Are there sharks in the Bahamas?

The Bahamas is undoubtedly one of the oceans shark diving hotspots! Join Shark Explorers and get up close and personal with a variety of shark species including Tiger sharks, Great Hammerhead sharks, Oceanic White Tip sharks, Bulls sharks, Lemon sharks, Caribbean Reef sharks and Nurse sharks.

Are sharks common in Bahamas?

Often considered to be the Shark Capital of the World, the Bahamas is home to at least forty species of sharks including Caribbean reef, oceanic white tips, great hammerheads, tigers, and bull sharks.

Are shark attacks common in Bahamas?

There were five fatal attacks this year, four of which were confirmed to be unprovoked. These numbers are in line with the annual global average of six fatalities per year. A single non-fatal incident occurred in the Bahama Islands.

Are sharks a problem in the Bahamas?

High shark abundance in The Bahamas is a result of some of the most progressive shark conservation measures like banning longline and gillnet fishing and designating its entire 243,000 square miles of territorial waters as a shark sanctuary.

Are there sharks in Bahamas beaches?

Divers and marine enthusiasts will agree that The Bahamas is one of the best places in the world to dive with sharks. Around 40 different species of shark have been recorded in The Bahamas' 243,000 square miles of territorial waters, their healthy population unrivaled thanks to a 2011 country-wide ban on shark fishing.

Sharks in the Bahamas! ? They Were Everywhere!!!

Is swimming in Bahamas safe?

The waters off the Bahamas are safe and ideal for swimming. This archipelago of nearly 700 islands is located in the Atlantic Ocean, more towards the southeast direction of America (near Florida).

Are Bahamas beaches safe to swim?

Re: safe to swim in the sea? Daytime is safe at all Nassau/PI beaches as all the jetski's and boats, etc scare off any predators, However DO NOT go in the water at night! -ever. Sharks come in to sleep in the shallows, even in the harbour at night, but usually leave before sunrise.

Are there great white sharks in Bahamas?

Great White May Be Leading Scientists to a Shark Nursery, As 15-foot Predator Located Off Bahamas. A 15-foot-long great white shark has been tracked to near the Bahamas and researchers believe the female could soon reveal the site of a great white shark nursery.

What Caribbean island has no sharks?

When planning a trip to an island destination such as Barbados, you may well be concerned about the presence of sharks. Rest assured that there are no sharks close to shore off Barbados and therefore no reports of any shark attacks. Some species of shark are caught out to sea by local fishermen.

Is snorkeling with sharks safe?

So is diving with Sharks dangerous? Actually the answer is no, Sharks are amazing and powerful creatures. Although Sharks are carnivorous, they do not preferentially prey on scuba divers, or even humans. Sharks do attack humans, but such attacks are extremely rare!

Is it safe to snorkel in Bahamas?

It is perfectly safe to snorkel everywhere in the Bahamas. The risk of wildlife attacks is less than being struck by lightning at home on your porch. And you can snorkel with a life vest if you aren't comfortable in the water. The Bahamas Islands are a great place to snorkel for beginners and experienced snorkelers.

Which Bahama island has the most sharks?

Cat Island has the largest aggregation of oceanic whitetip sharks in the world. These vulnerable sharks have seen their global populations decimated over the years as a result of long-line fishing. In the protected waters of The Bahamas, they thrive. The Cat Island dive is a three-dimensional experience.

What should I avoid in the Bahamas?

Avoid walking alone after sunset, especially around poorly-lit and deserted locations, such as streets and beaches. Nightclubs and music venues provide a chance to experience local culture, though tourists should stick to heavily populated areas and walk in a group.

Are there alligators in Bahamas?

There are also reports of Bahamian “alligators” in travelogues by Peter Henry Bruce in 1782 and Daniel McKinnen in 1804. McKinnen specifically mentioned “alligators” from Acklins. And in 1886 John Gardiner, an advisor to the Board of Agriculture, reported an 8-foot “alligator” on Inagua.

Where is the most shark infested waters?

New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Florida has more shark attacks each year than any other area in the world, according to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF).

What to do if see a shark while snorkeling?

Why does the Bahamas have so many sharks?

Each year, the Bahamas' Cat Island hosts the largest aggregation of oceanic whitetip sharks in the world. This vulnerable species has seen its global populations decimated over the years as a result of unsustainable fishing, but they still thrive in the protected waters of the Bahamas.

Are shark attacks common in the Caribbean?

Shark attacks in the Caribbean are rare. The chances of being attacked in North America and South Africa are much higher. Florida shark attacks average from 20-30 per year, and the Bahamas has had the most attacks out of all the islands in the Caribbean.

Why are there no sharks in the Caribbean?

In the Caribbean, shark populations have been decimated along a number of fronts. Loss of reef habitat and health has driven shark decline. Destructive longline fishing for commercially valuable fish like tuna or swordfish has had a devastating impact on sharks (and sea turtles, seabirds, marine mammals) as bycatch.

Is there anything poisonous in Bahamas?

While most wild animals in the Bahamas are perfectly safe. There are no poisonous snakes in the Bahamas. Animals that you will want to be cautious around include: Ticks – There are scattered reports of ticks carrying Lyme disease around Nassau.

Why are pigs in the Bahamas?

Before there were pigs in the ocean, Big Major Cay was uninhabited. Then, the Bahamas Pigs arrived from the neighboring island of Staniel Cay. Staniel Cay was once a prominent farming village. Farmers brought the pigs to the adjacent island of Big Major Cay because of the pigs rank stench.