What’s up! I hope you’re having a great day. I’m Evan Olbricht, a professional surf and lifestyle photographer here in San Diego, and I’ve got some exciting news: the La Jolla leopard sharks are back!

I’ve been swimming out at La Jolla Shores a bunch lately and even brought my camera along to photograph these amazing creatures. Right now, the water is full of sea life, and it’s one of the best times of year to grab your mask and fins and get in to check it out.

Where to See the Leopard Sharks

There are two main spots that I always recommend:

La Jolla Shores – The #1 hotspot. The shallow, sandy bottom makes it super easy to see the sharks gliding below. Perfect for snorkeling or just floating with goggles.
La Jolla Cove – More rocky and dramatic, with tons of other sea life around. While it’s not as dense with sharks as the Shores, it’s worth exploring if you want a mix of leopard sharks, sea lions, and fish.

👉 Both are part of the La Jolla Underwater Park, which means they’re protected areas filled with marine life.

Best Times to Go

Season: Leopard sharks are most common July through September, but they can stick around until early fall. Right now, there are a ton of them out (saw around 20 of them when I went yesterday!)
Time of Day: Mornings are usually best with calmer waters, fewer crowds, and better visibility.
Conditions: Go on a clear, sunny day when the ocean is calm. The sharks tend to stay in shallow water close to shore.

What You’ll See Besides Sharks

While leopard sharks are the main attraction, they’re not the only ones around:

Stingrays – Look out for them buried in the sand. Shuffle your feet when walking in.
Bat rays – Larger rays that sometimes cruise through the cove.
Garibaldi – Bright orange fish (California’s state fish) that are hard to miss.
Sea lions & seals – Especially closer to La Jolla Cove.
Schools of fish & the occasional lobster tucked in rocky spots.

What to Bring (Gear List)

Here’s my go-to setup for swimming with leopard sharks:

Wetsuit – The water is getting chilly, so I highly recommend one for warmth and comfort.
Mask & Snorkel (or Goggles) – Essential for clear views underwater.
Fins – Helpful for cruising further out with less effort.
GoPro or Waterproof Camera – To capture photos and video. I use my AquaTech housing with my Canon R5 and my GoPro to get some fun videos as well.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Protect your skin and the ocean.

Tips for the Best Experience

Go Slow – The sharks are harmless and shy. If you stay calm and float, they’ll swim right past you.
Keep Distance – Don’t chase or grab them. Respect the wildlife and you’ll have a much better experience.
Safety First – Swim with a buddy, and keep an eye on surf and currents.
Respect the Area – Remember it’s a protected marine reserve.

Final Thoughts

The La Jolla leopard shark season is one of the coolest natural events we get here in San Diego. Whether you’re swimming, snorkeling, or photographing, it’s an unforgettable experience to be surrounded by dozens (sometimes hundreds) of these beautiful sharks.

If you’ve never been, now’s the time! Go grab a wetsuit, some goggles, and head out to La Jolla Shores or La Jolla Cove. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

And if you want to see some of the photos I’ve captured swimming with them, check out my portfolio or follow me on social media for more behind-the-scenes shots.

The La Jolla Leopard Sharks Have Arrived In San Diego