Kayak with Gray Whales in La Jolla
Check local COVID-19 restrictions before booking
Animal experience hosted by Michael And Friends
2 hours
Includes equipment
Up to 10 people
Hosted in English
What you'll do
Experience the grey whale migration from the seat of a kayak! Leaving the waters of the Arctic and heading south to the lagoons of Mexico, grey whales naturally migrate past La Jolla during the winter. We'll paddle about two miles out to the path of the whale migration, learning interesting facts and history about the surrounding area and marine life along the way.
Note: La Jolla's unique natural boat launch allows safe ocean access for kayaking all year-round.
This is a non polluting, non threatening and intimate way to experience grey whales, one of the most majestic mammals on the planet. We often see dolphins deep in the water as well, along with sea lions, harbor seals, and more.
No experience is required and your guide will kick things off with a paddle tutorial. Note that the water can get choppy at times, even with La Jolla being one of the calmest places to kayak in California, so if you are susceptible come prepared with your motion sickness medication.
*Note: Grey whales are wild animals, and although we see a large number of them during the season we cannot guarantee a sighting.
La Jolla's climate and water conditions are typically pleasant in the "winter". We have wetsuits and booties if anyone is concerned about being cold.
Money back guarantee: If you do not feel this was a 5 star experience, contact me after the tour.
Other things to note
Prepare to get wet and have fun. ONCE in a LIFETIME encounter with gray whales. Check in 30 mins early. We donate to 1% For The Planet & Greenwave on all bookings.
Note: La Jolla's unique natural boat launch allows safe ocean access for kayaking all year-round.
This is a non polluting, non threatening and intimate way to experience grey whales, one of the most majestic mammals on the planet. We often see dolphins deep in the water as well, along with sea lions, harbor seals, and more.
No experience is required and your guide will kick things off with a paddle tutorial. Note that the water can get choppy at times, even with La Jolla being one of the calmest places to kayak in California, so if you are susceptible come prepared with your motion sickness medication.
*Note: Grey whales are wild animals, and although we see a large number of them during the season we cannot guarantee a sighting.
La Jolla's climate and water conditions are typically pleasant in the "winter". We have wetsuits and booties if anyone is concerned about being cold.
Money back guarantee: If you do not feel this was a 5 star experience, contact me after the tour.
Other things to note
Prepare to get wet and have fun. ONCE in a LIFETIME encounter with gray whales. Check in 30 mins early. We donate to 1% For The Planet & Greenwave on all bookings.
Experience the grey whale migration from the seat of a kayak! Leaving the waters of the Arctic and heading south to the lagoons of Mexico, grey whales naturally migrate past La Jolla during the winter. We'll paddle about two miles out to the path of the whale migration, learning interesting facts and history about the surrounding area and marine life along the way.
Note: La Jolla's unique natural boat launch allows safe ocean access…
Note: La Jolla's unique natural boat launch allows safe ocean access…
Michael And Friends's commitment to safety
This host committed to Airbnb’s COVID-19-related safety and cleaning guidelines—including adhering to social distancing guidelines, practicing good hygiene, and ensuring that all participants wear a mask.
Guidelines created with World Animal ProtectionLearn more
What's included
- EquipmentKayak/Life Vest/Helmet...Usually we ride in double kayaks. Odd # groups wil...
From $45
/ person
- 87 Reviews
- Identity verified
I have loved being on the water since I can remember and pursued this passion as soon as I graduated college. With great friends, we started Everyday California, an ocean adventure company, in 2010. Our GUIDES are experts on the water and will make sure you have a memorable experience!
We are permitted by the City of San Diego and SD's Lifeguard Services to operate a kayak concession in La Jolla.
We are permitted by the City of San Diego and SD's Lifeguard Services to operate a kayak concession in La Jolla.
AIRBNB EXPERIENCES
Responsible interactions
All hosts must follow guidelines created with World Animal Protection.
Caring expert hosts
Learn from biologists, conservationists, farmers, and more.
Diverse animals
Meet over 300 kinds of animals, from alpacas to zebras.
Where you'll be
We'll meet at Everyday California which is located just blocks away from the La Jolla Shores Boat Launch, Underwater Park & Ecological Reserve. We will kayak out to the edge of the kelp forest, a few miles out to sea, where the most grey whale encounters historically occur. Our kelp forest is also home to hundreds of other forms of sea life, so we will constantly keep a look out for dolphin, seals or sea lions, etc.
Rated 4.78 out of 5 from 87 reviews.
Overall this is a great tour - we enjoyed being out on the water and seeing marine wildlife. We were able to see dolphins, seals, and sea lions. We both went in there knowing the chances of seeing gray whales were low, especially after reading some of the previous reviews. One woman suggested calling the tour a “marine animal kayaking” rather than “kayaking with gray whales” - which I can agree with.
Overall this is a great tour - we enjoyed being out on the water and seeing marine wildlife. We were able to see dolphins, seals, and sea lions. We both went in there knowing the c…
Danielle was a fabulous tour guide, bringing in a lot of positive energy and knowledge about the marine wildlife in La Jolla. 5/5 for her, and the atmosphere she cultivated!!!
My only qualm is: while the description made it clear that whale sightings were not guaranteed, it was still a little disappointing that we weren’t able to see them. Perhaps management could have called this “marine animal kayaking” rather than “kayaking with blue whales”.
Danielle was a fabulous tour guide, bringing in a lot of positive energy and knowledge about the marine wildlife in La Jolla. 5/5 for her, and the atmosphere she cultivated!!!
My…
My daughter and I had never been kayaking so we were a bit nervous but Margo was so sweet and patient. This was the most amazing day!! We didn't see any whales but we did have some very playful sea lions come extremely close, super exciting!! I would highly recommend this to any and everyone I know we will for sure be back!!
My daughter and I had never been kayaking so we were a bit nervous but Margo was so sweet and patient. This was the most amazing day!! We didn't see any whales but we did have some…
Michael was flexible in scheduling when fog prevented us safely going out to see whales. He gave us the option of a refund, or going on a later trip, which we chose. Our guide was very knowledgeable, and we had a great time, even though circumstances didn't allow us to see go into the area with whales.
Michael was flexible in scheduling when fog prevented us safely going out to see whales. He gave us the option of a refund, or going on a later trip, which we chose. Our guide was…
Choose from available dates
3 available
Activity advisory
Expert industry partners
Every adventure follows industry guidelines. We partnered with the Adventure Travel Trade Association, expert leaders in adventure travel, to define best practices and standards for safety.
Know your comfort level
Please note outdoor activities carry risks, and you may be exposed to dangerous situations as part of this experience. Make sure you can participate safely given your abilities and the conditions (such as location, weather, and equipment).
Things to know
Cancellation policy
Any experience can be canceled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase, or at least 7 days before the experience starts.
Guest requirements
Up to 10 guests ages 6 and up can attend.
What to bring
Sunscreen
Dramamine, if you are prone to motion sickness
Dramamine, if you are prone to motion sickness