GOSD Day Event - Leopard Shark Snorkeling at La Jolla Shores
Sunday September 7th, 2025 @ 8:30am
Come join us for some snorkeling, sharks, and socializing at La Jolla Shores! We've chosen September since that's when the Leopard Sharks typically come close to shore.
Start Time and Location: We'll meet at Kellogg Park at 8:45am and be in the water by about 9:00am. After snorkeling amongst the wildlife, those of us who are interested will grab lunch nearby afterwards.
Event Specific Equipment/What to Bring:
- Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins)
- Light wet suit if you tend to feel cold quickly)
- Sunblock
- Water and any snacks you may need for the morning
- Towel, and a dry change of clothes.
- (Leave your valuables in your car, as any gear left at the park will likely be unattended while we’re in the water.)
Costs involved: N/A
Parking Information: Parking can be a challenge. So please plan to allow yourself plenty of time for that – and carpool if possible. Parking is very difficult after 8:30am!
Event Specific Challenges (stairs, animals, allergens): Swimming
Pets Permitted: Leashed dogs are permitted at the park, but not on the beach. If bringing a pup, you will not be able to snorkel as you watch them!
Who to Contact with Questions: Matthew Schreiner, Tyler Roosden (651.497.1611)
Fun facts about Leopard Sharks:
La Jolla’s leopard sharks are almost all female, most of which are pregnant. Their gestation period is 10-11 months. They bear live young, and a litter will typically consist of 15-20 babies.
They congregate at La Jolla Shores because of its calm, warm, shallow waters—an ideal natural incubator—and abundant food in the sand, rocky reefs and kelp forest of the protected preserve, including clams, crabs, shrimp, squid, fish and fish eggs. The sharks’ distinctive color pattern, resembling leopard spots, is so varied that they can be used to identify individuals, akin to fingerprints. Leopard sharks live along the Pacific coast of North America from Washington to Mazatlán, Mexico, including the Gulf of California.
They arrive at La Jolla’s shores as early as June and as late as December, peaking in August and September.
Leopard sharks have small mouths and teeth, perfect for feedings on crustaceans and bony fish. Adults can grow up to six feet in length, but the average size is four to five feet.
Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement
Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.
