Shark Spotted Just Feet From Surfers at Popular California Beach, Leaving Beachgoers Stunned

A startling encounter at a popular Southern California beach has caught the attention of surfers after a shark was filmed swimming remarkably close to shore.

The footage was captured at El Porto Beach in Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles County, and shared online by surfer and social media creator Josh Hublitz on Friday, October 16, 2026.

In the video, the shark can be seen gliding through shallow water while surfers remain nearby. Its dorsal fin briefly breaks the surface, making the animal visible in the surf just a short distance from the beach.

Hublitz said he had never seen a shark at El Porto Beach before, describing the encounter as an unexpected experience. The footage quickly drew attention online, with viewers discussing how close the animal appeared to be to people enjoying the water.

The shark’s exact species has not been confirmed. Some online commenters speculated that it could be a young thresher shark, but that identification has not been verified by experts.

Sharks are naturally present in Southern California coastal waters, and sightings do not automatically mean an attack is likely. Nevertheless, encounters close to popular surfing areas can serve as a reminder for beachgoers to remain alert and follow lifeguard instructions.

The sighting comes amid other reports of unusual marine wildlife activity along the Southern California coast. Experts have noted that ocean conditions and seasonal changes can influence where marine animals are found, although the specific reasons behind this encounter have not been established.

For surfers who were in the water that day, the unexpected visitor offered a memorable reminder that they share the ocean with wildlife. The video has since sparked curiosity about what was swimming just beneath the waves.

Source: New York Post