Every summer and early fall, the calm waters of La Jolla Shores host one of the ocean’s most spectacular shows: leopard shark season. Between July and October, thousands of these wonderful creatures congregate just off the beach, offering an incredible opportunity to swim and snorkel right alongside them.
Don’t worry. Leopard sharks are docile, bottom-dwelling fish that are completely harmless to humans. Their mouths are tiny, and they prefer dining on crabs and squid.
Learning about the leopard sharks
Here are a few fun facts about the locals:
- It’s mostly a girls trip: The vast majority of the sharks that gather in La Jolla are pregnant females. They seek out the sun-warmed shallows to act as a giant natural incubator, which helps speed up the development of their pups.
- The name is literal: True to their name, they’re covered in dark spots and saddles. Just like human fingerprints, no two leopard sharks share the exact same pattern.
- Size matters: They typically grow to about 4 to 5 feet long, though some older females can reach up to 6 feet.
Swimming with the sharks
Find these wonderful creatures all around the La Jolla Shores. You can bring your own mask and snorkel, or rent gear from one of the dive shops along Avenida de la Playa. Because the sharks hang out in waist-to-chest-deep water, you can often just…go right in.
If you prefer exploring with an expert, Birch Aquarium offers a program called Shark Snorkels, starting this September. You’ll be able to join aquarium educators for an unforgettable snorkeling adventure with local sharks and rays off the coast of La Jolla.
Either way, always remember the golden rule of wildlife viewing: float quietly. If you respect their space and don’t try to touch them, they will happily share the water with you.
When to spot them
The absolute best time to spot them is early morning during a calm, low tide.
Early mornings are ideal because the ocean is typically much calmer, and the beach is less crowded. The sharks favor the shallows, so as the day progresses and more people enter the water, they may move further out.
And don’t forget – you’re looking for small, calm surf. If the waves are large or the ocean is choppy, the water becomes churned up with sand.
Happy swimming!
