Big Sur Shark Attacks (2025 Report)

Where woodland hills meet salt-covered ocean depths, Big Sur lies comfortably between Carmel and San Simeon.

It is a camping and surfing oasis filled with hikes, frigid surf breaks, and untamed wildlife. Sharks are an ever-present oceanic predator along California’s coastline, including the Big Sur stretch.

Although shark attacks remain sparse in this area, staying updated and knowledgeable will keep surfers and beach-goers equally protected. 

How Many Shark Attacks Happen in Big Sur? 

Located right in the middle of the Red Triangle, Big Sur is filled with great white sharks which inhabit its waters.

Within the Red Triangle, around 38% of great white shark attacks have occurred, meaning this zone remains quite dangerous.

Big Sur’s location and uninhabited coastline combine to create the perfect breeding zone for sharks to prosper.

There are sea lion and seal mating zones along this stretch of coast, which are the perfect fit for hungry sharks looking for a meal. Sharks thrive along Big Sur’s untouched coastline, resulting in higher chances of encounters for ocean-goers. 

According to California Fish and Wildlife Services, around 11 unprovoked attacks have happened in the Big Sur and Monterey area since 1952.

This makes Big Sur and Monterey County a relatively active area per capita for shark encounters.

Although, encounters are still extremely rare and this area has only seen one fatal attack that took place a few miles up the coast in Monterey Bay.

This should ease the minds of travelers and ocean-goers planning on jumping into Big Sur’s brisk ocean depths. Sharks are not on the hunt for humans and would rather stick to their usual diet of seals and sea lions. 

What Kind of Sharks Live/Migrate In Big Sur?

California’s coastline is filled with a grand number of differing shark species, patrolling the coast. Big Sur is no different, but there are a few specific sharks that will be found more frequently within this naturalistic expanse.

Great whites are the most prominent species in this area, as it is located right in the middle of the Red Triangle. Seal and sea lion breeding zones are littered along Big Sur’s Pacific shoreline, perfect for Great whites to feed on.

These sharks can grow up to 18 feet in length and are the ocean’s most intimidating creatures. Leopard sharks are a less frightening species which are native to Big Sur’s waters, maintaining a peaceful accord with humans.

These sharks will reach around 4-7 feet in length with a diet consisting of crabs and other bottom-dwelling sea creatures. Swell sharks are another species that can be found within the Big Sur area.

These sharks are docile towards humans, being extremely small in size at around 3 feet in length.

Swell sharks are more prey than predator, with an interesting defense mechanism of inhaling air and inflating to fend off oncoming attacks.

Great whites will be the biggest threat in the Big Sur area, remaining a rare sight even within the Red Triangle zone.

What Months are Sharks Most Active in Santa Barbara? 

The sharks that frequent the waters off Big Sur are most active from July to October, with the beginning of fall marking the peak of their presence.

These months coincide with their primary feeding season, as warmer waters attract seals and other prey closer to shore.

Ocean enthusiasts are advised to remain vigilant while surfing or swimming during this period.

As autumn arrives and coastal fog thickens, sharks begin their departure from Big Sur in search of warmer waters, travelling great lengths in this endeavor. This should allow local surfers to relax as they welcome the arrival of the season of cold-water swells.

How to Protect Yourself From a Shark Attack in Big Sur

There are many precautions that can be taken to avoid a shark attack altogether. Staying in a group while out at any break will be a big help in shark avoidance.

Remaining in more populated beach areas, while staying updated on local advisories is also smart.

It is also recommended to stay knowledgeable of seal and sea lion breeding areas, keeping ocean-goers away from sharks' most coveted meal. Finally, entering the water in the middle of the day will keep encounters low, as sharks feed at dusk and dawn. 

What To Do If You Witness a Shark Attack in Big Sur 

Surfers should always be prepared for the worst when out in any lineup. In the event a shark attack occurs, it is important to stay as calm as possible and find your way to shore.

Once the safety of sand is found, it is vital to find a lifeguard immediately, alerting them to the attack that you have just witnessed. Once these steps have been followed, lifeguards and local authorities will take over, finding the best way to achieve a shark-attack rescue operation.

As the dust settles and the chaotic scene is diminished to peace on the beach, witnesses should inform local authorities of the events. This will allow for advisories of active shark presence in the area to be posted and the proper precautions to be put in place, effectively saving more potential victims. 

Shark Attacks in Big Sur: Conclusion 

Big Sur’s uninhabited coastline is home to a great number of different ocean species that thrive in an environment with little human interaction.

When entering the ocean depths it is important to remain vigilant and respectful, as we are just visitors in the salty currents which sharks call home.