Florida is one of the most popular destinations for shark watching.
With its crystal clear waters, abundant marine life, and vibrant coral reefs, the Sunshine State offers a unique opportunity to observe sharks in their natural habitat.
Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner, Florida’s waters provide the perfect environment for an unforgettable experience.
If you don’t fancy getting up close and personal, there are plenty of other opportunities to witness sharks without getting wet.
So if you’re looking for a memorable adventure this year, don’t miss out on the chance to go shark watching in Florida!
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Shark Watching in Florida at a Glance:
- There is a higher concentration of sharks on the east coast in the Atlantic Ocean compared to the west and south coasts
- Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach and New Smyrna Beach are the most popular spots for shark watching in Florida with great sighting opportunities
- Jewelry should not be worn during a dive and the best cameras are a dark color
- Shark attacks are extremely rare and dives are coordinated by experienced professionals who will ensure your safety so there is no need to be nervous
Keep reading to get a full guide on how to go shark watching in Florida like a pro!
What sharks are most common in Florida?
The abundant waters surrounding Florida are home to a wide array of different sharks.
1. Lemon Shark
The Lemon Shark is the most common species of shark to be seen in Florida with the opportunity to be seen year-round.
Lemon Sharks are renowned for migrating to Floridian waters for mating aggregation. They are also not considered to be a high threat to humans.
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2. Tiger Shark
The Tiger Sharks are also common in Florida and are often cautious but the most curious. This will provide you with plenty of opportunity for interaction if you decide to do a cage dive.
Tiger Sharks are typically seen between December and July.
Something to note is that Tiger sharks are aggressive and second (to the Great White) in shark attacks worldwide.
3. Great Hammerhead Shark
The Great Hammerhead Shark is also a regular visitor to Florida but sightings are fleeting as they are quick to dash off.
Great Hammerhead Sharks are typically seen between January and May. They are not as dangerous as the Tiger Shark but should still be respected.
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4. Bull Shark
The only shark known to venture into freshwater, the Bull Shark is regularly seen on Floridian dives. They can also be found in shallow, coastal waters.
Bull Sharks can be spotted year round with a higher concentration between January and June.
Although they may appear timid and cautious to divers, they can quickly turn aggressive.
5. Nurse Shark
The Nurse Sharks can also be seen year-round but rarely come to the surface. So, it may be unlikely to see them on a boat tour but possibly on a dive.
They don’t pose a threat to humans; however, their bite can be powerful.
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6. Caribbean Reef Shark
Found in the coastal waters surrounding Florida, Caribbean Reef Sharks can often be seen on summer dives.
They are fast predators and will attack a human if they feel threatened.
7. Silky Shark
One of the most sociable species of sharks, the Silky Shark, loves some attention and is known to interact with divers and passing boats because of its fearless nature.
They are commonly seen from June to August and are expert hunters due to their optimal design. The Silky Sharks are also known to travel in a school of their kind.
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8. Sandbar Shark
The Sandbar Sharks are also particularly sociable large requiem sharks (related to the bull shark) and will get close to divers providing great photo opportunities.
They are typically seen between May and August in deep dives or off-shore.
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9. Dusky Shark
A protected species in Florida since 2006, the number of Dusky Sharks witnessed in Floridian waters has increased every year.
They are typically seen between June and September on inshore reefs and in the deep Gulf Stream waters.
Less Common Shark Species in Florida
- Mako
- Blacktip Shark
- Whale Shark
- Great White Shark
- Smalltooth Sawfish
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Do Sharks Attack in Florida?
Sharks are one of the most feared creatures in the ocean, and understandably so. But do they really pose a threat to beachgoers in Florida?
To find out, let’s take a closer look at shark attack trends in Florida to help us better understand these predators.
Florida continues to top the national chart as the state with the most shark attacks.
The five-year annual average of shark attacks in Florida is 22 unprovoked incidents whilst in 2022 it was just 16. Of the 16 attacks in 2022, no attacks were fatal.
Meanwhile across the entire globe in 2023 there were 69 confirmed shark bite incidents and only 36 of them were within the United States.
With more awareness, shark attacks appear to be gradually decreasing.
The risk of a shark attack is incredibly low, especially considering the amount of water-based activity that takes place in Floridian waters.
However, whilst the number of shark attacks in Florida is small, it is still substantial enough that it should not be ignored and caution should always be taken.
Where are the most sharks in Florida?
As sharks are constantly on the move, it can be difficult to be consistently accurate on where exactly most sharks are in Florida.
However, through tracking their movements and appearances, there are certain parts of the state where more sharks seem to congregate and are more commonly seen.
Whilst sharks appear on all three coasts of Florida, there is a higher concentration on the east coast in the Atlantic Ocean compared to the west and south coasts.
Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach and New Smyrna Beach are the most popular spots for shark watching in Florida with great sighting opportunities.
However, the Florida Keys are also one of the best spots for shark watching in Florida.
This breathtaking destination is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
It is a regular hunt of many shark species whilst the crystal clear waters of this corner make it easy to spot these spectacular creatures at a distance.
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Top 7 Best Places for Shark Watching in Florida
If you’re in search of the best places to enjoy shark watching in Florida this year, then look no further!
1. Daytona Beach
It’s no surprise that Daytona Beach has become such an attraction for shark fans as the waters dazzle with clarity and are teeming with marine life.
Why We Love This Place for Shark Watching in Florida
Although Volusia County is sometimes called the Shark Bite Capital of the World, Daytona Beach features incredible sightings of Lemon Sharks, Tiger Shark, Bull Shark, Blacktip Shark and more!
There is no denying that Daytona Beach is the ultimate spot for finding sharks in Florida.
Whether you’re looking to spot a great white or just observe some of the smaller sharks in their natural habitat, Daytona Beach is the perfect place to do so.
While you’re in Volusia County, be sure to stop by New Smyrna Beach if you want to see even more shark activity.
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2. Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is one of the best places to go shark watching.
The warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean provide a perfect habitat for many species of sharks, including Sandbar Sharks, Lemon Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks, Tiger Sharks, and more.
Why We Love This Place for Shark Watching in Florida
Whether you prefer to observe them from the safety of a boat or get up close and personal with a kayak, you can enjoy the thrill of seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Cocoa Beach offers a variety of boat trips that take visitors out to sea in search of sharks.
Kayaking is also a great way to explore the area and spot some sharks while enjoying the stunning scenery.
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3. Palm Beach
Palm Beach is renowned for its spectacular shark diving experiences.
Why We Love This Place for Shark Watching in Florida
Whether you’re a thrill seeker looking for an adrenaline rush or a nature lover eager to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, shark watching in Palm Beach is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Palm Beach is known to have an array of shark species in Florida such as the:
- Bull Sharks
- Tiger Sharks
- Great Hammerhead Sharks
- Tiger Sharks
- Dusky Sharks
- Lemon Sharks
- Reef Sharks
From cage diving to free diving, there are multiple ways to experience the beauty and power of these incredible animals.
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4. St. Augustine Beach
St. Augustine Beach is a prime spot for shark watching.
It is home to a variety of species, including Sand Tiger Sharks and Blacktip Sharks. They can be seen from the pier or while out on the water.
Why We Love This Place for Shark Watching in Florida
Shark teeth hunting is also popular in this area, as the beach has been known to yield some of the most beautiful and rare shark teeth specimens in the world.
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5. Jupiter
For those looking for an exhilarating experience, shark watching in Jupiter Beach is the perfect activity.
With swimming, cage diving, and free-diving, you can get up close and personal with these majestic creatures without any prior experience required.
Why We Love This Place for Shark Watching in Florida
This Florida beach town offers a unique shark safari experience! You can expect to see the following sharks in Jupiter:
- Lemon Sharks
- Bull Sharks
- Silky Sharks
- Dusky Sharks
- Caribbean Reef Sharks
- Sandbar Sharks
- Tiger Sharks
- Hammerhead Sharks
You can come face-to-face with different species of sharks either in the water or from the boat.
Plus, you don’t need any special skills or equipment to join the adventure – all it takes is a bit of courage and enthusiasm!
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6. Jacksonville Beach
Jacksonville Beach is one of the most popular places for shark watching in the United States.
Every year, thousands of people come to take part in this exciting activity and get a glimpse of some of the most majestic creatures in the ocean.
Why We Love This Place for Shark Watching in Florida
The waters around Jacksonville Beach are home to many species of sharks, such as Black Tip and Spinner Sharks, which are some of the most commonly seen species.
Shark diving is also a popular activity here, allowing you to get up close and personal with these amazing animals.
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7. Jensen Beach
Experienced divers and amateurs alike can take advantage of the opportunity to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat in the waters of Jensen Beach.
Whether you choose to free-dive, snorkel, or take a drift reef scuba dive, shark watching in Jensen Beach is an unforgettable experience.
Why We Love This Place for Shark Watching in Florida
You’ll be able to observe a variety of species, including Lemon Sharks and Nurse Sharks, up close without any cages or barriers.
With the help of knowledgeable guides and instructors, you’ll have the chance to appreciate these majestic creatures from a safe distance.
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Top 5 tips for shark watching in Florida
Whilst shark watching is easy to come by in Florida, there are some tips that will help you to enjoy the ultimate experience.
1. Make sure your camera is fully charged
An experience of a lifetime that needs to be captured, make sure your camera or phone is fully charged before embarking on your shark watching expedition.
Whilst it may seem obvious, there is nothing worse than your device running out of juice right when you need it most.
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2. Wear dark colors
If you are planning a shark dive, also plan to wear dark colors.
Dark colors help to distinguish divers from their food and it is crucial you are easily identifiable.
3. Avoid shiny jewelry or cameras
The shine and shimmer of jewelry and cameras can mimic the appearance of fish and capture the attention of the sharks.
Jewelry should not be worn during a dive and the best cameras are a dark color.
4. Respect their space
Even if you feel comfortable swimming with sharks, they may not feel comfortable with you in their space.
So, make sure to maintain your distance, respecting them and the waters they live in.
If a shark feels comfortable, they will come towards you so don’t try to get closer to them or they may go into defensive mode. Let a shark pass along its path undisturbed.
5. Stay calm
Shark attacks are extremely rare. Dives are coordinated by experienced professionals who will ensure your safety so there is no need to be nervous.
Sudden movements can attract the attention of sharks so make sure to stay relaxed with a steady pace and fluid movements.
If you do feel extremely nervous about getting in the water with sharks and feel you could panic, you are best to enjoy shark watching from a glass bottom boat or shark safari.
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My Final Thoughts on Sharks in Florida
Florida is one of the best destinations in the world for shark watching and the experience is one that should definitely top your Floridian bucket list.
Whether you spot from above water and dive deep for a better view, shark watching in Florida is the most captivating and magical experience.
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels Hipster!
About the Author
Steph is a UK-based freelance travel writer and theme park enthusiast. She currently lives in England with her partner and son but is passionate about exploring the world.
Some Photos Courtesy of Canva.com
(Original Article Date: February 27, 2023/Updated by Editor on April 5, 2024)