The
Leopard Shark is in fact, fearful of swimmers' movements. They are distinctively marked with
dark brown spots on a silvery gray background that resemble a leopard
print. During the Spring & Summer months,
many congregate on the sandy bottom at the beach between La Jolla
Shores and the Marine Room. That is when the babies, called pups,
are born. Leopard Sharks get their name from their mottled, spotted
markings. This species is found on the Pacific Coast and these
leopard sharks spawn annually in the shallow water.
 Leopard sharks produce eggs that
hatch after extrusion from the parent shark, and they can reproduce
up to 30 pups per litter. During the summer months hundreds of leopard
sharks can be seen in the shallows.
The
gestation period for leopard sharks is 10-12 months, and birth usually
occurs in May, the Leopard sharks come into shallow water to give
birth to live young. Leopard sharks are harmless to humans due to
their small teeth and timid nature.
They cruise in schools. (A school is group of
any fish). They are visible in large numbers, cruising the shallow
waters during summer and generally stay around into the fall. Leopard
sharks can feel sound waves through pores in their skin. They also
have a keen sense of smell and excellent hearing, so they swim away
quickly at the sound of a swimmer moving in the water. They can
grow to be seven feet long, but most of them are about four feet long.
Juveniles grow at a rate of about 4 inches per year and they live to
be about 25 years old.
The leopard shark is slim and has a small mouth which is used to suck
up invertebrates on the ocean floor. Although leopard sharks have small
teeth, they swallow their food whole, without chewing. Leopard sharks
feed on animals that live in mud and sand, (not little fingers). As
they move over the shallow sloughs, they search the bottom for
crabs, shrimp, fish, worms and fish eggs.
La Jolla Shores is a long sandy beach just North of La Jolla Cove and
the sandstone cliffs. It is only a few blocks from the old village
of La Jolla, and is also an internationally recognized snorkeling destination. Our
guides will lead you on an incredible adventure that starts at Kellog
Park. Snorkelers will get to swim right over groups of schooling Leopard
Sharks.
After your guided snorkel tour, have a quick fresh water rinse, dry
off and into your dry clothes. Then relax in the park, while overlooking
the the Pacific Ocean, with a healthy & delicious
box lunch and water (provided as part of your adventure) and
feel free to ask your guide any questions about some of the marine life
you just saw. Waterproof cameras are available for you to purchase.
Personalized instruction and all your equipment is included.
These trips are perfect for families, though kids (and adults) need to
be able to swim!
For ages 6 and
up! Summer months only.
This Snorkeling
Adventure is very popular, so reserve early.
Summer
months only
Group
Size is Limited , Please Reserve Early.
Group, Private, & Family Tours are Available Daily
Children must be at least
60 lbs
Call
to book your adventure today !
(619)
873-STAR |
