Snorkel with sea lions & leopard sharks
Overview
Come snorkel with the sea lions and leopard sharks along La Jolla Cove's "Cliff Walk"! We'll walk together along the cliffs, taking in sweeping ocean views, before making our way down to a favorite snorkel spot. It's peak leopard shark breeding season — don't worry, they're completely harmless to people — and you can also expect to see seals, sea lions, the Garibaldi (California's official state fish), and other marine life in the kelp forest.
Meet Time & Location
- Meet at 10:00 AM under the large tree at the SE corner of Kellogg Park.
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Address: 8300 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037 Google Maps Apple Maps - La Jolla Shores Parking (Free)
NOTE: This is a holiday weekend and parking may be limited
- Total Hike Time: 1hr (30mins each way)
- Total Snorkle Time: 2hr
The group will walk together from the meeting point to the snorkel spot — in-water time will begin after the walk out.
What to Bring
- Mask, snorkel, and fins
- Life vest (strongly recommended for everyone — sea conditions can make the swim strenuous)
- Wetsuit, if you run cold
- Sunblock, towel, and a change of dry clothes
- Lunch, packed in a sealed backpack (gulls will steal unsealed food!)
All gear must be carried in on the walk out to the snorkel spot, so pack light and bring a bag you're comfortable hiking with.
Event Specific Challenges
- Total distance is about 3 miles round trip (1.5 miles out to the snorkel spot, 1.5 miles back).
- The walk itself is easy, but the final stretch down to the snorkel spot is steep.
Wildlife Respect Reminder
Sea lions, seals, and leopard sharks are wild animals — please admire them from a respectful distance and let them approach you, not the other way around. Never touch, feed, or corner marine wildlife, and keep noise and splashing to a minimum near resting animals. NOAA Sealife Guideliens
NOTE: Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve - It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource.
Pets Permitted: NO
Who to Contact with Questions: Bill Stanhope (619-306-2378) & Neil Mueller
Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement
Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.
