Bermuda’s location in the western North Atlantic Ocean means its waters are naturally home to sharks. The island sits where warm tropical currents meet cooler temperate waters, attracting a diverse range of pelagic and reef-associated species. While these predators are a reality of the open ocean, most of their activity occurs far from the island’s popular swimming areas, and human encounters in shallow waters remain uncommon.
Which Shark Species Are Found Near Bermuda
The waters surrounding Bermuda host approximately 20 different shark species, primarily transient, migratory predators. Two of the most studied and frequently tagged species are the Tiger Shark and the Galapagos Shark. Tiger Sharks use Bermuda’s deeper warm waters during the summer months before migrating in the winter, following temperature changes and prey availability.
Many larger species are seasonal visitors or deep-water residents. The Great White Shark is occasionally observed well offshore, typically during the cooler winter and early spring months, as it prefers deeper, colder water. Other large pelagic species that travel through the region include the Shortfin Mako, Blue Shark, and Oceanic Whitetip Shark, which are found in the open ocean far from the island platform. Closer to the Bermuda Platform, species like the Caribbean Reef Shark, Nurse Shark, and various Hammerhead Sharks are sometimes found.
Where Sharks Prefer to Hunt and Migrate
Bermuda’s geographic structure dictates where most shark activity takes place. The island is a limestone cap atop an isolated volcanic seamount. The coastline is surrounded by a relatively shallow, protected reef platform known as the Bermuda Platform. This shallow water extends only a few miles before plunging steeply into the deep pelagic zone, a feature known as the shelf break or drop-off.
Large, migratory sharks primarily utilize the deep oceanic waters beyond this drop-off, following ocean currents and feeding on larger pelagic fish. The steep underwater terrain and the abundance of prey along this outer edge make areas like Challenger Banks and Argus Banks preferred hunting grounds. While some species, such as the Nurse Shark and occasional Reef Shark, can be found in the inshore areas, the platform’s edges offer the most productive hunting environment for apex predators.
Assessing the Risk of Shark Encounters
The risk of a shark encounter for a typical beachgoer in Bermuda is low. The historical record for unprovoked attacks is minimal, especially considering the length of time records have been kept. Documented incidents are scattered over decades and primarily involve offshore or provoked interactions, such as those related to spearfishing or handling a hooked animal. One documented unprovoked attack on a swimmer occurred in 1960, resulting in a non-fatal injury.
Exercising common sense safety practices further minimizes risk. It is advisable to avoid swimming during periods of low light, such as dawn and dusk, when many sharks are more active and hunting near the surface. Swimmers should also avoid areas where fishermen are actively cleaning catches or where baitfish schools are visible, as these situations can attract predators closer to shore. Staying in groups and close to popular, patrolled beaches during daylight hours ensures the safest experience.