Shark Attacks in Cancun (2025 Report)

Cancun, a Mexican city, is a popular vacation destination. It’s known for its white sand beaches, plethora of resorts and nightlife. There’s a lot to do when in Cancun but many prefer to spend their time laid out on the lively beaches. But while they should be relaxing, some can’t help but try and shake the haunting thought of what lurks off the shore: Sharks. If this is you, I’m here to assure you that there is no need to worry.

How Many Shark Attacks Happen in Cancun?

Shark attacks in Cancun are extremely rare; there isn’t much data on this area's attacks. From what is accessible online, there have been very few attacks, none of which were fatal, and as a whole, Mexico has had 42 recorded attacks since 1580. Again, none of which were fatal.

With this being said, the chances of you having a run-in with a shark in Cancun waters is slim to none unless you are seeking them out and decide to provoke them.

What Kinds of Sharks Live/Migrate in Cancun?

Cancun houses around 40 species of sharks but there are a few that are spotted more often than most. Those species are bull sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, Hammerheads, makos, lemon sharks and the occasional whale shark.

Bull sharks: The infamous bull shark is known for being one the most aggressive species of shark and they are occasionally spotted in Cancun waters. They prefer the shallow end and are commonly seven to eight feet in length and can weigh close to 300 pounds.

Caribbean Reef sharks: Another common aggressor is the Caribbean reef shark. They often reach eight feet and weigh around 150 pounds. They can be distinguished by their dark gray appearance with a white underbelly.

Hammerhead sharks: Hammerheads are known for their head structure and light gray skin with a greenish tint. They can reach 19 feet in length but they are not a species you need to fear in terms of attacks.

Mako sharks: Mako sharks are large, reaching up to 1200 pounds and 12 feet in length. While they are not commonly aggressive, they are the fastest species of shark, with their bursts reaching nearly 56 mph. Their skin is bluish gray and you will occasionally spot them in warmer waters.

Lemon Sharks: The lemon shark typically blends into the sand with their yellow color. They are not aggressive and can reach 10 feet in length and 200 pounds.

Whale sharks: Off the coasts of Cancun from mid-May to September, you may be lucky enough to spot a whale shark. This incredible species of shark is the largest fish in the sea, reaching 32 feet and weighing over 20,000 pounds. This migratory species is harmless to humans as they are filter feeders.

What Months Are Sharks Most Active in Cancun?

Sharks in Cancun are the most active during the warmer months around September to August due to the increase in baitfish activity and the water warming up and becoming more inhabitable. This is also mating season for the sharks and they will migrate through the area.

How to Protect Yourself from a Shark Attack in Cancun

While the chances of needing to protect yourself from a shark in Cancun are extremely rare, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you are interested in remaining extra cautious and want to further reduce your chances of a shark ruining your time, follow these few tips.

Avoid anything that shimmers: Anything that shimmers applies to jewelry and sequined bathing suits. It would be best to leave these items on the shore as shimmering objects often reflect off of the waters and resemble fish scales. This can attract a shark that is on the hunt for fish in the area so to avoid being mistaken for a midday snack, it is best to not wear these items in the water.

Swim during the daylight: Always swim during the daylight. Not only is it unsafe in general to swim during dawn and dusk hours because fewer people are out and about to help you if something happens but these hours are also peak hunting times for sharks. The water visibility is down and the fish are active; this is a recipe for disaster. The sharks can’t see you and you can’t see them so to avoid a run-in, it is best to wait until the sun is up to swim.

Swim in groups: Swimming in groups is often intimidating to sharks as they prefer to hunt alone. Feeling outnumbered and unable to single a person out, these factors can deter a shark that is on the hunt or simply curious.

Avoid excessive splashing: Excessive splashing can attract sharks to your area. They may just be wondering what’s going on or think it's a signal that another animal is in distress, making them easy prey.

What to do if You Witness a Shark Attack in Cancun

If you witness a shark attack in Cancun, or in general, remember the three c’s: Stay calm, cool and collected. 

Alert everyone in the area first. This includes those in the water, on the shore and lifeguards and emergency services. From there, lifeguards and emergency services will retrieve the victim from the water and get them safely to shore.

If you aren’t in an area with lifeguards or emergency services will not arrive quickly, this is the worst case scenario, then you may enter the water to help. Only if you can easily reach the victim. If none of these apply to you, then do not put yourself in harm's way.

For those who can easily reach the victim, make sure to keep your eyes on the shark at all times, be aware that it may still be in the area even if you can’t see it, and if needed, the shark's weakest spots are the gills, snout and eyes.

Once the victim is to shore, continue to remain calm and keep others surrounding calm as well, provide the victim with warmth from a towel, blanket or jacket to prevent further shock and apply pressure to wounds until trained professionals can take over.

Conclusion: Shark Attacks in Cancun

If you’re planning on visiting Cancun and you’re worried about wading in its waters or you find yourself skipping over offshore water excursions because of the idea of sharks, there’s no need to worry. Shark attacks in Cancun are rare and the ones that have occurred were provoked.

So if you do happen to see a shark, remain calm and don’t engage with it. Remember that we are visitors in their home and they are just going about their normal routines. As long as you respect their space and follow the mentioned tips, you will have a seamless, shark-free trip to Cancun.