Photo Slideshow from the La Jolla Ecological Reserve
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La Jolla Ecological Reserve
The Ecological Reserve is a water sports paradise for those who want to kayak, snorkel, dive, or take a surf lesson. Located off the beach at La Jolla Shores, the Underwater Park offers calm waters that are home to more documented marine life than anywhere else in the world. The slideshow of pictures above and the embedded videos below will give you a taste of how much fun you will have in this ecological playground.
Come explore this world wonder on your own or with the convenience of an afternoon tour with TourGuideTim. You can stay with TourGuideTim on a coastal bus and walking tour that covers this beautiful area of San Diego or you can be dropped off after our first stop on Mount Soledad to enjoy one of these activities. Reservations for the activities below are made separately. Make your reservations for 1:30PM on a Monday/Wednesday/Friday. Then, when you book your Coastal San Diego Tour leave a comment about which activity you’ve signed up for when you are asked ‘how did you learn about this tour’. After your water activity, you will be picked up at 4PM to meet up with the rest of the tour group.
Water Activities
**Kayak Tour** Enjoy a 1.5 – 2 hour guided kayak tour with Hike Bike Kayak over the La Jolla Ecological Reserve to learn about the local marine life and if conditions permit, explore the sea caves burrowed into the side of the beach cliffs. Guests will be dropped-off in La Jolla Shores (skipping the rest of the sightseeing tour to Torrey Pines) and then picked up for the return trip to San Diego. Guest must be at least 6 years old and able to swim. Tours are limited to 5 kayaks per guide. Minimum 2 guests required. Wetsuits can be rented for $5. Bring shoes that can get wet. Life jacket and tandem (2-person) kayak are included. Call them directly for a special 1:30 time spot.
**Snorkel Tour** Same details as the Kayak Tour but guests must be at least 12 years old. Bring a swim suit and a towel. Wetsuit, mask, and fins are included. Tours are limited to 8 guests or fewer per guide. Minimum 2 guests required. Call them directly for a special 1:30 time spot.
For Kayak and Snorkel Tours: Lockers and changing room are provided for free. Waiver must be signed at start of tour.
**Surf Lesson** Have fun with a 1.5 hour group surf lesson with the world-famous Surf Divas. Lesson includes a half-hour lesson on the beach before entering the water to catch the calm waves. Guests will be dropped-off in La Jolla Shores (skipping the sightseeing visit to Torrey Pines and free time for shopping in the Village) and then picked up for the return trip to San Diego. Guest must be at least 12 years old and comfortable swimming the equivalent of a lap in a pool. Bring a swim suit and towel or purchase them at Surf Diva or nearby shops. Changing room is provided. Waiver must be signed at start of lesson. Five students or less per instructor. No minimum headcount required.
La Jolla Shores Dive Videos
Get a glimpse of what lies beneath the water in the La Jolla Ecological Reserve
The first great dive video shown here was created by Gary Hawkins for the San Diego Underwater Film Festival. (Note the comments made by divers who have come from all around the world to SCUBA in San Diego.)
This next great dive video was created by Roger Bly featuring Giant Sea Bass, bright orange Garabaldi, and schools of fish swimming in the Reserve and adjacent kelp beds. There is a nice finish to the video so be sure to watch the whole thing.
More Photo Slideshows of La Jolla!
View Pictures of the Spectacular La Jolla Cove and Beach Bluffs
View Pictures of Seals, Sea Lions, Brown Pelicans, and Cormorants
Current: View Pictures of Kayakers and SnorkelersHaving Fun in the Ecological Reserve
View Pictures looking down over San Diego from Mount Soledad
View Pictures of the Boutique Shops and Art Galleries
View Pictures of La Jolla Shores Beach and Local Shops