not as popular as other places because access to the area is not as easy. You will need to swim from La Jolla Shores to the far corner at the base of the sea cliffs.
From there, you can keep swimming toward La Jolla Cove to find more sea creatures, including zebra perch and anchovies. If you look into the cliff cracks, you may also see eels and octopuses. Devil’s Slide is usually not crowded, so you can go any time during the day.
4. Turtle Town
Turtle Town is a hidden gem in the center of La Jolla’s marine park, which can be accessed through La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores. The area is filled with red and green kelp beds.
Although Turtle Town is quite challenging to access for average snorkelers, it is a great spot to see sea turtles. You will have the best chance of spotting sea turtles here in late summer and early fall.
5. Boomer Beach
Boomer Beach is just around the corner from La Jolla Cove but it’s much less crowded. The area is picnic-perfect with wide open grass areas and picnic tables, where you can relax and watch sea lions. The currents here are usually strong, so it’s more suitable for advanced snorkelers and strong swimmers.
6. Mission Point Beach
Mission Point Beach is located in the beautiful Mission Point Park at the south end of Mission Boulevard. The area is more popular for kayaking and fishing, but you can still enjoy snorkeling here.
Even though marine life at Mission Point Beach is not as diverse as in La Jolla, the water tends to be calmer and warmer, making it a great snorkeling spot in San Diego for families with kids.
7. Seven Caves of La Jolla
Just like the name suggests, Seven Caves of La Jolla consists of seven caves: Clam Cave, Sunny Jim Cave, Arch Cave, Sea Surprise Cave, Shopping Cart Cave, Little Sister, and White Lady Cave.
They can be accessed from La Jolla Caves Beach, tucked between La Jolla Shores Beach and La Jolla Cove, by swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
🛶Book La Jolla Sea Caves Kayak Tour
⛰️Book Snorkeling Adventure in La Jolla Sea Caves
Snorkeling in San Diego FAQs
Do I need a wetsuit?
A wetsuit is usually not necessary if you go snorkeling in San Diego during the summer and stay in the shallow water. However, during other times of the year or if you’re venturing out to deeper water, a wet suit is highly recommended.
Is snorkeling in La Jolla safe?
Snorkeling in La Jolla is generally safe, as long as you watch the water conditions and stay within your physical limits. If you’re nervous about encountering leopard sharks or sea lions in La Jolla, it’s best to book a snorkeling tour to have an experienced guide with you on the adventure.
How is the snorkeling in Coronado?
Coronado is a great beach town to visit in San Diego, but it isn’t the best place to go for snorkeling in San Diego. The visibility and abundance of sea life can’t compare to La Jolla.
What is the best time of year for snorkeling in San Diego?
Summer is the best time of year for snorkeling in San Diego because the water is warm and there is a high chance of spotting leopard sharks in even shallow water. The waves are also milder during this time of year, making it safer for beginner snorkelers. Plus, who doesn’t want to enjoy both sunshine and warm ocean water, right?