Nathan Florence's Shark Encounter in Puerto Escondido (Video)

Originally posted on SURFER | By Chris Dodds | Last updated Mar 19, 2026 2:29 PM ET

Oh the life of a world-renowned slab hunter and prolific YouTuber sure has it's share of wild moments. Whether it be waves so gnarly that even his world champion brother, John John, wants nothing to do with them or aquatic encounters of the third kind.

While floating in the lineup at Puerto Escondido and talking about the bathymetry of the notoriously heavy 'Mexi Pipe' (to raise money for much needed studies to protect the wave, you can donate here), a large dark figure quickly moves in his direction. Quick to react, Nathan quickly brings his feet upon his board as he thinks it's a massive great white shark.

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Luckily, what could have been a tragic scenario was actually sublime. The shadow in question was a small whale shark and not a large great white shark. His initial fright is understandable, I think we all would have freaked out. He blames it on 'too many youtube documentaries' but, let's be real, all it takes is watching Jaws once as a child to be forever frightened of large shadowy figures moving underwater.

Nate says, "So blessed to see the spots and realize it was a whale shark! What a blessing! I was also visited by a sea horse on this trip! I've never seen either in the wild! What an experience thank you Puerto!"

Whale sharks are commonly found in Mexico but more so in the Gulf of California near La Paz, and on the Caribbean side near Cancun, the sighting off the coast of Oaxaca is a rarity.

Seems like karma is on the slab hunter's side as he's using his platform to help raise funds for studies to help preserve the wave at Playa Zicatela. Check the video below to learn more about what's happening in Puerto Escondido and, if you're able, donate here.

From the GoFundMe page: "Zicatela is not just a wave. It is a living ecosystem, a cultural symbol, and one of the most powerful and iconic surf breaks in the world. For years, the natural dynamics of Zicatela were affected by a breakwater built in the main bay of Puerto Escondido. In 2024, thanks to the force of nature and the unity of the local community, the breakwater was removed. The waves began to breathe again.

This campaign represents the next critical step."

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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