Underwater Treasures of La Jolla
September 16 - 20, 2006

For some impressions of our latest trip to La Jolla, click here.
Trip Overview La Jolla. Join us for our newest program in La Jolla, California, a San Diego community that boasts a Rivera-like coast, powdery sand beaches, a Mediterranean climate, and the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve.
At over 30 years old, the underwater park is the first of its kind on the West Coast. Its diverse habitats--kelp forest, rocky reefs, sand flats, and a deep submarine canyon--along with its long-time protected status mean you can expect to discover an extra abundance of life. Highlights include snorkeling in the rocky reef environment of La Jolla Cove where a variety of fish and invertebrate life swim and hide in a tossed salad of red, brown, and green algae and seaweeds that cling to rock and boulders. Snorkeling in a different environment, you will float over a white sand habitat at La Jolla Shores that attracts docile leopard sharks in very shallow water. We'll also include a kayak adventure to the sea caves and a paddle out to a giant kelp bed. California's giant kelp stands have been compared to the majesty of a redwood forest. Your water experiences will complemented by visits to the Birch Aquarium, behind-the-scenes tours of the 100-year-old Scripps Oceanographic Collections, and a tour Torrey Pines State Reserve, where you will learn about early peoples who inhabited the area and see the rare Torrey Pines trees.

Skill Level

Please read this carefully! It's important to articulate the appropriate skill level needed for this trip and review potential water conditions. Although we snorkel in calm, protected waters, cooler water temperatures and gentle surf can be expected, meaning that this program will be appropriate for participants with some previous snorkeling experience. Conditions may include a bit of surge and wave action. Snorkeling in the temperate waters of La Jolla is different from the tropical locations most of us are accustomed to, so we encourage all participants to participate in the hotel pool instruction.

As long as the sea remains calm, even novice kayakers should be able to enjoy our easy kayaking activities. We expect our kayaking outing to last approximately 1 1/2 hours. If anyone wants to return early to the shore, it can easily be arranged.

In all cases, for your safety and enjoyment, we encourage you to acknowledge and stay within your own personal limitations. Our trip leaders will gladly provide any needed snorkeling instruction, from floating to free diving. The tour will also include kayaking instruction.

Trip Limit for La Jolla

The Underwater Treasure of La Jolla Program will be limited to 20 participants, with a minimum of 10. As we have already had significant interest expressed in this year's departure and because our trips are small, we expect the trip to fill quickly. Reservations for space will be accepted in the order deposits (TBA) per participant are received.

Weather

San Diego boasts some of the best weather in the United States. The most comfortable conditions are from July through October where average daily high temperatures range from 73 to 78 degrees (F) with low temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees (F). Rainfall is essentially non-existent with a scant 0.7 inch for all these months combined. September was chosen for this program as it offers the ideal blend of useable water temperatures, sunny weather, relatively calm conditions along with a minimal chance of rainfall. There might on occasion be a bit of morning overcast, but it generally burns off early in the day.

A note about water temperature

Water temperatures in La Jolla are typically 66-70 degrees (F). Thermal tolerance obviously varies with each individual. As a guideline, we recommend that you wear a 3-7 millimeter wetsuit when in the water longer than 30 to 40 minutes. Please remember that some kind of covering when in the water is highly recommended, not only for warmth, but also as protection from the sun and to prevent abrasions. On this program everyone will require a wetsuit. If you do not own a wetsuit, one can be rented when you arrive in La Jolla.

Financial Information for La Jolla

Tour fee is based on land package. The cost of the Underwater Treasure of La Jolla Program tour is TBA per person, based on double occupancy. Hotel rooms will be in the garden or courtyard area. Those who would like to request an ocean view or beach front room should contact our office room for further information, as these rooms are subject to availability and you will be charged a supplement. For those requesting a single room, a supplement of TBA will be charged for rooms in the garden or courtyard.