Shark Attacks in Nicaragua (2025 Report)

Nicaragua, located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, is known as the geographically largest country in Central America.

It’s known for its abundance of lakes, beaches and volcanoes. However, after a few shark-related incidents in popular areas, some wonder if they should proceed with caution when entering Nicaragua’s waters.

How Many Shark Attacks Happen in Nicaragua?

Shark attacks in Nicaragua are rarely heard of. There have been a total of six reported attacks and three of which happened in the freshwater of Lake Nicaragua. Freshwater shark attacks are rare but scientists have found that the attacks in Lake Nicaragua may be a result of the bay becoming landlocked, trapping the sharks inside and forcing them to adapt.

What Kinds of Sharks Live/Migrate in Nicaragua?

The most common shark in Nicaragua is the bull shark, as they reside in both fresh and saltwater areas. The bull shark is an aggressive species of shark reaching up to 11 feet in length and close to 500 pounds.

They are highly opportunistic feeders and will prey on dolphins, fish and other sharks.

A large population of bull sharks lives in Lake Nicaragua after their adaptation to becoming landlocked. They are also known to migrate from the Caribbean Sea upstream to the San Juan River and into the ocean.

What Months Are Sharks Most Active in Nicaragua?

As with most areas, the sharks in Nicaragua are the most active during warmer months, specifically June to September. This is due to the high levels of plankton in the area, which attracts the whale sharks and other species closer to the shore.

How to Protect Yourself from a Shark Attack in Nicaragua

While it is not common to come into contact with a shark in Nicaragua, if you want to err on the side of caution, here are a few tips and tricks.

Avoid swimming during dawn/dusk: The best tip to avoid a shark attack is to not swim during dawn and dusk hours. Dawn and dusk hours are prime hunting times for sharks and the visibility of the water is much lower. This means that the sharks are not able to properly distinguish you from their prey, meaning the chances of a run-in are much higher during these times.

Limit splashing: It is best to keep splashing to a minimum because, to a shark, it looks like prey in distress. To a curious or hungry shark, this may lead them to where you are swimming.

Don’t swim alone: For general safety and especially to protect yourself from a shark, it is best to swim in groups. Sharks prefer to hunt alone, meaning that they are often intimidated by large groups and less likely to single you out.

Avoid high-risk spots: It is best to avoid swimming in areas where sharks are known to be present. In Nicaragua, for example, it is best not to swim or at least be more cautious when swimming in Lake Nicaragua.

Jewelry stays on shore: When heading into the water, check to make sure that you are not wearing any shiny jewelry, sequins or high contrast objects. If you are, leave them on the shore before heading in. Jewelry and sequins, when reflected off the water, can resemble fish scales and attract sharks. 

What to do if You Witness a Shark Attack in Nicaragua

If you witness a shark attack, the biggest priority is to get the victim safely to shore and alert others who are in the water. While staying calm, alert those in the water, those on shore, lifeguards and emergency services.

Once everyone is alerted, allow the emergency services and trained professionals to remove the victim from the water. If they are not nearby and no one can help, only enter the water if you deem it is safe. Once in the water, keep your eyes on the sharks, move quickly and remember that the weak spots for a shark are the snout, gills and eyes.

Once the victim is out of the water, apply pressure to any wounds and keep them from going into shock by providing them warmth with any nearby towels or blankets. Continue to apply pressure and create a tourniquet until emergency services or any professionals can take over.

Conclusion: Shark Attacks in Nicaragua

Nicaragua is not the place where you need to worry about experiencing a shark attack, as there have only ever been six recorded attacks. While freshwater sharks are certainly alarming for some, as long as you take precautions when entering waters where sharks are known to be, you will be safe to go about your day in Nicaragua.