Snorkeling with leopard sharks in La Jolla is one of San Diego’s most popular water attractions.
La Jolla Shores is a summer getaway for thousands of beautiful leopard sharks. There is a Submarine canyon just offshore at La Jolla Shores, so the waves there are normally smaller, which keeps the colder water from the deep from mixing with the warmer water of the shallows. With the small waves and warm water, it becomes a perfect place for the leopard sharks to hang out. Biologists estimate that 97% of sharks that come to La Jolla are female. The majority of them arrive there to find a mate. The leopard sharks which are pregnant claim La Jolla as home. The pleasant San Diego climate is a great location for the developing embryos to grow up. There is plenty of food and resources for them to grow and mature.
The Leopard Shark is about four to five feet (1.2-1.5 meters) in length and is slender bodied with a short, round snout. Their body is covered in a very striking pattern of dark saddles and splotches which is why it is called the “leopard” shark. The diet of the shark consists of clams, shrimp, crabs, octopus and bony fish. They’re found all over the coast of California, but they particularly like the warm water in La Jolla. They draw visitors from all over the world – especially during summertime. Their beautiful appearance is fascinating to gaze at. Despite being carnivores they never attack humans. We will be happy to take you to a guided snorkeling tour to see them, as well as garibaldi, shovelnose guitarfish, sea lions and many more.
The leopard sharks at the La Jolla Shores are typically in their largest numbers from early June through the end of September or October, when thousands of them migrate to La Jolla Shores for their mating season. But you can see them year-round.
Biologists estimate that the sharks that come to La Jolla are 97% female. Scientists estimate that a majority of of them show up to find a mate. Pregnant leopard sharks use La Jolla Shores to raise their little ones.
The warm San Diego climate is a great location for the developing embryos to grow up. The warm weather sets up the perfect environment for healthy development in maturing sharks. There is plenty of food and resources for them to grow and mature.
Scuba San Diego offers Guided Day and Night Dives and Snorkeling adventures at La Jolla ecological reserve. Call Us At: 1 (619) 260-1880 to reserve now.
