The media has always hyped up shark encounters, whether good or bad, and Shark Fin Cove is no exception. The lovely shoreline of the cove may be inviting with its rocky cliffs and pretty beaches, but is it dangerous? A name like Shark Fin Cove leads to the belief that plenty of sharks call these waters home. Let’s find out what’s behind the name of Shark Fin Cove and dive into the legends about the place.
Where is Shark Fin Cove?
Shark Fin Cove, also known as Shark Tooth Cove, is located between Bonny Doon Beach and Davenport Beach, up the coast in Santa Cruz County, California. It is easily missed if you aren’t paying close attention. A small gravel parking lot between Davenport Beach and Shark Fin Cove offers a steep and straightforward way to the cove. Some travelers have reported the climb difficult, while others say it isn’t bad and is well worth it.
You will see the path to the cove among the brush and graffitied rocks. It is roughly a 75-foot climb, not handicapped accessible, without stairs or handrails, and can be difficult for children and the elderly. Locals advise taking it slow. At the top, you can see the famous shark fin-shaped rock in the water from the road. Millions of years of wind and rain carved out the rather perfect-looking shark fin. The small, secluded beach is a hit with locals and tourists alike.
The Legend of the Megalodon at Shark Fin Cove
A good folktale can spice a place up and bring in the tourists. At Shark Fin Cove, very little is needed to bring people to admire the geological wonder. The cove and fin are not the only amazing rock formations you will see while there. There is also a small cave near the front of the cove tunnel. The other large rock formations could give way to becoming more of the shark’s body in the future as wind and salt water eat away at the cliffs. One cliff might just look like the snout of the shark in time. The carving away at the stone from the sea is called coastal geomorphology.
A local legend tells a chilling tale of how the shark fin formation came to be. It’s undoubtedly fueled some nightmares in its time. Once long ago, before Shark Fin Cove existed, a megalodon called these waters home. The beast spent all night and day hunting along the shoreline and waiting for an unsuspecting land-meal to present itself. The area’s people could not swim or fish in the water for fear of the megalodon. For generations, the legend has made children and adults nervous about entering the beautiful water at Shark Fin Cove. Luckily, there is no megalodon waiting in the deep, but there are other terrifying creatures.
Dangers at Shark Fin Cove
It may come as a surprise that Shark Fin Cove is not known for shark attacks, and no, there isn’t an ancient megalodon waiting to eat you once you enter the water. This doesn’t mean the cove is free of danger. All around the cove are geological formations and huge boulders in the water. With so many rocks guiding the tide, riptide is inevitable. Getting sucked into a hole by a rock and then tumbling into it could lead to serious injuries or drowning. The currents are unpredictable, and swimming is a risk.
Of course, sharks are at Shark Fin Cove, but that goes for any beach on Earth. Seeing a shark at the cove is uncommon, but it’s always possible. It would be easy for a shark to accidentally bite you in the churned-up sandy water, thinking you are a fish.
It’s also important to note that walking to Shark Fin Cove is a bit steep and treacherous, so go slow. The rocks can be very slippery when wet. Regarding amenities, the cove doesn’t have restrooms, a walkway, or any other frills. What you see is what you get at Shark Fin Cove.
A Really Neat Looking Rock
Photographers from all over the planet come to take photos at sunset from within the sea cave. If the tide is low, the cave will be empty, and you can walk in. The way the sun sets around the shark fin formation is extremely beautiful.
In warm weather, the cove can be a little busy, so it’s best to get there early in the morning when it is still quiet. It is a small but serene beach where you can sit and watch the waves. There’s also an old mining tunnel you can go in and an abandoned railroad track that is very picturesque.
You will not be disappointed no matter what you plan to do or see while at Shark Fin Cove. It’s important to remember to only leave footprints. Do not bring snacks and drinks, and leave the garbage behind. There aren’t any garbage cans around the cove. There, you can sit on the beach and absorb the calmness of the sea or look for seashells, sea glass, and shark teeth.
Shark Fin Cove is a unique place you will want to visit again. Nearby is the busier Davenport Beach, with plenty of scattered local restaurants and shops to explore. This location can also be used for maternity, engagement, or fun photoshoots. While gazing out at the sea and enjoying the magical place that is Shark Fin Cove, be sure to watch out for the megalodon and any other ancient sea monsters.
