Great white sharks have always created a sense of curiosity and excitement around the world. These giants are both feared and admired, especially when they show up near familiar coastlines, and the United States has had its fair share of impressive great white sightings, with some truly colossal individuals making headlines. In this article, we’ll look at 17 of the biggest great whites spotted in U.S. waters.
The Queen of California
California waters are well-known for great whites, and one particular female, nicknamed ‘The Queen,’ has left her mark. At an estimated 19 feet, this enormous shark gave two kayakers quite a fright when she took a bite out of their boat.
She might have a fierce reputation, but her sightings always bring excitement to shark lovers who know just how rare sharks this size are.
The Catalina Queen
Just off Catalina Island in California, researchers encountered a massive great white shark measuring approximately 18 feet. During a tagging expedition, this female shark’s graceful movements and impressive girth were impossible for them to ignore.
Catalina Island is known for attracting large females who are often spotted during migration periods when food sources are at their highest.
Monstrous Shark off Montauk
One thing for sure is Montauk, New York, is well known for its share of sharks, especially those on the larger side. This particular shark was no exception, measuring 17 feet; this great white stunned scientists when it appeared during an Atlantic Coast study. Scars across its body revealed a history of battles, either with prey or rivals.
The Monterey Megashark
Monterey Bay in California never disappoints when it comes to great white sightings, and this shark, recorded at 17 feet, showcased its silent and efficient hunting skills as it not only preyed on seals near the shore but also an unlucky swimmer. Researchers marvelled at its precision and sheer size, which highlighted the importance of Monterey having prey-rich waters for these astounding predators.
Scarred Female of the Farallon Islands
Large sharks near the Farallon Islands close to San Francisco never go unnoticed, especially not a 16.5-foot female that was swimming around their shores. She was covered in scars from years of battles and hunts, which isn’t surprising considering how large she was.
It’s thought that these waters provide essential feeding grounds during migration, which is why they become so popular among sharks.
Gulf Coast Colossus
Although unexpected, a 15.7-foot great white shark appeared near the Gulf Coast, amazing locals, as the warmer waters aren’t their usual territory, but this sighting proved their adaptability when searching for food. It’s thought that this particular shark may have been following migratory fish like tuna, as many are found in this area.
Martha’s Vineyard Surprise
Near Martha’s Vineyard, a team of researchers had the chance to observe a 15-foot great white shark as it circled their vessel for hours. They said the shark moved with calculated precision, creating a silent and powerful reminder of its dominance in the ocean.
Its huge size and calm presence allowed scientists to capture detailed footage, helping their understanding of great white behaviour.
Atlantic Coast Beauty
Near South Carolina, a 14-foot great white shark amazed both scientists and locals with its striking features. Known as LeeBeth, this shark was tagged with a camera so that researchers could find out everything that she got up to. Her size suggests that this shark had been alive for decades, showing just how resilient it had to be in the harsh Atlantic Ocean.
Unnamed Giant off Cape Cod
Most Americans will agree that Cape Cod, Massachusetts, has become famous for its great white sightings over recent years. One massive shark in particular, close to 15 feet, caused quite a stir when it was spotted patrolling these waters. This shark reminded everyone just how large these predators can grow.
It’s Cape Cod’s seal population that keeps attracting these heavyweights, and this particular individual has earned a reputation as one of the largest ever seen in the area.
Massachusetts Migrant
Another major sighting occurred off Massachusetts, where researchers tracked a 15-foot great white shark migrating along the Atlantic Coast. This encounter was a great way for researchers to study its presence and follow it as it lurked around the coast. The thought of a 15-foot shark swimming around local waters sounds absolutely terrifying!
The Carolina Titan
Not far from North Carolina, a 14.9-foot great white shark was spotted during an aerial survey. Its size was flagged thanks to its sheer size, but what amazed researchers the most was its steady, unhurried movements as it followed schools of fish close to the coastline.
This titan seemed completely at ease in its surroundings, and its presence reminded observers of the ocean’s unpredictability.
The Newport Nomad
In the shallow waters of Newport, Rhode Island, a 14.4-foot great white shark was spotted cruising near popular fishing grounds. This shark, nicknamed the ‘Newport Nomad’ by local fishermen, appeared to be following schools of fish and a few seals that are often in that area. It was a truly humbling moment for those who were lucky enough to spot it.
The Jersey Shore Giant
At first glance, locals might have thought it was safe to go for a swim in the water, but a second glance found a 12.4-foot great white spotted near the Jersey Shore. Known for its wide mouth and distinctive dorsal fin, this shark was nicknamed ‘Ironbound.’
Many residents can’t help but speculate what brought this giant to their shores, but one thing’s for sure: it always creates a sense of excitement.
Oregon’s Northern Giant
A group of spearfishermen still remember a rare encounter off the Oregon coast with a 12-foot great white shark patrolling deeper waters. Its appearance caught them by surprise, as most sightings in the area usually involved much smaller sharks. It’s thought the shark was there for its seasonal migration, searching for food and breeding grounds.
The Key West Behemoth
Off the sunny shores of Key West, Florida, researchers documented an impressive 12-foot great white shark named Scot. Known for their preference for cooler temperatures, this shark’s unexpected appearance stunned both researchers and locals in 2021. Its size, powerful frame, and steady movements meant it was most likely an older shark following prey such as tuna.
Silent Swimmer of Long Island
Near Long Island, New York, a shark measuring 10.5 feet, also known as ‘Rose’ cruised beneath fishing boats, much to the shock of local fishermen. Its slow, calculated movements gave it an eerie presence but also reflected its dominance in the waters.
This humongous shark prowled in near silence, most likely hunting for prey, and left locals buzzing with stories of the encounter for weeks. It was a rare sight that went down in history for the residents of Long Island.
The San Diego Giantess
Just off the coast of San Diego, a swimmer was bit by a huge 9-foot female great white shark in Del Mar. Just 100 yards away from shore, this great white shark took a huge bite of his arm, thinking that he was prey. Luckily ,he was saved by lifeguards and still lives to tell the tale.