Great white shark leaps several feet out of water at Monterey Bay beach

A group of friends filming at Marina State Beach along Monterey Bay witnessed a gigantic great white shark launch itself several feet above the surface, turning their casual photo session into a dramatic spectacle. The California State Parks Department verified the event, confirming it was a genuine shark appearance rather than a special-effects hoax. The beachgoers remained on the sand, avoiding the water, and the video quickly circulated online, prompting comments about the shark’s size and the surprise.

Marina State Beach sits within the Marina Dunes Natural Preserves and offers views of the federally protected Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, a region known for diverse marine life. State officials warn that the beach’s powerful rip currents make water recreation hazardous, and the recent shark leap adds another reason to stay on shore. Great white sharks are native to California’s coast and, while rarely attacking humans, play a key role in the ecosystem.