Regulations – Kayak La Jolla

The MMPA took effect in 1972 to protect all marine mammals. There are many components to the MMPA, but only a few that you need to know and respect in La Jolla. These are good wildlife viewing guidelines for ALL animals, not just mammals.

Don’t alter an animal’s normal behavior. If the sea lions on the rocks start to lift their heads and look at you, you’re too close. If the birds are flying away, you’re too close.

Don’t chase animals. If they move away from you, you’ve already violated Rule 1. Don’t chase them! Curious creatures may approach you. Enjoy the gift, but don’t attempt to get closer.

Don’t encircle animals, or make them feel trapped. Don’t get between mothers and offspring. If you pay attention, you may recognize frantic behavior as an animal swims erratically or looks around frantically. These are good indications that you’re disturbing them, so back away.

Don’t make sudden movements or loud noises. The seals and sea lions that live in La Jolla have become quite used to humans and we are fortunate that we can often observe them quite closely without upsetting them if we are respectful.

For the purposes of this website, we assume you are not surfing your SUP and therefore fall under the same regulations as a kayak.

Coast Guard Regulations:

An easily accessible Type III or Type V (inflatable) PFD in good, serviceable condition and of appropriate size. While the Coast Guard does not require that it be worn, smart paddlers buy comfortable, functional PFDs and WEAR them.
A sound device (like a whistle) audible from 1/2 mile.
Between sunset and sunrise: a bright white visible at 1 mile, and visual distress signals (3 flares, and an emergency strobe light).

San Diego Municipal Codes:

In order to protect water users, the City has designated specific areas for surfing, swimming, and vessel launching. The ONLY place that you are allowed to launch and beach kayaks and SUPs (unless you are surfing the SUP), is at the end of Avenida de la Playa. Kayaks and SUPs must stay out of all swim zones and must yield to swimmers and snorkelers that are outside of swim zones.

La Jolla Swim Zones:

A swim zone immediately south (left) of the boat launch extends the length of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. This zone is marked with a buoy line in the summer which vessels must stay outside of. In the “off-season”, give this beach plenty of berth.

A swim zone is usually enforced immediately north (right) of the boat launch. This becomes a surf zone a short distance up the beach and the border between the two will be marked with a black and yellow checkered flag in the summer.

A swim lane extends from La Jolla Cove, 1/2 mile towards La Jolla Shores (light blue on the map). It is marked with several buoys. Kayaks and SUPs and not permitted to cross this lane.