If you’ve ever been to La Jolla Cove in San Diego, you know it’s more than just a beach. It’s a living, breathing marine playground packed with dolphins, leopard sharks, sea lions, lobsters, sting rays, and more. As a professional surf and lifestyle photographer, I’ve spent countless hours here, both swimming with my AquaTech water housing and flying my drone high above the cliffs, capturing the magic of this one-of-a-kind spot.

Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife photographer or just getting started, here’s why La Jolla Cove should be at the top of your list and my best tips for getting the shot.

Why La Jolla Cove is a Wildlife Photographer’s Dream

La Jolla Cove is part of the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, a protected marine reserve. That means:

Abundant Marine Life – From massive schools of fish to playful sea lions, you never know what you’ll spot.
Seasonal Visitors – Summer brings in thousands of leopard sharks, while dolphins are often seen year-round.
Crystal Clear Water – On good visibility days, it’s like shooting inside a giant aquarium.
Diverse Perspectives – You can shoot from the water, the cliffs, or the sky.

My Experiences in the Cove

Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to capture:

Dolphins jumping through glassy waves at sunrise.
Leopard sharks and sting rays cruising the sandy bottom during summer.
California spiny lobsters tucked in reef crevices on deep dives.
Massive schools of fish shimmering in the sunlight.
Aerial perspectives of sea lions lounging on rocks with crystal-blue water swirling around them.

Each encounter is different, and that unpredictability is what makes wildlife photography here so addicting.

Gear Tips: In the Water vs. From the Air

In the Water:

Camera Housing: I use an AquaTech water housing to safely shoot up-close encounters.
Lens Choice: A wide-angle lens (16–35mm) for underwater close-ups, and a fisheye for dramatic reef scenes.
Settings:
- Shutter Speed: 1/1000s+ to freeze movement.
- Aperture: f/5.6–f/8 for depth of field.
- ISO: 200–800 depending on light.
Pro Tip: Always be respectful and give wildlife space. Don’t approach any animals because they are still wild animals, and you never know what can happen.

From the Air:

Drone Photography opens up an entirely different perspective.
Ideal for spotting schools of sharks, rays, or dolphins that you’d never see from land.
Settings:
- Shoot in RAW for maximum editing flexibility.
- Use ND filters for smooth motion in bright conditions.
Pro Tip: Early mornings = less wind, softer light, and fewer crowds on the cliffs.

Best Times to Shoot at La Jolla Cove

Sunrise & Golden Hour – Warm, soft light that makes the water glow.
Summer – Prime time for leopard sharks, sting rays, and clear water.
Post-Storm Days – Can bring in unique wildlife and dramatic skies.
Low Tide – Exposes rocky reef structures and makes marine life easier to spot.

Tips for Getting the Shot

Scout Before You Shoot – Walk the cliffs, check visibility, and see where wildlife is active.
Shoot in Burst Mode – Wildlife moves fast — capturing sequences increases your chances of the perfect frame.
Use Polarizers (Land/Drone) – Cuts glare and makes water clarity pop.
Stay Patient – The best shots often come after hours of waiting and watching.
Respect the Wildlife – Keep distance, don’t chase, and always follow marine protection rules.

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Water Shooting:
- Lens: Wide-angle (16–35mm)
- Settings: 1/1000s, f/5.6–f/8, ISO 200–800
- Gear: AquaTech housing
Drone Shooting:
- Shoot RAW
- Use ND filters in bright light
- Best time: Sunrise
Best Wildlife to Spot:
- Dolphins (year-round)
- Leopard sharks (summer)
- Sting rays (summer/fall)
- Lobsters (winter nights – diving only)
- Sea lions (always around)

Final Thoughts

La Jolla Cove is truly a wildlife photography playground — one of those rare places where you can shoot underwater, from the cliffs, and from the sky, all in the same day. Every session brings something new, and that’s why I keep coming back.

If you want to see more of my wildlife and surf photography from the Cove, check out my prints collection or book a private photography session with me here in San Diego.

Have a good one! - Evan

La Jolla Cove: A Wildlife Photography Playground (Tips for Getting the Shot)