Are sharks a problem in Florida Keys?

Sharks aren't a significant daily problem for swimmers in the Florida Keys, as attacks are rare, but serious incidents do occur, raising concerns, especially with bull sharks; however, the much bigger issue for local anglers is that sharks are increasingly taking their caught fish (depredation), with healthy populations and conservation efforts contributing to these interactions. While the risk of a fatal attack is extremely low (1 in 3.7 million), recent years have seen notable bites, leading to increased awareness and research into managing shark-angler conflicts, notes keywestinjurylawyerblog.com and the Miami Herald.

Are there dangerous sharks in the Florida Keys?

That's not to say that there are no aggressive sharks in the waters off the Florida Keys. Potentially dangerous shark species like the mako shark have been spotted in the region as well.

What is the sharkiest beach in Florida?

The most shark-infested beach in Florida, often called the "Shark Bite Capital of the World," is New Smyrna Beach, located in Volusia County, which consistently reports the most shark encounters in the U.S. due to its warm waters, strong surf, and proximity to nutrient-rich inlets that attract baitfish, making it a hotspot for both sharks and surfers. Other beaches in Volusia County, like Daytona Beach, also see frequent incidents.
 

Is it safe to swim off the Florida Keys?

Why It's Important: The Florida Keys are home to a variety of marine life, including jellyfish, stingrays, and coral, which can pose risks to swimmers. Common Marine Hazards: Jellyfish: Jellyfish stings can be painful.

What month are sharks most active in Florida?

Shark activity in New Smyrna Beach tends to peak during the warmer months of the year, specifically from April through October.

Great white shark sighted in the Florida Keys

How to tell if a shark is near?

To tell if a shark is near, watch for circling birds, jumping fish, or marine mammals fleeing, and be wary of murky water, fishing piers, river mouths, or dusk/dawn hours, as these attract sharks. Signs of an approaching shark include dark shadows, fin sightings, or unusual stillness/erratic movement from fish; look for behaviors like pectoral fins dropping or head shaking if you spot one. 

Did they find Bethany's arm in the shark?

No, Bethany Hamilton's arm was not found in the shark; the arm was lost in the attack, and while fishermen later caught the tiger shark responsible, they found no trace of her arm inside it, likely because sharks regurgitate indigestible parts quickly, though the shark's jaws perfectly matched the bite on her surfboard. 

What is the safest beach in Florida from sharks?

One of Florida's best Gulf Coast beaches to visit, Siesta Key Beach is mostly among the shark-free beaches in Florida, thanks to its very shallow waters that make it an unsuitable spot for sharks to swim.

Are there gators in Florida Keys?

Yes, there are alligators in the Florida Keys, especially in freshwater areas like the Blue Hole on Big Pine Key, but they are less common than in the mainland Everglades; saltwater crocodiles are also present and more adapted to the Keys' brackish/saltwater environment, coexisting with alligators in South Florida. While alligators prefer freshwater, they can be found in the Keys in inland ponds, canals, and wetlands, with sightings common at the Blue Hole.
 

What is the deadliest beach for sharks?

The most dangerous beach for shark incidents (bites) is New Smyrna Beach, Florida, known as the "Shark Bite Capital of the World" due to high numbers of non-fatal encounters, often mistaken identity bites from blacktip/spinner sharks in murky waters. For fatal attacks, Recife, Brazil stands out with a high fatality rate from bull sharks, linked to coastal development displacing them, making it dangerous for fatalities despite fewer total incidents than Florida. Other hotspots include La Jolla, California (Great Whites) and Fraser Island, Australia. 

What is Florida's Death beach?

Welcome to New Smyrna Beach -- Florida's spring break hotspot and the Shark Attack Capital of the World.

Why is Reunion Island so sharky?

The island was the locale for over 16% of the world's fatal attacks from 2011 to 2016. The reason for the frequency of fatal attacks has to do with the island's tropical location. The island is situated in a so-called "shark highway" between Australia and South Africa, two countries with shark dominated waters.

Are there sharks in Key Largo, FL?

We see a number of different types of sharks in Key Largo, mainly Reef Sharks, Nurse sharks and some Bull sharks. There are however visitors to our shores that are a little larger. Great Whites are known to move up and down the east coast of the US from Maine to Key West.

Is snorkeling dangerous for sharks?

Unlike what you might see in the movies, a shark is unlikely to attack a human unless you encroach on their space in some way or they are confused, perhaps mistaking a surfer for a seal or sea lion. Even so, an attack is incredibly rare.

Is Deep Blue still alive in 2025?

As of late 2025, Deep Blue, the famous giant great white shark, is presumed to still be alive, though unconfirmed sightings have occurred since her last verified appearance in 2024 near Mexico; scientists believe she's likely continuing her migrations, but tracking her is difficult, with no new confirmed sightings in 2025 reported, only speculation and fan discussions. 

How close do sharks swim to shore in Florida?

How close do sharks swim to shore? Sharks usually stay within a range of 60-100 feet from shore; however, Florida Museum of Natural History research has found that most shark attacks occur within 6 to 10 feet of land.

What part of Florida is safest from alligators?

Some of the more popular areas in Central Florida that aren't occupied by alligators or sharks are freshwater spring-fed rivers. Some of these may include: Ichetucknee Springs, Madison Blue Spring, Withlacoochee, and Big Bend Saltwater Paddling Trail.

What beach in Florida has the most drownings?

In 2023, Panama City Beach recorded the highest number of rip current deaths in the country, with at least eight fatalities. These powerful currents can pull swimmers away from shore, leading to exhaustion and drowning. For more information on rip currents please visit https://www.usla.org/page/RIPCURRENTS.

Is it safe to go to the Florida Keys?

Is it safe to travel to the Keys? People should not be concerned about visiting. There are no local, state or federal advisories discouraging travel to Key Largo or anywhere else in the Florida Keys. Many popular tropical visitor destinations are challenged with dengue year-round.

Is it warm enough to swim in the Florida Keys?

Let's be honest, the short answer is that the Florida Keys water temperature is amazing all year round. The water stays warm and inviting no matter when you visit, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable low of 70°F in winter to a bath-like upper 80°F in summer.

How many days are enough for the Florida Keys?

How many days you need in the Florida Keys depends on your pace, but 5-7 days is ideal for a good overview (Key Largo to Key West), 4 days offers a quick trip, while 10-14 days allows for deep dives, like a Dry Tortugas trip or exploring the lower keys thoroughly. A short 2-day trip can cover Key West highlights, but longer stays let you experience snorkeling, local food, sunsets, and the unique island vibe. 

What kind of shark attacked Tamayo Perry?

Tamayo Perry was attacked by a tiger shark, a species known to be one of the most dangerous in Hawaiian waters, during a fatal incident off Oahu's North Shore in June 2024. While authorities haven't officially named the shark in all reports, early accounts and expert consensus point to a tiger shark, which is common in the area and known for unprovoked attacks.
 

Has there ever been a 25-foot shark?

"Reports of two huge specimens from South Africa and Cuba from many decades ago appear to be based on errors and miscommunication, and have not withstood further scientific investigation." "The largest white sharks that have been reliably measured are right around 20 feet, and any larger than this is likely impossible.

How big was the shark that bit off Bethany's arm?

The young girl had her arm dangling in the shallow water when a shark surfaced and lopped off her arm. A bite out of Bethany's board measured about 16 inches across and 8 inches deep, penetrating nearly to the center of the board. Authorities at the scene say the bite mark suggests the shark was 12 to 15 feet long.