How to See the La Jolla Leopard Sharks

Each summer, the shallow, protected waters of La Jolla Shores Beach become home to one of California’s most incredible wildlife encounters: snorkeling with leopard sharks.

The La Jolla leopard sharks gather here from June through December, with peak activity in August and September. The best time to see them is during calm, low-tide mornings while wading or snorkeling near The Marine Room restaurant.

Despite their name, leopard sharks are completely harmless to humans and often swim just feet from shore. This experience is calm, accessible, and offers a close-up look at marine life—no boat, tour, or advanced swimming skills required.

In this guide, I’ll explain why the sharks come here, how to see them safely, and how local experts can take you snorkeling or kayaking for an even closer look.

See also: My Full Guide on Things to Do in La Jolla

Why Leopard Sharks Gather in La Jolla

The leopard sharks return annually for a very specific reason. Nearly all of them are pregnant females, and the area offers exactly what they need: warm, shallow water and easy access to food.

It’s a Natural Nursery

Leopard sharks are cold-blooded. The warm, sunlit shallows help raise their body temperature, which scientists believe speeds up their 10 to 11-month gestation period. The calm environment also protects them from larger predators.

Food Nearby

Just offshore, the La Jolla Submarine Canyon drops into deep water, rich with marine life. Sharks rest in the shallows during the day, then swim short distances to feed on squid, crabs, and fish eggs at night. This unique geography makes La Jolla an ideal habitat.

What to Know About Leopard Sharks

Leopard sharks are easy to recognize thanks to their dark, saddle-like spots on a gray or brown body. These patterns are unique to each shark and help scientists identify individuals.

In La Jolla, most sharks you’ll see are between four and five feet long, though they can grow up to six feet. Despite their size, they are shy, slow-moving, and not dangerous to people.

Their small mouths face downward and are designed for suction feeding along the seafloor. They eat shrimp, clams, crabs, fish eggs, and other small prey found in the sand and nearby kelp beds.

Leopard sharks are found all along the Pacific Coast, from Washington to Mazatlán, Mexico, including the Gulf of California. They typically arrive in La Jolla around June and stay through December, with peak activity in August and September.

A Protected Paradise: The La Jolla Ecological Reserve

The incredible abundance of marine life you’ll see is no accident. The entire leopard shark viewing area is located within the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve, part of a network of protected “underwater parks” that includes the La Jolla Ecological Reserve. This area has had some form of protection since 1929, allowing the ecosystem to flourish with minimal human disturbance.

The purpose of this reserve is to conserve the rich biodiversity of the region, from the kelp forests to the sandy seafloor where the sharks rest. This long-term protection has created a thriving, healthy habitat that serves as a vital nursery for leopard sharks and countless other species. As a visitor, you are a guest in this special sanctuary.

The primary rule is simple: look, but don’t touch. It is unlawful to injure, damage, take, or possess any living, geological, or cultural marine resource. This means no collecting shells, no disturbing the animals, and leaving everything exactly as you found it so this natural wonder can be preserved for generations to come.

When to See Leopard Sharks in 2025

The season typically runs from June to early December, although conditions vary. Here’s how to time your visit for the best viewing.

• Best months: August and September are peak season. This is when water temperatures are warmest and shark numbers are highest.
• Best time of day: Go early in the morning. The water is typically calmer, visibility is better, and the beach is less crowded.
• Best tide: Aim for a low tide during calm surf. Lower tides reduce wave action, helping to keep sand from clouding the water.

Check tide charts and surf reports in advance. A clear, sunny morning with low surf and low tide offers the best possible experience.

Where to See the Leopard Sharks

While leopard sharks can be seen all along La Jolla Shores Beach, the most reliable viewing area is just offshore from The Marine Room restaurant.

You can reach this spot by:

• Walking south along the beach from the Kellogg Park parking lot.
• Using the public beach access on the south side of The Marine Room.

This area remains shallow for a long distance offshore, which is why the sharks favor it.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

You don’t need much to enjoy this experience, but a few items will make it more comfortable.

Recommended gear:

• Snorkel mask or swim goggles for clear underwater views
• A UV swim shirt for sun protection in shallow water
• A wetsuit to help stay warm if heading into deeper water (the water is usually 68–72°F)
• The ocean floor here is mostly sandy, but some people like water shoes

Safety and etiquette tips:

• Stay calm and still in the water. Sharks will come closer if you don’t move around much.
• Never touch or chase the sharks. It is illegal to disturb wildlife inside a State Marine Reserve.
• Shuffle your feet instead of stepping to avoid stingrays, which also rest on the sandy bottom.

Always avoid kicking vigorously. Floating quietly on the surface is the best way to see them.

La Jolla Hotels for Prime Leopard Shark Viewing

Staying within walking distance of the beach makes it easier to visit early and avoid parking hassles. These La Jolla Shores hotels are ideal:

La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club

This iconic resort sits on one of California’s last private beaches. La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club shares beachfront access with The Marine Room and offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites. Amenities include tennis courts, a 9-hole golf course, massage services, and beachfront dining. Check availability.

La Jolla Shores Hotel

Next door, this 128-room hotel offers direct beach access, beach gear rentals, and family-friendly service. The Shores Restaurant is a local favorite for casual sunset happy hour. Check availability.

Hotel La Jolla, Curio Collection by Hilton

Located just a few blocks from the beach, Hotel La Jolla strikes a great balance between proximity and comfort. Many rooms offer ocean views, but the one from the rooftop restaurant is spectacular. The rooms here are a bit nicer than the other two. Check availability.

Parking Tips

Trust me, summer parking near La Jolla Shores can be frustrating without a plan in place. Here are your best options:

• Kellogg Park Lot: Free and closest to the beach. Arrive by 8 a.m. on weekends or 9 a.m. on weekdays.
• Street parking: Look for residential spots along El Paseo Grande and nearby streets. Read signs carefully to avoid time limits or permit zones.
• Rideshare: Uber or Lyft can drop you off near The Marine Room or Kellogg Park. This is often the easiest option on weekends. I live in La Jolla and sometimes take an Uber to the beach areas.

Should You Book a Guided Tour?

If you prefer to have gear and guidance included, several local companies offer leopard shark snorkeling and kayaking tours. These are especially good for families or anyone wanting a more structured experience.

Tours usually last 90 minutes and include all equipment. Some also offer marine biology guides who explain what you’re seeing.

Reputable tour providers include:

• Birch Aquarium at Scripps (you can see leopard sharks year-round at the aquarium)
• La Jolla Kayak
• Bike & Kayak Tours La Jolla
• Everyday California

See also: My Full Guide to Birch Aquarium at Scripps and My Kayaking Tour with Everyday Cailfornia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Top photo credit: leopard sharks and swimmers photo is courtesy of Birch Aquarium at Scripps.