Aruba Shark Attacks: Statistics & Safety Tips In 2025

Aruba shark attacks statistics compared in 2025

Aruba's waters, like those of any Caribbean island, are home to various shark species, but Aruba shark attacks are extremely rare. With millions enjoying daily ocean activities, including shark diving, the risk remains minimal.

Only one confirmed shark attack has occurred in Aruba, making it one of the safest Caribbean destinations. Even historically, recorded incidents in the region are scarce—Curacao has had just one unprovoked attack, while Bonaire remains shark attack-free. In contrast, the Bahamas leads with 34 confirmed attacks, followed by Cuba and Puerto Rico.

The Caribbean as a whole has seen around 71 shark attacks since the 1700s, averaging just 0.2 per year. Comparatively, the U.S. has recorded nearly 1,600 unprovoked attacks, averaging five annually—25 times more than the Caribbean. This article explores Aruba's shark attack reports, local shark species, safety tips, and what to do in the unlikely event of an encounter in 2025.

Aruba shark attacks: 1 incident in history

It's easy to tell how many shark attacks in Aruba there has been. The only incident that happened was actually offshore but since the local coast guard performed the rescue, it counts as an Aruban shark attack. There has been no encounters recorded at popular beaches like Palm Beach, Baby Beach or Eagle Beach.

How did the shark attack in Aruba happen?

The only and most recent shark attack in Aruba happened on December 19th, 2015, when a Venezuelan man died during a rescue attempt off Aruba. The man was one of seven Venezuelans whose boat capsized in the Caribbean.

The Dutch Caribbean coastguard reported that the man was moments from safety when the attack occurred. He was clinging to a rescue buoy when a coastguard helicopter spotted him and lowered a rescuer to winch him to safety.

In a tragic turn of events, just as the rescuer was about to reach him, a shark attacked, causing fatal injuries. The rescuers managed to reach him after the attack, but the man died on the way to the hospital.

Four others, who held onto a refrigerator and pallet, were rescued and suffered only dehydration. Two men died when the boat sank.

The men were traveling from Bonaire to Aruba to sell whiskey, a common practice among Venezuelans who transport goods to sell throughout the Dutch Caribbean islands. The shark species responsible for the attack is unknown, but tiger sharks are common in Caribbean waters.

Since 2015, the number of shark attacks in Aruba remains one.

5 most common shark species in Aruba waters

Are there sharks in Aruba? The answer is absolutely yes; sharks are everywhere, and their absence would be problematic.

There are 11 major shark species in Aruba but most of them are extremely rare to be seen. The 5 most common shark species in Aruba are Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, blacktip sharks, tiger sharks and lemon sharks.

Caribbean reef shark

Caribbean reef sharks are prevalent in the western Atlantic Ocean including Aruba but face heavy fishing pressures and are classified as endangered. These sharks exhibit site fidelity, often spending their entire lives at a single reef, and play a significant role in tourism in destinations such as The Bahamas, Belize, and Honduras. Their diet consists of large bony fishes, cephalopods, and crustaceans. While they typically inhabit shallow waters, they can dive to depths exceeding 300 meters.

Nurse shark

Nurse sharks in Aruba are nocturnal creatures that often rest in groups during the day and become less active in colder conditions. They possess a flattened body, a broad head adorned with barbels, and small serrated teeth designed for crushing hard-shelled prey. Even though they are generally docile and non-migratory, nurse sharks may bite in self-defense.

Blacktip shark

The blacktip shark, known for its black-tipped fins, inhabits coastal waters, coral reefs, bays around Aruba. Often mistaken for the spinner shark, it can make up to three rotations while feeding. Averaging 5.5 feet and 55 pounds, females are larger than males. They give birth to 4 to 11 pups every two years, leaving them in shallow nurseries to avoid predators.

Their diet includes bony fishes, cephalopods, stingrays, crustaceans, and shrimp. Vulnerable to accidental capture, blacktip sharks are a primary target for commercial fisheries due to their valued meat and fins. Despite their abundance, they are near threatened due to overfishing and habitat destruction.

Lemon shark

Aruba is home to lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) which are distinguished by their yellow-brown coloration and social nature, frequently forming groups known as "schools" or "shivers." These nocturnal predators primarily consume bony fish and crustaceans. Generally docile, lemon sharks have been involved in only about 10 unprovoked attacks on humans, none of which have been fatal.

Tiger shark

The tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) is a top predator recognized for its unique striped pattern and varied diet, which has earned it the moniker "garbage can of the sea." Inhabiting diverse marine environments, tiger sharks are considered highly dangerous and aggressive, having been involved in 142 unprovoked attacks on humans since 1580, with 39 of these proving fatal. Unlike many other shark species, tiger sharks often do not retreat after attacking humans. The only fatal shark attack in Aruba was probably by a tiger shark.

Other shark species in the Caribbean

The Caribbean boasts a rich variety of shark species, ranging from the massive, gentle Whale Shark to the more assertive Bull and Tiger Sharks. These species inhabit diverse marine environments and are crucial to maintaining ecological balance, while also being a draw for diving and marine tourism. Below is a list of the shark species commonly found in the Caribbean.

10 safety tips to avoid shark attacks

1. Swim in Groups: Sharks are less likely to approach groups of people, so swimming with others can reduce the risk of an encounter.
2. Avoid Peak Feeding Times: Refrain from swimming during these dawn and dusk when sharks are most active.
3. Don't Swim at Night: Reduced visibility makes it harder to get help in an emergency.
4. Stay Away from Fishing Areas: Avoid swimming in locations where fish are cleaned or discarded, as these can attract sharks.
5. Do Not Go into the Sea with Open Wounds: Sharks can detect blood from far away, so if you have cuts or open wounds, it's recommended to stay on the beach.
6. Don't Wear Jewelry: Reflective jewelry may look like fish scales to sharks, which may be attractive. Leave your jewelry at home.
7. Avoid Wearing Yellow: Divers and surfers call this color "Yum Yum Yellow" due to its high visibility, which can attract sharks.
8. Watch for Jumping Fish: Groups of small fish jumping out of the water may indicate the presence of predators like barracudas, tuna, or sharks.
9. Don't Swim in Murky Water: In unclear water, sharks might mistake you for prey.
10. Avoid Frantic Splashing: Splashing is attractive to sharks. When snorkeling, keep your fins underwater avoiding hitting the surface.

What to do in a shark attack

If you find yourself in a shark attack while in Aruba, follow these steps:

• Stay calm and maintain eye contact: Remain as calm as possible. Sharks are curious beasts and often approach just to take a look. Keep your eyes on the shark and try to maintain eye contact. Sharks may be less likely to attack if they realize you are aware of them.
• Do not splash or panic: Avoid making quick movements and splashing in the sea. This can attract more attention from the shark and quite likely provoke an attack.
• Defend yourself: Sharks don't like to put up a fight and prefer easy prey. If the shark approaches aggressively, target its most sensitive areas: the eyes, gills, and snout. Use any available object (camera, spear, snorkel, etc.) or your fists to jab or strike these areas.
• Slowly back away: If the shark seems to lose interest or you have deterred it, slowly back away towards the shore or a boat. Sharks often return to continue the attack. Do not turn your back on the shark while retreating.
• Get out of the water: If possible, exit the water as calmly and quickly as possible. Find a safe place such as a boat or the shore.
• Signal for help: If you are injured or need assistance, signal for help once you are out of immediate danger. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you have been bitten.

Remember, shark attacks are rare, but keeping in mind these steps can help you survive a shark attack.

Conservation and education: The key to safety for both sharks and humans

Shark conservation and education play significant roles in ensuring fewer shark attacks in Aruba through the following means:

1. Exploring shark behavior: Conservation efforts are unlocking the secrets of shark behavior, migration, and feeding habits. This valuable knowledge allows us to predict where sharks are likely to be, helping manage human activities more effectively and ensuring both shark and human safety.
2. Raising public awareness: Through engaging education programs, the public learns about shark behavior and how to avoid unnecessary encounters. Understanding when and where not to swim, and recognizing behaviors that might attract sharks, plays a crucial role in staying safe. Shark diving in Aruba is a great way to learn more about these amazing creatures.
3. Promoting safe practices: Practical advice is shared through educational initiatives, teaching people to swim in groups, avoid wearing shiny jewelry, and steer clear of the water at dawn or dusk. These simple practices significantly reduce the chances of encountering sharks.
4. Protecting shark habitats: Conservationists are dedicated to safeguarding shark habitats and ensuring they have ample natural prey. By maintaining healthy ecosystems, the chances of sharks venturing into human-populated areas in search of food are minimized.
5. Implementing monitoring and early warning systems: Advanced tagging and tracking programs provide critical data for developing early warning systems. These systems can alert beachgoers when sharks are nearby, enhancing safety measures for swimmers.
6. Reducing human impact: Efforts to curb overfishing and protect marine environments help sustain balanced ecosystems. A thriving ecosystem ensures sharks have plenty of natural prey, reducing the likelihood of them interacting with humans.
7. Fostering respect and coexistence: Educational campaigns encourage respect for sharks and highlight their essential role in marine ecosystems. By understanding that sharks are vital predators, not mindless killers, we can diminish irrational fears and promote a harmonious coexistence.

By integrating conservation with education, these efforts work together to create safer environments for both sharks and humans. If you are interested in learning more or contributing, reach out to the Aruba Conservation Foundation.