Clam's Cave
What's Clam’s Cave?
Clam’s Cave is the only La Jolla sea cave with an opening visible from the street, along Coast Boulevard. It earned its name from a distinctive double-sided shape, like a clam shell with two openings, that allows kayakers to paddle through one side and exit the other during calm ocean conditions.
The other six caves of La Jolla are visible only from the water and accessible only by kayak, swimming, or guided tour. Kayaking the caves is the most efficient and rewarding way to experience them up close.
Entry to Clam’s Cave is restricted to guided tour guests. On our La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour, we enter the cave when ocean conditions permit. San Diego lifeguards require a guide specifically certified for cave entry, and all participants must wear a kayak helmet, which we provide.
All seven La Jolla sea caves are made of compacted sandstone slowly carved by wind, wave, and rain erosion over thousands of years. They have been a San Diego landmark for more than 100 years. Today, they sit within the protected La Jolla Ecological Reserve, just off La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove. California sea lions can often be spotted sunbathing on the rocks just outside Clam’s Cave, a regular highlight of the La Jolla kayak tour experience.
Arch Cave
What is Arch Cave?
Arch Cave gets its name from the natural rock arch eroded into the cliff face over thousands of years. It sits along the cliffs of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve and is typically accessible only during the summer months.
The cave also serves as a natural safety marker along the cliff line, everything east of Arch Cave (White Lady, Little Sister, and Shopping Cart) lies in dangerous waters that are generally off-limits to kayakers. Arch Cave itself isn’t deep, but on calm-water days its sandy eastern entry point can become a secluded paddle-in hideaway. Our Kayak Tour of the Seven Caves generally focuses on the three western caves, where conditions are most predictable year-round.
How Can I Visit Arch Cave?
Our guided tours concentrate on the three westernmost sea caves. Entering the caves is forbidden to the general public, but tour guests can enter accompanied by a certified guide on our two-hour La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour. Reservations are required, and discounts are available for advance online bookings. No experience is necessary, and tours are suitable for ages 5 and up.
The waters surrounding the caves are part of the La Jolla Ecological Reserve and protected by California state law. The removal of marine life, shells, and archaeological artifacts is prohibited. Lobster trapping is permitted by license from October through March, which is how the sea cave Shopping Cart earned its name. Local La Jolla restaurants often feature spiny lobster harvested from the kelp beds just offshore. Lobster trapping is closely regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife(opens in a new tab).
The best way to experience these naturally formed sea caves is by kayak. Book your La Jolla Sea Cave Kayak Tour to explore them up close with a certified guide.
