It is almost that time of year again when thousands of leopard sharks swim to the shores of La Jolla to find a mate and lay their eggs! The warmer waters in shallow areas are the perfect temperature for leopard shark to make their babies. This means they will be in perfect view for people to respectfully watch them, or even put on some snorkeling goggles and swim with them! Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about the famous La Jolla leopard sharks.
Are Leopard Sharks Dangerous?
The short answer is no, they are harmless. Not only are leopard sharks unbelievably beautiful, but they are very gentle creatures. In fact, they tend to be quite timid around people and might shy away if people come to close. They only grow to be about four to five feet in length and only eat small foods like shrimp and clams. Their peaceful demeanor makes swimming with leopard sharks a great activity for a relaxing day. However, even if swimming with leopard sharks is a tranquil activity, people can still spook the leopard sharks. Please do not try to touch them or get in the way of their mating habits. Respect them and stay calm, and the leopard sharks will be a wonderful sight to see.
When Is the Best Time to See the La Jolla Leopard Sharks?
Mating season for leopard sharks runs from the start of June until the end of September. The end of the mating season is when most of the leopard sharks come to the shores. This is towards the end of August going into September. Head towards the beach during the day, especially if it is bright and sunny. The ocean waters are calmer during the day, which means it is easier to see and swim with the sharks. Also, the warmer waters draw in more leopard sharks to the shore, so they will be easy to spot.
Where is the Best Place in La Jolla to Go?
Try any beach off of the city of La Jolla. Where there is warm water, there will be leopard sharks. If it is the right time in mating season, just walk into the ocean. By the time the waves hit your hips, you should be able to see the leopard sharks swimming around your feet!
How Do I Swim with the La Jolla Leopard Sharks?
Some local La Jolla businesses will offer everything you need. Near the shores there are several tourist shops that can hook you up with tours which lead you to where the leopard sharks congregate. The Birch Aquarium also offers snorkeling tours, but you have to bring your own equipment.
If you feel like exploring the shores on your own, go for it! You want to wade into the clear water and let the sharks swim around you. If you want to take it a step further, we recommend sporting a pair of swim goggles so you can see the sharks below the surface. Most of the time you can get this gear at local shops. However, most goggles out there for sale are not for those who require vision correction. We recommend prescription swimming goggles or prescription scuba masks to make your experience with the leopard sharks even better. We don’t want you to miss out on this amazing sight!
Get Prescription Scuba Goggles at SportRx
Heading to the shores? Need some scuba goggles but don’t know where to start? Check out our guide on how to pick the right scuba goggles for you. If you want to know more about prescription scuba masks, contact our opticians! They will help you create the perfect pair of goggles for your leopard shark adventurers.
Ditch risky online shopping with the See Better Guarantee. Try your prescription sunglasses and goggles for 45 days. If you’re not satisfied, send them back. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. And return shipping? Covered. Get your prescription swimming mask and scuba goggles at SportRx today!
