Water Sports in San Diego

Take a break from pushing through crowds on the San Diego footpath and see the city from the sea in a kayak. Kayak in the calm waters of North San Diego Bay and paddle past San Diego's coastal highlights, including the Coronado Bridge, the National Marine Mammal Foundation (frequented by seals or dolphins) and Spanish Landing Park. With staff to help you while you're starting out and all safety equipment provided, this kayaking experience is great for beginners.

Learn to steer and balance a stand-up paddleboard with a 1.5-hour lesson at La Jolla Shores, one of San Diego's most scenic beaches. Paddle alongside your instructor and head out across La Jolla's flat, calm water, then watch for the sea lions and dolphins that are drawn to the sheltered cove. Practice reading the ocean currents and work on perfecting your stance as you take in sweeping views of the California coast from the deck of a stand-up paddleboard.

Zoom around the waters of San Diego Bay on a 30-minute jet boat ride that provides speed, splashes and spins. As you race through the scenic waterway, your captain points out landmarks including the USS Midway, Coronado Island, Seaport Village, the Embarcadero and the city skyline. Hang on as your captain takes your boat into power slides, 360-degree spins and other thrilling maneuvers - a high-octane twist on sightseeing in San Diego.

Captain your own boat in San Diego with this 1.5-hour boat rental from Mission Bay Marina. Cruise around San Diego Bay in your own electric boat with your private group of friends or family. Choose where to go and what sights to see as you travel at your own pace in a boat with a quiet motor and easy controls.

Explore La Jolla Ecological Reserve's sea caves during a 90-minute kayaking tour. Follow your experienced guide through several diverse ecological habitats, home to one of the highest concentrations of sea life in California. Paddle toward the Seven Sea Caves, where you can get stunning views from inside Emerald Cave, the only north-facing cave in the state (conditions permitting). Explore a giant kelp forest inhabited by wildlife like otters, harbor seals and sea lions. Use of all kayaking equipment is included; no kayaking experience is necessary.

Enjoy the sublime coastal scenery as you spot abundant marine life during this 2-hour trip kayaking in La Jolla's sea caves and ecological reserve. Paddle along with your expert naturalist guide as you observe the numerous species of birds, dolphins, sea lions and even orcas that inhabit the area. You'll also kayak among the lush kelp beds that grow in the reserve and, if conditions permit, explore inside the sea caves that dot the area's rocky coastline. This La Jolla caves trip includes all necessary equipment, a life jacket, guide and optional wetsuit rental.