Byron Bay, Australia -
Byron Bay is the official shark attack capital of Australia. The number of attacks has increased since 1990, from 12 to 15 per year.
Makena Beach, Maui -
Makena Beach is a tiger shark hotspot. There have been 73 unprovoked attacks since 1882, making it the Hawaiian island with the most shark attacks.
Folly Beach, South Carolina -
There have been 40 recorded attacks on South Carolina beaches, with Folly Beach being the most likely place to be attacked by a shark.
Cocoa Beach, Florida -
Cocoa Beach attracts beachgoers year-round, increasing the likelihood of interactions with sharks. There have been 158 recorded shark attacks at this location.
Ethel Beach, Australia -
In December 2023, a 15-year-old surfer was fatally attacked by a great white shark. This marked the third fatal attack in the region that year.
Surf Beach, California -
Surf Beach in Santa Barbara has the highest recorded shark attacks in California. Since 2008, there have been four attacks, including two fatal great white shark attacks.
Plage de l’Hermitage, La Réunion -
There have been 56 total shark attacks in Plage de l’Hermitage since 1913.
Brunswick County, North Carolina - North Carolina's coastal waters are part of an important migration route for marine species, meaning sharks pass through this area, leading to 17 attacks since 1935.
Playa Bancón, Lake Nicaragua, Nicaragua - Lake Nicaragua is one of the only shark-infested lakes in the world. It is home to aggressive bull sharks that have caused three fatal attacks.
San Diego, California -
San Diego is a shark bite hotspot in California, with 20 confirmed unprovoked shark attacks since 1926.