If you’re worried about sharks at the beach, you’re not wrong — but some spots are way riskier than others.
Florida dominates the list, but it’s not alone.
These U.S. beaches see more shark attacks than anywhere else, often because of heavy surf traffic, murky waters, or just plain bad luck.
Here’s where to keep your toes out of the water (or at least stay very alert).
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Widely considered the shark bite capital of the world, New Smyrna Beach in Volusia County racks up more attacks than any other beach. The 2024 total: 8 bites, part of over 350 lifetime incidents. Most are nonfatal, but you’ll want to keep your board close and your limbs closer.
Daytona Beach, Florida
Just up the coast from New Smyrna, Daytona also sits in Volusia County — and that means shark territory. With over 140 recorded attacks, it’s a hot spot thanks to a combo of shallow sandbars, baitfish, and high tourist numbers.
Panama City Beach, Florida
Beautiful waters, big crowds — and a growing shark problem. Walton County has seen a sharp rise in bites, with Panama City Beach logging dozens over the years. Surf and paddleboarding are popular here, which doesn’t help reduce risk.
Cocoa Beach, Florida
This central Florida beach logged 26 bites in 2023 alone. The shallow surf, murky water, and bait-rich currents make this a frequent stop for blacktips and other coastal sharks. It’s also a surfer favorite — so incidents stack up.
Melbourne Beach, Florida
Brevard County makes another appearance with Melbourne Beach, home to 19 attacks in 2023. The danger isn’t new — but it’s rising, and surf-zone fatalities have added to its notoriety.
Indialantic Beach, Florida
Close to Melbourne, Indialantic’s name doesn’t come up as often, but it should. It’s recorded at least 8 attacks recently, including several serious bites. Warm waters and active surf draw both sharks and swimmers.
Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii
Sharks in paradise? Absolutely. Haleiwa Beach on Oahu’s North Shore is a hot zone for tiger shark sightings. Hawaii had 4 unprovoked bites in 2024 — including one fatality — and Haleiwa is always on watch lists.
Kaanapali, Maui, Hawaii
This beach has seen multiple fatal encounters over the years, and tiger sharks are frequent visitors. Clear water doesn’t always mean safe swimming — especially when fish schools drift in.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
South Carolina isn’t shark-free. Myrtle Beach sees a handful of attacks annually. In 2024, it had 2 confirmed bites. Crowded summer waters and poor visibility make this a risk zone when conditions shift.
Stinson Beach, California
Just north of San Francisco, Stinson Beach sits in California’s “Red Triangle” — a great white shark feeding zone. Attacks are rare but serious, and this stretch has hosted some of the country’s most brutal shark encounters.
