If you don’t mind the constant crowds, there is a superb option for snorkeling in San Diego in the neighborhood of La Jolla, north of the city, where you can observe diverse marine life.
The Golden State exudes radiance across its diverse geography. And in the very southwestern corner is San Diego, considered to be America’s Finest City and the eighth largest city in the country. San Diego embodies the California cool, with over 250 days of sunshine a year, myriad of surfing spots across the coastline, and amazing Mexican food to boot. This metropolitan paradise offers plenty of options for all range of visitors, from the world famous San Diego Zoo to the enchanting Sea World for families, and the Gaslamp District for younger folks.
And who can forget the beaches? With miles of prime California coastline, there are plenty of places to feel the sand and get the sunshine around San Diego. While known for more its surfing rather than sunbathing, there is no shortage of options for things to do on the beach. And for those seeking to go underwater, there is a fantastic option to go snorkeling in San Diego, in its northern suburbs, La Jolla. There are several around this swanky neighborhood where one can experience the amazing marine habitat. Just be prepared to face the crowds as it is a popular location.
La Jolla / San Diego Snorkeling Profile:
- Water Visibility: Below Average to Fair
- Current Strength: Above Average to Strong. This is known as a surfer’s paradise, so you may notice that the waves can be quite strong. La Jolla Cove is thankfully shielded by Point La Jolla, however.
- Reef Presence: No reefs around but there are forests of kelp all around.
- Marine Life: Plenty of fishes swimming around, as well as the occasional bigger ones such as rays, and as you will find out, leopard sharks.
- Crowd: There is usually a huge crowd here, although it thins out when you go in the ocean. Nonetheless, don’t expect your own paradise here as many tourists will likely join you underwater.
Getting There:
Closest Airport: San Diego International Airport
- San Diego International Airport is located approximately two miles northwest of downtown San Diego and very centrally located in this sprawling metropolis. It is also a focus city Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines. Overall, a good enough airport with many connections and easy accessibility no matter which direction you are heading.
Closest Major Metro: San Diego
- San Diego is the epitome of a California beach town. Aside from what everyone knows about this city, the world-famous zoo, SeaWorld, and surfing, there is so much more. As the first settlement in California, it is rich in history with Old Town San Diego and Mission Basilica San Diego, California’s first mission, on full display. Travelers can easily spend a week in San Diego without running out of things to do.
Best Transportation Method to Destination: Fly into San Diego International Airport and rent a car
Introduction
Founded under Spanish missionary Junipero Serra, the father of California, San Diego was the first permanent European settlement in California. The original town was built in what is now Old Town San Diego, with development slowly trending towards the bay as time went on. The U.S. Navy established its base in Point Loma during the early 20th century, and the city continues to maintain significant military presence nearby. The USS Midway Museum, which is anchored off the downtown pier, is a must visit for all history buffs.
San Diego gained worldwide exposure as it hosted World’s Fair twice during the 20th century, showcasing its crown jewel, Balboa Park, and its Zoo. In addition, the city developed Mission Bay in the northwest as a recreational park and a resort hub. Sea World and Fiesta Island Park, two of the city’s biggest attractions, as well as numerous resorts, are within the park limits. In the northern outskirts lies La Jolla, home to University of San Diego, and one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the country. The La Jolla area, famous for its amazing surfing, also is the place for best snorkeling in San Diego.
Where to Go Snorkeling in San Diego:
While it may appear that there would be many suitable places to go snorkeling in San Diego, there is really only one place that is worth it. The currents in the Pacific Ocean flow clockwise, so the cold water from Alaska and Pacific Northwest come down to southern California. As such, the water is too cold here to support a coral reef system. As such, without the nature’s filtrations system at the ocean bottom, the water won’t be as clear as the ones in Caribbean or Florida. But given the lack of sizable rivers in California outflowing into the Pacific, the visibility is still decent enough.
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla is the best option for snorkeling in San Diego, hands down. There are two options in La Jolla, both very close by and part of the same nature preserve. La Jolla Cove is the most popular spot, and rightfully so. It is tucked away on the eastern end of Point La Jolla, with two stairways that lead to this quaint beach. There will be a heavy crowd most days, including in the water, so be prepared. But when you snorkel here, you will see what a prototypical southern California marine habitat looks like.
Kelp forests will be heavily populated around the cove, especially on the western end of the beach. There will be lots of bright Garibaldi fish, the state fish of California, dashing through the kelps. Some of the other common fish you will encounter here will be the blacksmiths and sardines. Bat rays may occasionally visit here, and you may also catch some sea lions, most of which are sunbathing on the rocks, go in for a quick swim.
Water visibility can be a hit or miss here, but due to the significant upwelling in the area, the water gets much clearer when you go away from the shore. While there are lifeguards on duty nearby, please do not go on adventures that is outside of your comfort zone. One final point about La Jolla Cove there are stations to rent snorkel equipment all around as the area is part of a natural preserve. So you don’t have any excuse to miss out on the best place to go snorkeling in San Diego!
La Jolla Shores: Underwater Park
If you go a bit north from La Jolla Cove, there is La Jolla Shores, beginning from Avenida de la Playa on the southern end. Here is the home to San Diego & La Jolla Underwater Park, the most popular diving spot in La Jolla. You may also notice lots of kayakers in the area, who are looking to cruise through the caves nearby. However, there is a super cool spot along the shore that makes this spot one of the most incredible places to go snorkeling in San Diego.
Along the La Jolla Shores is Leopard Shark Hot Spot, where you will see schools of leopard sharks, a type of houndshark which measures approximately 4-5 ft long. There are hordes of these leopard sharks in these waters, so get your camera out for this experience! Leopard sharks are harmless to people, so don’t be scared to swim around these guys.
Final Word:
In the beautiful, sunny California, the land of 840 miles of coastline, there are several places in southern California that stand out for snorkeling. The best locations are from Malibu in north Los Angeles, to Catalina Island, and Laguna Beach, and finally, La Jolla. There is no better place to go snorkeling in San Diego than La Jolla, with unbelievable diversity of marine life along its shores. Take some time to snorkel through the wonderous kelp forests, swim with the Garibaldis, and snuggle alongside the leopard sharks.
Snorkeling in San Diego Rating: 4/5 Snorkels – Fantastic!
