Belize is one of the world’s hottest tourist destinations and is also absolutely gorgeous. People flock to destinations like Belize to experience the fantastic scuba diving opportunities and enjoy the rich and friendly culture. Central and South America can be dangerous for Americans, but Belize is among the safest countries, which is why it is so popular.
Paradise Can Be Found in Belize for Humans and Sharks
In the tranquil, clear, turquoise waters lies an entire marine society we know little about. Many shark species stop by during their migration, while others remain permanent residents. Most of these shark species are docile and rarely attack unless provoked. Provoked attacks happen when people are spearfishing, bating the water for sharks, and specifically shark fishing. It’s understandable why they would defend themselves the only way they know how: biting.
Types of Sharks in Belize’s Waters
Certain areas of Belize’s beaches are more dangerous than others regarding potential shark attacks, though we would like to remind you that shark attacks are sporadic worldwide, considering how many sharks are in the ocean and how many people flock to beaches to scuba dive or surf yearly. They do not want to snack on us; they are merely curious about what we are and if we might be food. Sharks are carnivores and will snack on just about any sealife, humans just aren’t at the top of their favorite foods.
Typically, when a shark bites a human, it immediately lets go once it realizes we aren’t tasty. Other times, it’s the human’s fault for getting bitten because they provoked the shark to attack. This happens primarily with spearfishers and offshore shark fishing. Let’s take a look at the types of sharks seen in Belize’s waters and coral reefs.
Hammerhead Shark
Hammerhead sharks are strange and common in most of the world’s seas. Overall, they are a fairly docile species, but because they tend to come very close to shore, incidents have happened because of mistaken identity. They are not the most aggressive sharks in the ocean, but they can be moderately aggressive at times, and caution should be used if swimming in the ocean.
Whale Shark
Whale sharks have become the means to draw tourists onto whale-watching boats. Many services allow tourists to swim with whale sharks for a fee. Whale sharks hang around Belize year-round and have become a target for those looking to make a quick buck.
Whale sharks are docile and are not equipped with teeth capable of biting or tearing. They glide slowly through the water near the surface as they suck up tasty microorganisms, like krill. As they coast along, they suck in massive amounts of ocean water and then expel it from their large gills, like a filter; this aids them in catching tons of krill without swallowing tons of water along with it.
No attacks on humans have ever been recorded. However, you can be accidentally injured if hit with a fin from swimming too close. Always remember, they are the largest fish in the ocean and are extremely powerful even though they are peaceful. Whale sharks are also critically endangered due to commercial fishing nets.
Nurse Shark
There is one record of a nurse shark biting someone’s toe in Belize. Nurse sharks are docile, social species, and some have even bonded with humans as friends. They are nocturnal and sleep on the shallow bottom of the coast, where it is warmest. They have a unique and cute bedtime ritual of getting into a big family pile on the sandy bottom and snoozing the day away.
Now, if you happen to disturb a sleeping nurse shark by accidentally stepping on it, they might respond much like we would if abruptly awakened. The one “attack” is a perfect example of a shark saying, “Ouch,” and believing it is under attack. Just be careful where you step and keep your distance from any wildlife.
Bull Shark
Bull sharks are common in most places and are among the most aggressive and dangerous sharks in the ocean. They have been known to attack unprovoked and are capable of killing. Bull sharks are aggressive due to the large amount of testosterone in their systems. They are highly territorial and will also attack other sharks for food. These “dangerous” sharks are not as bloodthirsty as they are made out to be.
Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana has brackish water, and the area is an estuary for juvenile bull sharks. They remain in the lake until they are big enough to fend off danger in the ocean. This is a popular shallow lake for kayaking, swimming, and fishing. There has never been a shark attack reported there.
Where Do Most Shark Attacks Occur in Belize’s Waters?
The truth’s out: Belize’s waters are safe, for the most part. In fact, they are much safer than Florida’s waters have ever been. Incidences of shark attacks on the southeast coast of the United States are hot spots for migrating and tropical sharks. It’s safe to say that Florida also sees more tourists than Belize annually, which accounts for more shark attacks. However, the attacks are rarely fatal, even in hot spots like Florida and Australia. One attack in 2022 at Ambergris Cay left a 15-year-old girl missing one leg after a rare attack while scuba diving on vacation. No other serious attacks have been recorded in a very long time. With the water levels rising and ocean temps rising, shark attacks might become more frequent.
In Belize, the area with the most shark activity is Ambergris Cay. The pristine white sugar beaches and the almost unnaturally clean, blue sea water make it easy to see why this beach is a popular tourist destination. Whenever people are fishing from boats, and there are scuba divers nearby, they stand a good chance of seeing a shark coming to check out the boat and any bait thrown in the water. This is where mistakes can be made. The sharks smell fish blood, and with you nearby, they might mistake you for a fish. Remember, you’re in their home anytime you step into the sea. Educate yourself on avoiding a shark attack and what to do if you come face-to-face with a shark.
