The waters surrounding Bermuda are home to diverse marine life, including various shark species. While sharks are a natural component of a healthy ocean ecosystem, encounters near popular swimming areas are uncommon. This contributes to the rich biodiversity in the North Atlantic waters around the island.
Common Shark Species in Bermuda
Bermuda’s marine environment supports a variety of shark species. Among the most frequently observed are the Galapagos shark and the dusky shark, often locally referred to as duskies. The tiger shark, a large predatory species known for its distinctive striped pattern when young, also inhabits these waters, feeding on diverse prey like fish and sea turtles.
Other species found in Bermuda include:
Caribbean reef sharks, typically near reef systems and drop-offs.
Various hammerhead sharks, occasionally seen passing through or aggregating.
Oceanic whitetip, blue, and shortfin mako sharks, found in deeper offshore waters.
Nurse sharks, known for their docile nature, though less commonly sighted in inshore areas.
The great white shark, occasionally recorded in cooler, deeper offshore waters during certain seasons.
Understanding Shark Presence in Bermudan Waters
Sharks in Bermuda predominantly inhabit specific marine environments, largely separate from the island’s bustling beaches. They are most commonly found in deeper offshore areas, particularly around deep-water drop-offs and extensive coral reef systems like Challenger Banks and Argus Banks, located miles from the coastline. These locations attract sharks due to an abundance of prey species, including various fish, rays, and cephalopods.
Many shark species exhibit migratory patterns, with some, like tiger sharks, traveling between the Caribbean in winter and Bermuda’s warmer waters during the summer months. This seasonal movement is often influenced by water temperature and the availability of food sources along their routes. While the extensive reef system surrounding Bermuda does not entirely prevent sharks from venturing closer to shore, sightings near popular swimming beaches remain infrequent.
Minimizing Risk and Enjoying Bermuda’s Waters
Encounters with sharks near Bermuda’s popular tourist areas are rare, and reported shark attacks have been infrequent over the past century. This low incidence is partly attributed to most shark species inhabiting offshore areas, away from typical swimming and recreational zones. Adopting sensible practices can further enhance safety while enjoying Bermuda’s aquatic environments.
To further enhance safety:
Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, when some shark species are more active in their feeding.
Refrain from wearing shiny jewelry or brightly colored clothing, which can attract marine life.
Avoid areas with fishing activities or where bait is present.
If a shark is sighted, calmly exit the water and allow the animal to move away naturally.