New Smyrna Beach Shark Attacks (2025 Report)

“The Shark Bite Capital of the World”.

New Smyrna Beach stretches along Florida’s eastern coast, and is known for its fun sized waves, compact sugar sand that you can drive on, as well as its daunting nickname - the “Shark Bite Capital of the World.”

This reputation comes from the destination’s history of shark attacks that continue today. Truth is, shark attacks, whether it's a small bite or something worse, is something to take seriously.

Are these shark attacks something to keep you from paddling out in 2025?

Whether you’re a local or visitors, here’s everything you need to know about shark attacks in New Smyrna Beach.

How Many Shark Attacks Happen in New Smyrna Beach?

New Smyrna Beach has had a scary high number of shark attacks over the years.

Since the 1880s, there have been over 300 reported incidents, making the beach the site of the most shark bites anywhere in the United States.

In spite of this, it's important to mention that the majority of these attacks are minor and tend to result in nothing more than little scratches.

In more recent years, including 2024 and 2025, the average has remained somewhere between five to ten bites annually, with most taking place during the warmer months when more people are in the water.

That being said, if you visit New Smyrna Beach and get in the water, you need to keep this in mind.

What Kind of Sharks Live / Migrate to New Smyrna Beach?

The waters off of New Smyrna Beach are home to many kinds of sharks -- most commonly blacktip sharks, spinner sharks, and bull sharks.

Blacktip sharks are known for leaping out of the water, and can frequently be spotted in the shallows.

Their migration period rolls around in the spring and fall, so this is when they’re the most populous in NSB.

Spinner sharks have distinct spinning jumps (hence their name) and bull sharks are known for their ability to adapt quickly to various types of environments. Visit the beach on any given day, and you're likely to see one as it jumps out of the water, silhouetted by the horizon.

These guys can survive in both fresh and saltwater. Both spinners and bull sharks aren’t normally aggressive, but with how close into shore they’re able to swim, their encounters with swimmers and surfers naturally increases. Plus, the murky waters of New Smyrna can make it hard for a shark to detect whether you're food or not.

What Months are Sharks the Most Active in New Smyrna Beach?

Shark activity in New Smyrna Beach tends to peak during the warmer months of the year, specifically from April through October.

This time frame lines up with the migration patterns of most shark species, and they tend to get closer to shore in order to take advantage of the abundant prey that is also active.

These months also align with an increase in beachgoer activity.

July and August in particular are the months with the highest numbers of shark bites. This again has to do with the high numbers of both people and sharks in the water. 

How to Protect Yourself From a Shark Attack in New Smyrna Beach

While you can't guarantee that you won't be bit or attacked by a shark in New Smyrna Beach — after all, the saltwater is their home — there are some basic steps you can take.

1. Always swim in groups. Basic, I know, but the truth is that sharks are more likely to bite or attack if humans when they’re alone 

2. Avoid swimming during dawn or dusk. This is when sharks are most active.

3. Steer clear of fishing areas. Fisherman's bait (such as bloody fish) can attract sharks

4. Avoid anything bright. From bright neon swim trunks to shiny jewelry like bracelets, anything vibrant can catch a shark’s attention easier

5. Be mindful of your surroundings. Schools of fish or diving birds can be a signal that a shark is close by

6. Try Shark Deterrents. If you plan on being in the water often, try a shark deterrent (you can see our guide to shark deterrents here.)

   
   

Shark Attacks in New Smyrna Beach

There you have it: while New Smyrna Beach is known as the shark bite capital of the world, there are basic steps you can take to be safe in the water. Try these, and if you plan on being in the water often, we highly recommend using a shark deterrent.