La Jolla Shores Beach is a popular mile-long sandy beach known for its gentle waves. Every year, hundreds to thousands of leopard sharks migrate to La Jolla Shores. While the sharks can be seen year-round, the largest numbers are present during the mating and pupping season from June to September or October (depending on the weather). They are often found in the shallow, sandy areas near the shore. During the day, these sharks spend most of their time swimming in the warm, calm waters. At night, they hunt for squid in a nearby marine canyon. La Jolla’s warm waters shore up (pun intended) the developing fetuses – much like hens sitting on eggs. https://www.ibiology.org/ecology/leopard-sharks/
Leopard sharks are usually around 5 to 6 feet long and their shimmering gray backs and dark spots make them look like an underwater version of the famous big cat. They are known for their docile nature and are harmless to humans. La Jolla Shores has become a popular destination for snorkeling— a unique spot where visitors can observe leopard sharks up close and personal. You can snorkel on your own or book a guided snorkeling tour. Likewise, several local companies offer guided kayak tours focused on leopard shark encounters, providing a dry birds-eye view of the sharks swimming below.
The last time my husband and I went to La Jolla Shores to see the leopard sharks, we brought his stand-up paddle board to use as a floating platform. I lazily lounged on the board watching the sharks through the lens of my snorkeling mask. It worked well…until I started to feel seasick. I should have worn my motion sickness patch! Beware…stingrays are often found drifting along the sandy ocean floor off the coast of La Jolla Shores, especially during the warm summer months. So shuffle your feet in the sand as you wade into the water. And enjoy life under the sea!
