Morro Bay Shark Attacks (2025 Report)

The 500 foot volcanic plug which emerges from the coastline right off Highway 1, aptly named “the Rock” signifies you’ve reached Morro Bay. This iconic landmark also serves as a marker for a favorite central coast surf spot. 

The Rock’s enormousness and prehistoric jagged spines admittingly do make the area look like the setting of a shark attack movie. 

The general fear of sharks and the narrative that they are a major threat to ocean-goers has certainly been brewed by the media and famous ocean dramas (cue the Jaws music), but how concerned should California surfers really be about an encounter with these creatures? 

How Many Shark Attacks Happen in Morro Bay?

After 67 years of silence in Morro on the deadly shark attack front, Tomas Butterfield was tragically attacked and killed by a Great White while bodyboarding near the Rock in December of 2024. 

The first, and only other fatal shark attack report from Morro occurred in 1957, while Cal Poly Student, Peter Savino was swimming about a mile north of the bay. 

Aside from these incidents, there have only been three shark encounters reported between Morro Bay and its companion beach slightly north, Morro Strand Beach. These were also all encounters with Great Whites, and luckily none resulted in any injuries. 

What Kind of Sharks Live/Migrate In Morro Bay?

Morro Bay is a thriving ecosystem home to many sharks, though the regulars are little and considered friendly. These are the horns, leopards, and swell sharks who are just a couple feet long, love to hangout in the shallows, and are certainly more afraid of us than we are of them. 

The occasional Great White will cruise through Morro Bay, as they are highly migratory animals constantly on the move up and down the entire West Coast. 

What Months are Sharks Most Active in Morro Bay?

Unlike the rest of us, Great Whites tend to love cold water. In Morro, this means that late fall and winter is the most common time to see them. 

Nicknamed “Sharktober,” October tends to be the time of year the most sharks are spotted, and the time of year people seem to be the most riled up about shark attacks.

How to Protect Yourself From a Shark Attack in Morro Bay

At the end of the day, sharks are wild animals. When you enter the ocean you enter their home and it’s impossible to predict the actions of nature. That being said, there are a few things you can do to ease your mind and be proactive about avoiding a shark encounter. 

For one, don’t swim or surf alone. In order to avoid a shark confusing you for food, stick with groups in the water. Just don’t get too close to other surfers in the lineup, you may anger the locals (which is arguably scarier than angering a shark.) 

As sharks are usually most active from dusk to dawn, surfing during daylight hours is also a good way to lessen the chance of a run in. 

Here's an easy one: In order to not become shark food, stay away from shark food. While sea lions and large schools of fish are always fun to see out in the lineup, keep your distance from them in order to avoid getting lumped into the prey category. 

It’s also a good idea to remove all shiny jewelry or accessories that could catch the eye of a shark or be confused as a fish scale. 

What To Do If You Witness a Shark Attack in Morro Bay

While it’s extremely unlikely, in the event that you witness a shark attack while in Morro, time will be of the essence. 

If you are on the shore, you should immediately report any information you have on the situation to the on duty lifeguards. 

If you are in the water, make an effort to get the attention of the lifeguards by waving to shore or signalling to other surfers. If the scene is safe, help in any way you can to get the victim to the beach as quickly as possible. 

Shark Attacks in Morro Bay

Considering the number of people who surf and swim in Morro Bay each year, run-ins with dangerous sharks are remarkably rare.  

The odds of death by shark attack are about one in five million, so it probably shouldn't even be on your list of ocean worries. 

Anytime you enter the ocean, Morro Bay and beyond, keep in mind you are a visitor in the ocean ecosystem. Always be respectful of its full time residents, even the big scary ones!