Curacao Shark Attacks: Statistics & Safety Tips In 2025

Curacao shark attacks statistics compared in 2025

The waters around Curaçao, in both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, are home to various shark species. However, visitors have little to worry about - shark attacks in Curaçao are nearly nonexistent, even with the island's many ocean activities, including shark diving. In fact, there has been only one confirmed, unprovoked shark attack in Curaçao’s history, making it one of the safest Caribbean destinations in 2025.

Shark attacks are rare across the entire Caribbean, with just 71 recorded incidents since the 1700s—an average of 0.2 per year. Nearby islands like Aruba have had only one unprovoked attack, while Bonaire remains shark attack-free. By comparison, the United States has reported nearly 1,600 unprovoked shark attacks, averaging five per year, making it 25 times more dangerous than the Caribbean in this regard.

While some shark species in Curaçao can be somewhat aggressive, understanding their behavior can enhance safety and awareness during your vacation. The Bahamas tops the regional statistics with 34 confirmed attacks, followed by Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. But in Curaçao, shark encounters remain extremely rare, ensuring a worry-free experience for visitors.

Curacao shark attacks: 1 Incident in 1939

There have been no recent shark attacks in Curacao. The only shark encounter in Curacao was not even a real attack. It happened almost a century ago so reliable information on the incident is limited but we tried to put the puzzle together.

How did the shark attack in Curacao happen?

The Curacao island shark attack, which was more like an encounter, happened to Hans Hass on the northern coastline of Curacao in Ascension Bay on January 1st, 1939. How the incident happened exactly is unclear; the report only says that a tiger shark bumped into Hans Hass's hip and he suffered no injury.

The interesting thing about the encounter is that Hans Hass was an Austrian pioneering diver and marine researcher with a special interest in sharks. He has published 32 books and produced 73 films during his career. He died in 2013 aged 94 (not of a shark attack).

5 most common shark species in Curacao waters

Are there sharks in Curacao? Of course there are sharks in Curacao; they are everywhere, and their absence would be catastrophic.

There are 19 major shark species around Curacao, but most of them are extremely rare to see. The 5 most common shark species in Curacao are Caribbean reef sharks, nurse sharks, blacktip sharks, tiger sharks, and lemon sharks.

Caribbean reef shark

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

Nurse shark

Nurse sharks are one the types of sharks in Curacao. They are nocturnal creatures that often rest in groups during the day and become less active in colder conditions. Their distinguished characteristics included a flattened body, a broad head with barbels, and small serrated teeth designed for crushing hard-shelled prey. They are generally docile and non-migratory, but nurse sharks may bite if feeling threatened.

Blacktip shark

The blacktip shark, easily recognized by its black-tipped fins, is found in the coastal waters, coral reefs, and bays around Curacao. Often confused with the spinner shark, it can perform up to three spins while feeding. Typically measuring 5.5 feet and weighing 55 pounds, females are larger than males. They give birth to 4 to 11 pups every two years, leaving them in shallow nurseries to protect them from predators.

Their diet consists of bony fishes, cephalopods, stingrays, crustaceans, and shrimp. Prone to accidental capture, blacktip sharks are heavily targeted by commercial fisheries for their valuable meat and fins. Despite their numbers, they are near threatened due to overfishing and habitat destruction, with no international management plan in place.

Lemon shark

Curacao hosts lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris), easily identified by their yellow-brown hue and social behavior, often gathering in groups called "schools" or "shivers." These night-time hunters mainly feed on bony fish and crustaceans. Typically calm, lemon sharks have been involved in around 10 unprovoked human attacks, 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 recorded shark encounter in Curacao was by a tiger shark.

Other shark species in the Caribbean

The Caribbean is home to a wide range of shark species, from the peaceful Whale Shark to the more aggressive Bull and Tiger Sharks. These sharks thrive in different marine habitats, playing vital roles in the ecosystem and attracting marine enthusiasts. Below is a list of shark species found in the Caribbean.

10 safety tips to avoid shark attacks

1. Swim in groups: Sharks are less likely to approach groups, so swimming with others can lower the risk of an encounter.
2. Avoid peak feeding times: Steer clear of swimming during dawn and dusk when sharks are most active.
3. Don't swim at night: Limited visibility makes it harder to get help in an emergency.
4. Stay away from fishing areas: Avoid swimming in spots where fish are cleaned or discarded, as these can attract sharks.
5. Avoid entering the sea with open wounds: Sharks can detect blood from a distance, so if you have cuts or open wounds, it's best to stay on the beach.
6. Don't wear jewelry: Reflective jewelry can resemble fish scales to sharks, making it attractive. Leave your jewelry at home.
7. Avoid wearing yellow: Divers and surfers refer to this color as "Yum Yum Yellow" due to its high visibility, which can attract sharks.
8. Watch for jumping fish: Groups of small fish leaping out of the water may signal 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 can attract sharks. When snorkeling, keep your fins underwater to avoid hitting the surface.

What to do in a shark attack

If you experience a shark attack while in Curacao, follow these steps:

• Stay calm and maintain eye contact: Try to remain as calm as possible. Sharks are curious and often approach just to investigate. Keep your eyes on the shark and try to maintain eye contact. Sharks may be less likely to attack if they know you are aware of them.
• Do not splash or panic: Avoid making sudden movements and splashing in the water. This can attract more attention from the shark and potentially provoke an attack.
• Defend yourself: Sharks prefer easy prey and don't like to put up a fight. If the shark approaches aggressively, aim for 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 you can. 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 following these steps can help you survive a shark attack.

Education and conservation: The way to both ahark and human safety

Curacao is dedicated to shark conservation through organizations like the Carmabi Foundation and the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, which work to protect shark populations and promote sustainable practices. These efforts address threats such as habitat degradation and shark finning. Sharks play a crucial role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems by regulating fish populations. Collaboration between local and international groups is essential for the future of shark conservation in Curacao and the Caribbean.

Shark conservation and education are crucial in reducing shark attacks in Curacao through the following methods:

1. Studying Shark Behavior: Conservation initiatives are revealing the intricacies of shark behavior, migration, and feeding patterns. This valuable insight helps predict shark locations, aiding in the effective management of human activities and ensuring the safety of both sharks and people.
2. Increasing Public Awareness: Engaging educational programs teach the public about shark behavior and how to avoid unnecessary encounters. Knowing when and where not to swim, and recognizing behaviors that might attract sharks, is essential for safety. Shark diving in Curacao is a great way to learn more.
3. Encouraging Safe Practices: Educational initiatives provide practical advice, such as swimming in groups, avoiding shiny jewelry, and staying out of the water at dawn or dusk. These simple measures significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering sharks.
4. Preserving Shark Habitats: Conservationists work to protect shark habitats and ensure they have sufficient 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 offer critical data for developing early warning systems. These systems can alert beachgoers when sharks are nearby, enhancing swimmer safety.
6. Reducing Human Impact: Efforts to limit overfishing and protect marine environments help maintain balanced ecosystems. A thriving ecosystem ensures sharks have plenty of natural prey, reducing the likelihood of human interactions.
7. Promoting Respect and Coexistence: Educational campaigns foster respect for sharks and emphasize their essential role in marine ecosystems. Understanding that sharks are vital predators, not mindless killers, helps diminish irrational fears and encourages harmonious coexistence.

By combining conservation with education, these efforts create safer environments for sharks and humans in the Caribbean and reduce the chance of fatal shark attacks.