Great White Sharks Feast on Dead Whale Carcass Off San Diego Coast

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San Diego’s coastal waters became an unexpected hazard zone for surfers and swimmers this week after a dead whale carcass attracted multiple great white sharks, prompting official warnings about elevated shark activity in the area.

The incident unfolded early Monday morning when a bloated whale carcass was spotted drifting approximately 400 yards off the coast near San Elijo Campground at Cardiff State Beach. Lifeguards from the City of Encinitas and California State Parks responded quickly, towing the carcass more than a mile offshore to prevent it from washing ashore.

Sharks Feast During Tow Operation

As the whale was being towed, at least one great white shark was observed following the carcass, turning the relocation effort into a feeding frenzy. Video footage captured by Solana Beach Lifeguards shows sharks actively engaging with the whale while lifeguards used jet skis to drag it away from the shoreline.

“This morning, the Solana Beach Lifeguards, alongside with @sdsla responded to a whale carcass drifting ashore. They temporarily relocated the carcass to prevent it from hitting the shoreline, and eventually turning it over to other resources. Throughout the relocation, sharks were actively engaging with the carcass in the area.”

Solana Beach Lifeguards

The City of Encinitas issued an immediate advisory to beachgoers, urging caution when entering the water over the following days. While no beach closures were implemented, shark sighting signage was posted along the coastline.

“This morning, a dead whale was found floating approximately 400 yards off the coast, directly off San Elijo Campground at Cardiff State Beach. Encinitas lifeguards assisted State Parks with towing the whale carcass out to sea. During that time, lifeguards observed a shark following the whale carcass.

“The whale carcass is now over a mile from the coastline, but beachgoers should use caution when entering the water in this area over the next few days. Shark sightings should be reported to Encinitas lifeguards at (760) 633-2750.”

City of Encinitas

Warmer Waters Fuel Early Shark Season

Marine experts warn that this year’s shark activity along Southern California’s coast is arriving earlier than usual, potentially setting the stage for a high-risk summer season. Dr. Chris Lowe of the Shark Lab at California State University, Long Beach, noted that juvenile white sharks measuring about four-and-a-half feet long have been spotted in the region for nearly a month—an unusually early arrival.

“We started seeing baby white sharks about four-and-a-half feet long about a month ago, which is really early,” Lowe said. “Now the simple explanation for that is the water is really warm right now, unusually warm for this time of year. So based on that, we predict it’s going to be a very sharky summer.”

The warmer ocean temperatures are attributed to a marine heatwave known as “The Blob” in the Pacific Ocean, combined with the potential development of a “Super” El Niño climate pattern. These conditions have created an ideal environment for increased shark activity, particularly near whale carcasses, which serve as a major food source for great whites.

Surfers on High Alert After Recent Shark Encounters

The whale carcass incident comes on the heels of several recent shark encounters that have disrupted surfing activities along the Southern California coast. Earlier this month, a 10-foot shark forced the cancellation of a surf contest in Huntington Beach, while another great white was filmed chasing a foil surfer for 10 miles near Santa Barbara.

Local surfers have expressed growing concern about the frequency of shark sightings, particularly in areas where whale carcasses are present. Brett Sandison, a photographer who captured images of surfers near the Cardiff State Beach whale carcass, documented the tense moments as jet ski riders approached the drifting carcass while sharks circled nearby.

Despite the warnings, some surfers have continued to paddle out in the affected areas, citing the low probability of an attack. However, marine safety officials emphasize that the presence of a whale carcass significantly increases the risk of shark encounters, as the scent of decaying flesh can attract multiple predators from miles away.

Safety Protocols and Reporting Procedures

The City of Encinitas has urged beachgoers to remain vigilant and report any shark sightings immediately to lifeguards at (760) 633-2750. While beach closures have not been implemented, officials recommend that swimmers and surfers avoid entering the water near whale carcasses or areas where sharks have been spotted.

Lifeguards have also advised against approaching whale carcasses, as the decomposition process can create hazardous conditions both in the water and along the shoreline. The cause of death for the whale involved in Monday’s incident remains unclear, though marine biologists note that natural mortality, ship strikes, and entanglement in fishing gear are common causes of whale deaths in the region.

As Southern California’s coastal communities prepare for what could be an unusually active shark season, marine safety officials are ramping up public education efforts to help beachgoers recognize shark behavior and respond appropriately to sightings. The Shark Lab at CSU Long Beach continues to monitor shark movements using acoustic tracking technology, providing real-time data that could help predict future hotspots for shark activity.

For now, surfers and swimmers along the San Diego coast are being advised to stay informed about local conditions, avoid areas where whale carcasses are present, and always swim or surf in groups when possible. With warmer waters expected to persist through the summer, experts warn that the current pattern of early shark activity could signal a longer-than-usual season of elevated risk for ocean users.