Snorkeling in La Jolla, California, is an inexpensive way to enjoy the Southern California coast. The La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve, located about 15 minutes from downtown San Diego, was designated in 1970 and includes 6,000 acres of ocean bottom and intertidal zone. Snorkelers exploring the waters of La Jolla have the opportunity to swim alongside leopard sharks, sea lions and bright orange garibaldi. Because of coastal geography, the waters of La Jolla are typically calmer than surrounding areas. Water temperature varies from the mid 50s during the winter to the 70s in the summer months.
Instructions
1) Choose between hiring a certified guide to show you around the La Jolla Underwater Park or renting your own snorkeling gear. You may also rent a sit-on-top kayak to avoid swimming long distances.
2) Swim--or paddle if you have rented a kayak--from the beach at the south end of La Jolla Shores past the surf line. By continuing past the surf line you will enter clear water and may view rays and an occasional leopard shark in this area.
3) Follow the coastline south to a shallow sandy area in front of a large white house. During the summer months, leopard sharks, which are harmless to humans, breed in this area.
4) Float calmly and wait for schools of leopard sharks to swim near you. If you dive down to get a better look, they will usually swim off.
5) Swim--or paddle your kayak--farther south toward the Seven Caves near La Jolla Cove. In the waters near the Seven Caves you will see gariibaldi, calico bass and sea lions
Instructions
1) Choose between hiring a certified guide to show you around the La Jolla Underwater Park or renting your own snorkeling gear. You may also rent a sit-on-top kayak to avoid swimming long distances.
2) Swim--or paddle if you have rented a kayak--from the beach at the south end of La Jolla Shores past the surf line. By continuing past the surf line you will enter clear water and may view rays and an occasional leopard shark in this area.
3) Follow the coastline south to a shallow sandy area in front of a large white house. During the summer months, leopard sharks, which are harmless to humans, breed in this area.
4) Float calmly and wait for schools of leopard sharks to swim near you. If you dive down to get a better look, they will usually swim off.
5) Swim--or paddle your kayak--farther south toward the Seven Caves near La Jolla Cove. In the waters near the Seven Caves you will see gariibaldi, calico bass and sea lions
