La Jolla cove is well known for its crystal-clear water, thriving marine life, and barking seals. For tourists and visitors, there are a couple of things that La Jolla Cove has to offer that you may not be aware of! To help you get the most out of your next visit, we’ve created a list of 5 things you didn’t know about La Jolla Cove. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind beach that we recommend everyone visits at least once!
The Water Visibility Can Occasionally Exceed 30 Feet
If you’ve ever visited the Cove, you’ve probably noticed that it’s a hotspot for scuba divers, kayakers, and snorkelers. The clear water visibility makes it an ideal location to explore the ocean and discover the local critters and sea creatures. If you want the full experience, we can take you out on one of our daily snorkel or scuba tours around the Cove. We’ve been doing this long enough to know all the best local spots!
It Lies Within the Underwater Park Ecological Reserve
The La Jolla Cove is one of the few places in the world that is protected by law. The law prohibits fishing, surfing, boogie boarding, rafting, tubing, and removing objects from the La Jolla Underwater Park. These restrictions allow the habitat to remain intact so marine life can thrive. Visitors have spotted octopus, sea slugs, stingrays, sea stars, urchins, and more!
There Are Lifeguards Present Every Day
Lifeguards are present at the La Jolla Cove every day of the year from 9 am until sunset. They have a chalkboard that posts high and low tide times, daily water temperature, and other useful information. The Cove is one of the few San Diego beaches that have lifeguards on duty year-round, making it a very safe place to take the kids!
One of the World’s Oldest Open Ocean Swims Takes Place Here
The La Jolla Rough Water Swim, sometimes referred to as the “Big Wet One,” is an annual event dating back to 1916. Seven men participated in the swim, spanning 1.7 miles and ending at the La Jolla Cove. Around 1923 is when it truly became an annual competition. The community event, which began with only seven participants, is now attended by thousands of swimmers from all over the world.
There Are Sea Caves Nearby
There are seven different sea caves near the Cove, accessible by foot or kayak, depending on the tide. First discovered in 1902, each one possesses its own distinctive attribute, and some even include local legends! From east to west, the caves are known as:
- The White Lady
- Little Sister
- Shopping Cart
- Sea Surprize
- Arch Cave
- Sunny Jim Cave
- Clam’s Cave
The Sunny Jim Cave is easily accessible by foot by paying a small entrance fee at the Cave Store. A German professor named Gustav Shulz became fascinated with the caves and spent two years tunneling them out!
San Diego Scuba Guide
We hope our article about 5 things you didn’t know about La Jolla Cove will help make your next visit a blast! The combination of the clear water and preserved habitat makes it an incredible scuba and snorkel destination. If you want to join us on one of our daily adventures, you can call us at (858) 397-8213 or contact us directly on our website.