Lobster Diving Tour

If you’re craving a hands-on seafood adventure that combines ocean exploration with a chance to catch your own dinner, the Lobster Diving Tour in San Diego might sound appealing. This two-hour experience promises an underwater hunt for California Spiny lobsters, complete with all gear and guidance. While the concept is exciting—especially for seafood lovers and adventure seekers—the reality may not match the hype for everyone.

One aspect we really appreciate is the all-inclusive gear and safety briefing provided, which makes it accessible even for beginners or those new to snorkeling or diving. Plus, the chance to participate in a lobster contest with prizes like cash or a speargun adds a competitive fun twist. However, a significant concern is the high likelihood of cancellations or miscommunications, as recent reviews show some guests were charged without actually experiencing the tour. This inconsistency could be a dealbreaker for travelers on a tight schedule or budget.

Ultimately, if you’re interested in a quick, guided ocean adventure with the possibility of catching some fresh lobsters, and you’re flexible with last-minute changes, this tour could be worth considering. But for those seeking a reliable, well-organized outing, some caution and further research might be in order.

Key Points

• All gear included: The tour provides masks, snorkels, fins, dive lights, lobster gauges, and bags, making it beginner-friendly.
• Limited duration: At just 60-80 minutes in the water, it’s a quick adventure, perfect for fitting into a busy schedule.
• Group size: With a maximum of 8 travelers, it offers a somewhat intimate experience, though this can vary.
• Cost considerations: The base price is $75, but additional fees like fishing licenses and lobster report cards significantly increase total expenses.
• Variable reliability: Recent reviews highlight issues with cancellations and poor communication, so expect some uncertainty.
• Exciting contest: Winning cash or gear adds an extra layer of motivation and fun.

The Experience Breakdown: What to Expect

Booking and Meeting Point

The tour is operated by La Jolla Water Sports, with pickups and meetups at a parking lot located at 2710 Garnet Ave, San Diego. The tour departs twice daily at 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM, aligning well with sunset hours and prime lobster activity. Confirmation happens at booking, and the experience is capped at 8 guests, promising a somewhat personalized adventure.

Transportation and Preparation

Guests are transported in an air-conditioned vehicle to the ocean, which helps keep everyone comfortable after a day of travel or sightseeing. Once on-site, guides conduct a comprehensive safety briefing, covering everything from dive safety procedures to how to spot, catch, and measure lobsters. This is particularly helpful for first-timers or those unfamiliar with lobster hunting.

Gearing Up and Brief Swim Test

All essential snorkeling and diving equipment are provided, including a mask, snorkel, fins, dive light, lobster gauge, and bag. Guides take the time to ensure each participant has properly fitting gear, which is critical for comfort and safety. Before heading into the water, everyone does a brief swim test — a smart safety feature that helps prevent panic or accidents during the actual hunt.

The Ocean Hunt

Once in the water, the guides serve as both instructors and spotters, giving tips on how to find and capture lobsters. The dive lasts approximately 60 to 80 minutes, giving you enough time to explore and hunt. During this period, you might find yourself swimming among schools of fish or navigating rocky areas, all while keeping an eye out for the elusive California Spiny lobster.

Catching Your Lobster

Participants can catch up to 7 legal-sized lobsters per person per day, adding a fun, competitive element to the outing. Whatever you catch, you keep—an appealing aspect for seafood aficionados eager to enjoy freshly caught delicacies.

After the Dive

Post-dive, everyone returns to the shuttle, where gear is packed away, photos are taken with your prize lobsters, and you head back to the shop. Here, additional costs come into play: fishing licenses ($16.20) and Lobster Reports Card ($9.98) are separate purchases, which can make the outing more expensive than the initial ticket price.

The Reality Check: Pros and Cons

What We Like

• The all-inclusive equipment and safety briefing make it accessible for beginners.
• The guided aspect helps newcomers learn how to spot and catch lobsters effectively.
• The small group size means more personal attention from guides.
• The contest and prizes add an exciting competitive element that can motivate even novice hunters.

What to Watch Out For

• The most significant concern comes from recent reviews revealing cancellations without notice—some guests paid upfront and then learned the trip wasn’t running due to seasonal restrictions or other issues.
• The additional costs for licenses and reporting cards can substantially increase the total expense, making it less of a bargain.
• The timing and scheduling may not be reliable, especially considering the unpredictability of lobster season and weather conditions.
• The quality and professionalism of the operator have been questioned; one reviewer, Camille H., paid $170 for two and didn’t get a trip, citing poor communication and refund delays.

Value for Money

At $75, the base price seems reasonable for a guided ocean adventure, but the hidden costs and potential for cancellations may reduce overall value. It’s worth weighing the cost against the likelihood of enjoying a full experience, especially if catching a lobster is the primary goal.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for adventure lovers, seafood fans, and those open to some uncertainty. If you’re looking for a casual, quick outing with basic equipment, and you’re okay with the possibility of last-minute changes, you’ll enjoy the experience. It’s ideal for groups wanting a fun, competitive activity, particularly those interested in the chance to win prizes.

However, if your main goal is a reliable, well-organized, and stress-free lobster hunt, you might want to explore other options or verify seasonal availability beforehand. Be prepared for additional costs and confirm that the trip is operational when you plan to go.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for beginners? Yes, the tour provides all necessary gear and safety instructions, making it accessible for those new to snorkeling or lobster hunting.

What are the additional costs involved? You will need a fishing license ($16.20) and a Lobster Reports Card ($9.98) if you want to keep your catch, which are bought separately at the shop.

How long is the actual water experience? The dive lasts about 60 to 80 minutes, during which you can hunt for lobsters under guided supervision.

What is the maximum number of lobsters I can catch? You can catch up to 7 legal-sized lobsters per person per day.

Are there any seasonal or weather restrictions? Yes, the tour depends on lobster season and weather conditions. Poor weather or seasonal closures could result in cancellations.

Can I cancel if plans change? Yes, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

The Lobster Diving Tour in San Diego offers a unique blend of ocean adventure, education, and the thrill of catching your own seafood. It’s a short, guided experience that combines practical equipment, safety focus, and a competitive edge with prizes.

For those seeking an authentic, hands-on activity and are flexible with potential cancellations, it can be a memorable outing. However, the mixed reviews about reliability and added costs suggest that travelers should approach with caution—double-check seasonal availability and understand the total expenses beforehand.

If you’re a seafood enthusiast or thrill-seeker eager to experience San Diego’s waters while chasing lobsters, this could be an interesting option, provided you’re prepared for some unpredictability.

In summary, this tour offers a genuine chance to connect with the ocean and learn a new skill, but it may not deliver a consistently seamless experience. It’s best suited for adventurous, flexible travelers who value the thrill of the hunt and the camaraderie of a guided group. Always verify current operational status and understand all costs involved to make the most of your time in San Diego’s waters.