Kayaking in San Diego 2025

San Diego is located in a picturesque spot on the coast, so a kayak or any kind of boat is a great way to explore the city and get to its natural wonders. You can watch dolphins, leopard sharks, seals and sea lions, and explore the coves and islands.

There are plenty of rentals and many guided tours are offered from a few hours to a few days. Plastic "sit-on-top" light and durable kayaks that don't require any formal training is the most popular kind among visitors.

Kayaking season in San Diego is generally March through September or October. Summer and fall is the prime time for kayaking in San Diego. The sea is quite calm and the water temperature is warm enough to kayak simply in a swimsuit or shorts.

If you decide to go kayaking in the winter, you'll definitely need a full wetsuit. Also, the water and winds get rough over winter, so some kayaking experience is needed. If you want to take some lessons, the Mission Bay Aquatic Center offers courses for kayakers and paddlers.

La Jolla beach is definitely the most popular kayaking destination. The waters are quite calm here, so it's ideal for beginners. There are kelp beds, sea caves, seals and sea lion colonies. Other popular spots include Mission Bay, Coronado Island, Carlsbad Lagoon and Oceanside Harbor. There are also a few lakes and reservoirs in San Diego County, where you can combine kayaking and fishing.