Sharktober Sighting: 8-Foot Great White Shuts Down California Beach

In late October 2025, a massive 8-foot great white shark was spotted off the San Clemente Pier in Southern California. The sighting occurred during the annual "Sharktober" period, when adult great white sharks typically return to the West Coast after spending months in the open ocean.

Upon receiving reports of the shark's presence, local lifeguards immediately issued a 4-hour beach closure extending 1 mile north and south of the pier. This was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of beachgoers and surfers in the area. However, the closure was soon downgraded to a mere advisory, as there were no reported incidents or encounters with the shark.

Footage of the shark sighting captured the massive creature swimming near the pier, with a commentator describing it as "terrifying" and "massive." Fortunately, the region is heavily surfed, and no one was harmed during the incident. The annual "Sharktober" phenomenon is a common occurrence, as adult great whites migrate back to the California coast to feed on their preferred prey, such as fish and stingrays.