New Smyrna Joins Daytona, Cocoa, Myrtle, Palm, Riviera and Other Beaches in United States Becoming Shark Infested Zone, This Report is Alarming and You Need To Know Everything About This

Published on December 13, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

New Smyrna Beach joins Daytona, Cocoa, Myrtle, Palm, Riviera, and other beaches across the United States in becoming a shark-infested zone. This alarming report sheds light on the growing number of shark attacks along these once peaceful coastlines.

New Smyrna, often dubbed the “Shark Attack Capital of the World,” leads the way with the highest number of recorded shark incidents, but it’s not alone. Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, and Myrtle Beach are also major shark-prone locations, contributing to the trend. Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, and several others are also seeing an increase in shark activity.

Travel And Tour World urges readers to stay informed about these dangers, as the rise of shark attacks at these popular destinations raises serious concerns. As sharks become more frequent along these shores, it’s vital to understand the risks involved. Keep reading to uncover everything you need to know about these shark-infested zones and how to stay safe.

Florida has officially claimed the title of the most shark-infested state in America, with a staggering 8 of the top 10 beaches for shark attacks located along its coastline. New Smyrna Beach, Florida, tops the list with 277 shark attacks, a number more than four times higher than the second-ranked beach. This coastal gem has earned its reputation as “Shark Capital of the World,” with surfers, swimmers, and tourists flocking to its waters despite the risk. Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, and several other Florida hotspots also make the list, securing the state’s dominance in this shocking category. South Carolina, represented by Myrtle Beach and Isle of Palms, stands as the only challenger to Florida’s supremacy in shark encounters.

1. New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Shark Attacks: 277
Location: Central Florida, Atlantic Coast
Why Shark Attacks Happen: New Smyrna Beach is often called the “Shark Attack Capital of the World” due to its proximity to the shallow waters of the Indian River Lagoon. This area provides a rich hunting ground for sharks, particularly during feeding frenzies caused by the abundant fish and shark-friendly waters.
Tourism: Popular with surfers due to its consistent waves, it attracts large numbers of surfers and swimmers. Despite the high number of shark encounters, it remains a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

2. Daytona Beach, Florida

Shark Attacks: 67
Location: East coast of Florida, Atlantic Ocean
Why Shark Attacks Happen: Daytona Beach is renowned for its wide sandy beaches and vibrant tourism scene. The area experiences frequent shark activity, especially around the shoreline, where surfers and swimmers often enter the water. The presence of bait fish and the proximity to deeper waters contribute to this phenomenon.
Tourism: Famous for its motorsport events, especially the Daytona 500, and its bustling boardwalk, Daytona Beach is a year-round destination for families, spring breakers, and race fans.

3. Cocoa Beach, Florida

Shark Attacks: 39
Location: Near Cape Canaveral, Florida
Why Shark Attacks Happen: Cocoa Beach is located just south of Cape Canaveral, where warm Gulf Stream waters meet the Atlantic, providing an ideal environment for sharks. Its position along Florida’s Space Coast and the large population of bait fish in the area increase the chances of shark encounters, particularly with the surf culture attracting many to the waters.
Tourism: Known for its relaxed atmosphere and close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center, Cocoa Beach is a popular destination for families and tourists looking to combine beach fun with space exploration.

4. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Shark Attacks: 36
Location: South Carolina, Atlantic Coast
Why Shark Attacks Happen: Myrtle Beach is a major tourist destination with a large influx of visitors, which increases the likelihood of shark encounters. The area’s warm, shallow waters and the presence of large schools of fish contribute to shark activity.
Tourism: Myrtle Beach is a popular family vacation spot, with numerous resorts, water parks, and amusement attractions. The beach is also famous for its vibrant nightlife, making it a year-round destination for beachgoers.

5. Palm Beach, Florida

Shark Attacks: 35
Location: Southeastern Florida
Why Shark Attacks Happen: Palm Beach’s waters are rich in marine life, which attracts sharks. The presence of deeper waters near the shore also increases the chances of shark encounters, especially during the migration period.
Tourism: Known for its upscale atmosphere, Palm Beach attracts tourists looking for luxury resorts, high-end shopping, and cultural events. Despite its high-profile reputation, sharks are an ever-present part of the beach experience.

6. Indialantic Boardwalk, Florida

Shark Attacks: 30
Location: Florida’s Atlantic Coast, just south of Melbourne
Why Shark Attacks Happen: Indialantic is located near a series of shallow sandbars, which are often attractive areas for sharks to hunt. The calm, warm waters draw both surfers and sharks, especially during busy tourist seasons.
Tourism: A more laid-back spot compared to nearby Cocoa Beach, it’s known for its small-town feel, making it a hidden gem for surfers and families looking to avoid the more crowded beaches.

7. Fort Pierce Inlet, Florida

Shark Attacks: 24
Location: On the Treasure Coast, Florida
Why Shark Attacks Happen: The Fort Pierce Inlet connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Indian River Lagoon, providing ideal conditions for sharks to enter shallow waters. Its status as an important fishing area attracts both sharks and fishermen, raising the chance of human-shark encounters.
Tourism: The area is known for its fishing opportunities and natural beauty, with less commercial development compared to other Florida beaches. It remains a popular spot for those looking for a quieter, more natural beach experience.

8. Jupiter Beach Park, Florida

Shark Attacks: 23
Location: Northern Palm Beach County, Florida
Why Shark Attacks Happen: Jupiter Beach sits at the mouth of the Loxahatchee River, where fresh water meets salt water, creating an ideal environment for marine life and sharks. The area’s proximity to deeper waters also makes it attractive to larger shark species.
Tourism: Known for its family-friendly environment and outdoor activities, Jupiter Beach is a peaceful retreat with fewer crowds, making it popular with tourists seeking a quieter coastal experience.

9. Riviera Beach, Florida

Shark Attacks: 21
Location: Palm Beach County, Florida
Why Shark Attacks Happen: Riviera Beach is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. The waters here are abundant with marine life, and like many Florida beaches, the presence of deeper waters near the shore increases the risk of shark encounters.
Tourism: As a less commercialized area compared to nearby Palm Beach, Riviera Beach offers an authentic Florida beach experience, including easy access to water sports and relaxation.

10. Cape Canaveral, Florida

Shark Attacks: 19
Location: Florida’s Space Coast
Why Shark Attacks Happen: Cape Canaveral’s position along the Atlantic Ocean makes it vulnerable to shark encounters. The area’s proximity to space launch sites and access to abundant marine life means that sharks often swim close to the shore.
Tourism: Famous for its space center, Cape Canaveral attracts visitors who come to watch space launches or explore the Kennedy Space Center. The nearby beaches also draw sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts.

10. Isle of Palms, South Carolina

Shark Attacks: 19
Location: Charleston area, South Carolina
Why Shark Attacks Happen: Isle of Palms features shallow waters and a thriving marine ecosystem, which attract sharks. The island’s popularity with tourists looking for a quiet beach getaway means that many people inadvertently find themselves in shark-prone waters.
Tourism: Known for its scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere, Isle of Palms remains one of the most popular beach destinations in the Charleston area, offering a more laid-back alternative to the bustling Myrtle Beach.

Why Florida Leads in Shark Attacks

Florida’s beaches account for the majority of the shark attacks in the U.S., primarily due to its geography, warm waters, and abundant marine life. The state is home to many coastal areas where sharks congregate, especially during certain seasons when food sources are abundant. Furthermore, Florida’s beaches are among the most visited in the country, with millions of tourists flocking to its shores each year, thus increasing the likelihood of shark encounters.

Florida’s Shark Attack Hotspots Lead the Pack

Florida’s dominance in shark attacks is undeniable. New Smyrna Beach holds the dubious distinction of having the most shark attacks in the U.S. With 277 recorded incidents, it is no surprise that this area is often referred to as the “Shark Attack Capital of the World.” For years, New Smyrna Beach has been known for its high number of shark encounters, attracting surfers, swimmers, and adrenaline-seekers. Despite the risks, it remains a popular destination for those looking to experience the thrill of the ocean.

Daytona Beach comes in second place with 67 shark attacks, demonstrating the presence of sharks along Florida’s shores. Known for its expansive sandy beaches and motorsport events, Daytona Beach remains a favourite for tourists, even though it has its share of shark activity. Cocoa Beach, with 39 shark attacks, takes the third spot. This beach, located just south of Cape Canaveral, is another surfing haven, though the frequent shark encounters make some beachgoers think twice before diving in.

South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach and Isle of Palms Make the Top 10

While Florida dominates the list, South Carolina is the only state that provides some competition in the shark attack rankings. Myrtle Beach, one of the most famous vacation spots on the East Coast, ranks fourth with 36 shark attacks. It draws millions of visitors every year, but the presence of sharks is a reality that must be considered. Despite the shark risks, Myrtle Beach remains a beloved destination for families and party-goers alike, with its vibrant boardwalk and bustling tourism scene.

Isle of Palms, another South Carolina gem, is tied for tenth place with Cape Canaveral, each with 19 shark attacks. Situated near Charleston, Isle of Palms offers picturesque beaches and a more serene atmosphere, but it is not immune to the occasional shark encounter. The two South Carolina locations highlight how the state is becoming increasingly involved in shark-related incidents, making it essential for beachgoers to exercise caution in these waters.

The Rise of Shark Attacks in Florida’s Other Hidden Gems

Florida’s coastline continues to be a hotspot for shark activity, with several lesser-known beaches also making the list of the top 10. Palm Beach ranks fifth with 35 shark attacks. Known for its affluence and luxury resorts, Palm Beach is not immune to shark encounters. Despite its glamorous reputation, it is vital for visitors to understand that shark activity occurs across Florida’s beaches, from the ultra-rich resorts to the quieter, more isolated shores.

Indialantic Boardwalk, ranked sixth with 30 shark attacks, is another beach where sharks frequently appear. Despite its small size, this beach located on Florida’s barrier islands experiences significant shark activity, particularly near the shoreline. Fort Pierce Inlet, with 24 shark attacks, holds the seventh position. The inlet creates an environment conducive to shark activity, attracting the predators into the shallow waters where many beachgoers swim.

Jupiter Beach Park, with 23 shark attacks, takes the eighth spot. This scenic beach offers natural beauty but comes with its share of risks. Riviera Beach, located in Palm Beach County, has recorded 21 shark attacks, placing it ninth. The consistent presence of sharks in these lesser-known spots reminds tourists to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines when visiting Florida’s coastline.

Shocking Patterns Reveal the Sharkiest Shores Across America

Beyond the top 10 beaches, Florida’s shark attack numbers remain high. Cape Canaveral, tied with Isle of Palms for tenth place, is renowned for its space center, but its beaches are not free from shark encounters. As the launch site for many space missions, Cape Canaveral continues to attract tourists from around the world. However, the threat of shark attacks remains a constant concern.

While other states such as California and Hawaii experience fewer shark attacks, the data clearly shows that Florida is the primary hotspot for these incidents. California’s beaches are much lower on the list, with La Jolla Beaches at 17th place with only 11 shark attacks. Hawaiian beaches, too, make a minimal appearance, with Hanalei and Olowalu tied at 20th place with just 6 attacks each. The data suggests that the high shark encounter rates in Florida are not easily replicated in other parts of the U.S., further solidifying the state’s position as the shark attack capital.

Shark Safety and the Growing Threat

Despite the alarming statistics, it’s important to remember that shark attacks are rare, and the vast majority of people who swim or surf at these beaches do not encounter sharks. Ryan Blundell, founder of Tideschart, explains, “Understanding shark patterns and behaviors can help beachgoers make safer choices about where and when to enter the water.” Visitors are encouraged to stay informed about local marine conditions and follow safety guidelines, such as avoiding swimming at dawn or dusk, staying in groups, and keeping a safe distance from schools of fish or areas with poor visibility.

By taking simple precautions and remaining vigilant, tourists can still enjoy Florida’s beautiful beaches without putting themselves at unnecessary risk. Though shark attacks may dominate the headlines, these stunning shores remain some of the best places in the U.S. for vacationers to enjoy sun, surf, and sand.

Conclusion: Florida’s Sharky Shores Continue to Captivate Tourists

Florida’s beaches, despite their high number of shark attacks, continue to attract millions of visitors each year. From New Smyrna Beach to Cape Canaveral, these locations remain popular for their stunning natural beauty, vibrant tourism, and coastal charm. While shark attacks are a reality, they do not deter the millions who flock to Florida for vacation each year. With safety measures in place and increased awareness, beachgoers can continue to enjoy the stunning shores without fear. So, whether it’s the bustling sands of Daytona Beach or the serene shores of Jupiter Beach, Florida’s shark-infested waters continue to captivate visitors from across the globe.