The La Jolla Sea Caves

Sunny Jim’s cave is the only cave that is accessible by land via a hand-dug tunnel leading down from the historical landmark, the Cave Store. The rest of the cave acn only bee seen by kayak because they face the sea. The cave was given this name "Sunny Jim" by Frank Baum, the author of The Wizard of Oz . Baum gave the cave this unique name because the shape of the cave's opening resembled a cartoon mascot for British Force Wheat Cereal in the 1920's.  The profile of this cereal character matched that of the cave opening.

The Clam’s Cave is the only sea cave that is visible from land.  The Clam is double sided and the backside of the cave can be seen from Goldfish Point on Coast Blvd. The other 7 caves of La Jolla are only visible via the ocean.  These other caves are usually awash in waves and therefore seldom seen by anyone excep kayakers. White Lady, named for her long, bustled-dress silhouette, is located on the eastern corner of the sea cliff.  In front of the White Lady Cave, there are lots of larger rocks in the ocean that promote crashing waves and white wash, lending significance to the description “white.” 

We invite you to kayak the caves of La Jolla with one of our stable sit-on-top ocean kayaks. Kaykaing in La Jolla Shores is fun for all ages, and no experience is neccissary for our kayak rentals or tours of the La Jolla Cove. We do ask all kayak rentals to stay clear of the entire cliffside; however, if you would like to enter the sea caves we have multiple tour times everyday. Please join one of our guided Tour of the 7 Caves to enter. The Seacaves of La Jolla have quite a history, and is a focal point of interest for many visitors and locals to the San Diego area. The La Jolla Caves sit within the ecological reserve of La Jolla shores and the nearby Cove Beach.

The waters within La Jolla Shores are all part of an Ecological Reserve that is protected by law.  This Underwater Reserve prohibits the removal of any archeological artifacts or any marine life, sea creatures, mollusks, fish, etc.  Lobster trapping is allowed by permit only during the lobster-trapping season from October to March.  Local La Jolla restaurants will advertise local lobster on their menus due to these spiny lobster in the kelp beds and Ecological Reserve.  This lobster-trapping reference lends the name to the sea cave, Shopping Cart, as this limited “shopping” for lobster is very strictly monitored by the Fish & Game Department. 

 

Kayak the 7 Caves - La Jolla Kayaking Tour

Explore the beautiful sea cliffs and sea caves. Paddle to the La Jolla Ecological Reserve filled with marine life. Kayak to Sunny Jim's cave, Arch Cave, Clams' Cave and other sea caves for an amazing close-up of this sandstone formation along the shores. Experience sea lion, garibaldi, leopard shark, snovelnose guitarfish and the occasional dolphin. Fun for all ages 6+, and no kayak experience is required; however, all participants must be able to swim, and have general water experience. Call 858 454-1010 to reserve.