# Great white shark activity on California coast

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/great-white-shark-activity-on-california-coast
> Updated: 2026-10-27T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

Authorities and witnesses have reported increased great white shark activity along the California coastline. In late October 2026, warnings were issued for beachgoers at Lovers Point Beach in Pacific Grove after a seal was reportedly bitten, leaving blood in the water. This followed drone footage capturing several large sharks near Marina.

Subsequent reports detailed encounters with recreational water users. In San Luis Obispo County, a fisherman was forced to swim approximately 1.6 kilometers to shore after a suspected shark strike damaged his kayak near Leffingwell Landing in Cambria. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. on a Monday when an impact from beneath the vessel capsized the kayak and knocked the man into the water. While the punctures in the hull prevented him from paddling back, no injuries were reported. Dr. Chris Lowe of the California State University, Long Beach Shark Lab reviewed photographs of the damage and stated it was ‘reasonable to suspect a shark was responsible,’ though definitive confirmation was not made.

Additionally, a kayaker near Half Moon Bay recorded a close encounter where a great white shark swam directly alongside his vessel.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: California fisherman swims to shore after suspected shark strike

A California fisherman escaped injury and was forced to swim to shore after a suspected shark strike punctured and capsized his kayak near Cambria.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shark-encounters-reported-by-kayakers-off-california-coast

### 2026-10-23: Great white sharks spotted near Monterey Bay coast

Authorities have warned swimmers and surfers to avoid Lovers Point Beach in Pacific Grove, California, following reports of great white shark activity and a seal bite in the area.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/great-white-sharks-spotted-near-monterey-bay-coast

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Cite as: Great white shark activity on California coast. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/great-white-shark-activity-on-california-coast
