According to Save Our Seas Foundation’s World of Sharks, there are more than 500 different species of sharks living in oceans worldwide. Their website not only notes that “sharks have roamed our oceans for more than 400 million years” but also mentions that despite how much we already know about sharks, there’s always more to learn, especially because these creatures are fascinating and all too often misunderstood.
In this blog post, your friends here at Harbor Breeze Cruises will spotlight various shark species residing in the Pacific Ocean. There are many types of sharks in California, and we’ll even introduce you to sharks in Southern California, which is where we operate our safe, affordable, and top-rated whale watching cruises!
Sharks in California
Here are 12 different types of sharks that can be found in the beautiful state of California.
Basking Shark
Basking sharks get their name from their tendency to “bask” at the water’s surface, swimming slowly and with their mouths open so they can catch their next meal. According to San Jose State University’s Pacific Shark Research Center, these sharks “are most commonly observed in coastal temperate waters, such as the waters of California, where they are frequently seen feeding at the surface.” Interestingly, the Pacific Shark Research Center adds that “scientists believe that basking sharks on the Pacific coast of North America belong to a single population that seasonally shifts from north to south between Canada and central California.”
Blue Shark
Unfortunately, the blue shark is the most heavily fished shark in the world, according to Shark Research Institute. These small, slim sharks are spotted in Southern California throughout the year, but during warm water periods, they tend to migrate toward cooler waters. California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) notes, “Females generally reproduce annually. Southern California is commonly considered a pupping and nursery area.”
Bull Shark
Bull sharks are a species of shark that can survive in both saltwater and freshwater; they live in tropical and subtropical waters as well as river systems and lakes! Our partners at Aquarium of the Pacific share that “off the Pacific coast, bull sharks are found from Southern California (rare) to the Gulf of Mexico.”
Dusky Shark
Dusky sharks—which can live up to 34 years—are listed as endangered. Save Our Seas Foundation’s World of Sharks writes that “dusky sharks are known for their migrations. They move from very shallow waters inshore to the continental shelf and adjacent open ocean.” In terms of their location in California, they swim in the waters of the eastern Pacific from Southern California all the way to the Gulf.
Great White Shark
Of all the sharks in California, the great white shark is perhaps the most feared by humans who are spending time in and near the water. CDFW provides some reassuring information and statistics on their website, stating that “incidents where sharks bite humans are extremely rare in California.”
Great white sharks in California reside in all regions along the California coast. While these sharks are formidable predators, a fascinating article published in February 2024 by Earth Island Journal describes how sharks and humans co-exist peacefully in California: “Data suggests white sharks in Southern California largely ignore the people in the water, but people are just starting to learn the sharks are there at all. That means humans are not chasing or harassing the sharks. If human behavior changes, so could sharks’, so educating people to understand they are not typical prey for sharks is important.”
Leopard Shark
Like other sharks in California, the leopard shark has an extensive range. This shark species can be found in the Gulf of California. It’s one of the most common sharks in Southern California. Monterey Bay’s website mentions that leopard sharks have firm, white meat, and since they live close to shore, they’re popular among anglers and spearfishers. They write, “Although the International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies this shark as a species of ‘least concern,’ studies indicate that populations could be vulnerable to overfishing.”
Pacific Common Thresher Shark
Thresher sharks get their name from their long tails that they use to stun their prey. They live deep in the ocean. NOAA Fisheries writes, “Thresher sharks are found in the Eastern Pacific Ocean from Goose Bay, British Columbia, south to Baja California. They migrate seasonally between Oregon/Washington and Southern California/Baja Peninsula, Mexico.”
Pacific Shortfin Mako Shark
The shortfin mako shark is another one of the most widespread species of sharks in Southern California. Large and exceptionally fast swimmers, these sharks prefer temperate to tropical waters. Sea Grant California writes, “In the summer months, this shark tends to concentrate in the California Current and moves offshore in the winter and spring months. The Southern California Bight (SCB) appears to be a particularly important habitat for juveniles with a higher proportion of young sharks, suggesting the SCB could be a productive nursing area.”
Other Species of Sharks in California
In addition to all the sharks we’ve discussed above, there are some other sharks in California that we feel compelled to mention. The salmon shark, tiger shark, and whale shark have all been spotted in California.
So, all this is to say that all the great white sharks in California are in good company . . . the waters along the California coast are certainly home to a diverse array of sharks, and many of them are being studied as we speak so we can better understand their habits, movements, and populations.
Explore the Waters of Southern California
At Harbor Breeze Cruises, we’re consistently aware that the waters upon which we take our comfortable catamarans are teeming with sharks. While this may seem scary to some, remember that all the sharks in Southern California—and all sharks around the world—are very much part of the ocean’s vibrant ecosystem.
If you would enjoy trying to spot whales, dolphins, and even some sharks in California, we invite you to join us for a cruise. We’ve seen smooth hammerheads and blue sharks in the past, and they’re truly a thrill to see in their natural habitat.
For more information about our year-round cruises, or to reserve your seat today, purchase tickets online or call us at 562-983-6880. It’d be our pleasure to welcome you on a cruise and answer any questions you have about marine life, including sharks in California.
