Bee Swarm Descends on Surfers at Dana Point, California

A massive swarm of bees descended upon a prominent surfing hub in Dana Point, California, on April 15, 2026, disrupting surfers in the water.

The incident took place at a location known for several distinct peaks, including the Point, Rights off Point, Middles, and Gravels. Surfers were present in the lineup attempting to ride small waves, described as two-footers and shorebreak ankle-slappers, when the swarm arrived.

The event was captured by a Surfline camera, which recorded the cloud of bees as they obscured the lens. The footage showed surfers in the background swatting at the insects while remaining in the water.

It has not been confirmed whether a mass-stinging event occurred during the swarm, as reports from the scene remained unclear.

Understanding Bee Swarming Behavior

The phenomenon of honey bee swarming is a natural part of colony reproduction. According to the University of Florida, this process occurs when a colony splits to expand the population.

A honey bee swarm occurs when a colony reproduces by splitting. As the colony grows, the queen bee departs with about half of the worker bees to establish a new colony, while the remaining bees stay behind with a newly emerging queen. This process is crucial for the survival and expansion of the bee population.

University of Florida

The University of Florida further explained that before the departure, bees construct special queen cells. Once the new queen is nearly ready to emerge, the old queen leads a swarm—which can consist of tens of thousands of bees—to find a suitable location for a new home.

Safety and Risks

While swarms are a natural biological process, they can present risks to people in the vicinity. Data indicates that bees are responsible for an estimated 72 to 100 deaths per year in the United States.