Although not among the world’s deadliest animals, the thought of a shark attack is downright terrifying and can easily ruin a good beach vacation. As shark-human interactions continue to rise globally, beach bums are often concerned about the possibility of encountering them. While the likelihood of dangerous attacks is low, practicing safety precautions is essential, especially when vacationing in areas known for shark activity. Consider avoiding these shark-infested beaches in the world.
New Smyrna Beach, Florida, USA
Florida is notorious for having more shark attacks than any other place on earth. Out of the 47 unprovoked shark attacks reported globally in 2024, the Sunshine State had 14. You may encounter a shark attack on any state’s beaches, but New Smyrna Beach leads the charts. Dubbed “the Shark Bite Capital of the World,” the city’s high number of shark attacks is attributed to several factors, including its diverse shark species, numerous bait fish, and being a surfing hotspot.
Cocoa Beach, Florida, USA
Cocoa Beach is another Florida beach getaway notorious for many shark attacks. On average, the seaside gem has 26 annual shark attacks, making it one of the high-risk destinations you should avoid on your next vacation. In summer, beachgoers are more likely to experience shark attacks in Cocoa Beach.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA
South Carolina has encountered 107 shark attacks since 1837, with Horry County, home to Myrtle Beach, having 36. Myrtle Beach might not be as shark-infested as Florida’s Smyrna Beach and Cocoa Beach, but incidents still occur. About 40 different shark species thrive in the waters around the city, including aggressive species like the Tiger Shark and the Bull Shark.
The Beaches in Gansbaai, South Africa
Known as “the Great White Shark Capital of the World,” Gansbaai is another destination you may want to think twice about before visiting for a beach vacation. The town has traditionally been a shark sighting hot spot in South Africa’s Western Cape. Swimming with the Great White Sharks is never safe, as they can be deadly. Their numbers have significantly decreased due to increased orca activity.
Lake Nicaragua, Nicaragua
Though sharks don’t thrive in freshwater lakes, Lake Nicaragua seems to disagree. Oceanic creatures thrive in Central America’s largest freshwater lake, and bull sharks are among them. While initially thought to be unique, these unpredictable and aggressive creatures have adapted to inhabiting the lake’s freshwater. While reports of shark attacks are minimal on this lake, it’s best to stay out of the water or be cautious when swimming.
Reunion Island
Located east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, Reunion Island is France’s overseas region and a shark hotspot. It’s often called the “Sharkiest Surf Destination” thanks to high shark activity, especially since 2011, with many fatal attacks. As a result, surfing has become risky, but that doesn’t stop some surfers from catching the world-class waves. Being extremely cautious about getting into the island’s waters is essential.
Boa Viagem Beach, Brazil
Another shark-infested beach you may want to avoid is Boa Viagem Beach in Brazil. Before the 1990s, this was a safe beach with barely any shark attacks. It appears that the completion of the Suape port brought with it more dangers in the waters of the Recife area because shark attacks have been on the rise since then.
Makena Beach, Hawaii, USA
Makena Beach, also known as Big Beach, is one of Hawaii’s most shark-infested beaches. The rise of sightings of dangerous sharks has led to occasional closures of this beach to ensure the safety of beachgoers. The beach was temporarily closed in 2022 after a 12- to 14-foot tiger shark was seen near the beautiful shore. If you prefer spending your holiday there, take precautions, like staying away from the water at night, dusk, or dawn.
Fraser Island, Australia
Fraser Island is famous for being the world’s largest island and boasts exceptional natural beauty. Unfortunately, its waters aren’t safe for swimming, not only because of strong currents but also due to bull and great white sharks that frequent the island’s shallow waters. For this reason, staying out of the ocean is highly recommended.
Kosi Bay, Kwa-Zulu-Natal, South Africa
Despite its beautiful, untouched waters, Kosi Bay is popular with bull sharks, which the locals call “Zambesi.” These sharks are known to be aggressive and account for most of the 90 attacks in Kwa-Zulu-Natal since 1905. It’s advisable to avoid swimming due to various potential dangers, including shark attacks. Additionally, the area is known for strong currents and other dangerous sea creatures, such as hippos and crocodiles.
Bolinas, California, USA
Bolinas is a popular surfing destination and part of the “Red Triangle,” notorious for shark attacks. About 38% of all shark attacks in the US have occurred in this area – that’s 11% of the shark attacks globally. The high concentration of fish and seals is the reason for the significant number of great white sharks in this region. It’s best to stay out of the water on a beach vacation in Bolinas.
La Jolla, California, USA
Despite offering many incredible experiences, from breathtaking coastal vistas to a vibrant village atmosphere, La Jolla is one of California’s beaches with the most shark attacks. Since 1950, there have been 12 incidents, including two fatalities. The beach is popular with great white sharks, and the likelihood of sightings increases in summer.
Shark Bay, Australia
Beyond Shark Bay’s natural splendor, its waters can be dangerous. As its name suggests, Shark Bay is home to 29 different shark species, including tiger sharks, which are known for their aggressiveness. This makes it unsafe for swimmers, divers, and surfers, who may suffer bites from these formidable creatures. Sticking to beaches with lifeguards, staying near the shore, and taking the necessary precautions to avoid shark attacks is essential.
Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Located north of Durban, on the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Umhlanga Rocks is a resort town known for having one of the world’s most breathtaking coastlines. Despite the town’s scenic beauty and pristine sandy stretches, it is one of the shark-infested beaches in the world to avoid. It has a high number of bull sharks and great white sharks, which are responsible for some of South Africa’s highest shark attack numbers.
West End, The Bahamas
One of the world’s most shark-infested beaches, West End is popular with tiger sharks; Tiger Beach, a popular shark-diving spot in Grand Bahama, has some of the highest shark encounters in the area. The multiple injuries and deaths resulting from shark attacks make swimming in Tiger Beach dangerous.
