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Seven species of sharks you will likely see in Belize

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Michelle

Certified Belize Specialist

Shark Week is upon us and you may wonder what are the chances of you being attacked by a shark. Discovery Channel’s week-long programming may have led you to believe sharks are responsible for a lot more carnage than what statistics show. A content analysis of Shark Week (line 103) states, “Shark Week received regular criticism for poor factual accuracy and fear mongering..” In their response, Discovery Communications agreed to reduce entertainment programming during Shark Week to air more “scientifically-oriented” episodes. Shark Week begins Sunday, July 23. Check here for schedule and streaming options. 

Shark attack stats

According to the 2022 shark attack report published by the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), five people were killed by unprovoked shark attacks worldwide. The number of fatalities in 2022 shows a decline from nine in 2021 and ten in 2020. For provoked bites, the ISAF reported 32 cases. These cases include unhooking a shark from a line, spear fishing and feeding or trying to touch a shark.

Diving in Belize

For many divers, their goal is to dive in Belize. A few years ago when my former co-worker learned my family is from Belize he expressed how much he wanted to dive in the Great Blue Hole. He is a scuba diving instructor and often dives in the Florida Keys. One of my bucket list goals is to learn how to scuba dive and explore some of Belize’s top dives such as the outer cayes and atolls. Due to its depth, the Blue Hole should only be attempted by advanced divers.

The best time to dive in Belize

Belize is a world class diving destination. According to PADI, the best time to dive is April through June (to see Whale Sharks). Due to hurricane season (June 1 – November 30), August through October is low season for diving. Many divers are not discouraged by the weather though and think low season the best time to dive.

Rules/tips for diving

Divers are aware of the rules for swimming with marine life, but it’s worth mentioning here too. The number one rule or tip is “look but do not touch.” According to scubadiving.com, “most creatures disappear if you try to touch them while others pack a nasty sting.” In the case of swimming with sharks, they can become too curious or defensive with divers in their space.  Learn what you can do here to prevent an attack.

Species of Sharks in Belize

There are at least seven sharks that call the waters in Belize home. Although entertainment programming has given them a bad reputation, when it comes to diving, sharks are the favorite and most sought after to swim with. When respected, sharks make great diving companions. Below are the species of sharks divers are most likely to encounter in Belize. 

1) Nurse Sharks

Nurse sharks are also known as ‘the couch potatoes of the shark world’. They are huge, slow-moving beasts that love to rest on the ocean floor. You can spot nurse sharks in Belize all year round, so be sure to bring your diving camera!

2) Reef Sharks

The Caribbean reef shark is a beautiful species of shark that looks very similar to its cousin, the great white shark. Although there are several different species of reef sharks, you’re most likely to see the Caribbean reef shark in the waters surrounding Belize.

3) Black Tip Sharks

Black Tip Sharks are smaller than some other species of sharks, but they’re phenomenal hunters and swimmers. Their favorite food is shrimp. Unfortunately, black tip sharks are one of the most popular species of sharks for hunting for food and recreation and are nearing extinction. If you do come across a black tip shark on your dive, treat it with respect and appreciate it from afar.

4) Lemon Sharks

Lemon sharks are named for their beautiful brownish-yellow hue that reminds divers of a lemon. They are huge and majestic creatures that can grow up to 10 feet long! During the day you can expect to see lemon sharks lazing about the bottom of the ocean floor like their cousin the nurse shark. At night these sharks are up and active.

5) Hammerhead Sharks

While there are several species of hammerhead sharks, they’re all very easily identifiable by the flattened shape of their head and the spacing of their eyes. The largest hammerhead shark, the great hammerhead, can grow up to six meters in length and can weigh up to 600lbs.

6) Bull Sharks

Bull Sharks are appropriately named as they are large, strong, wide, and are known to be grouchy. They are different from any other shark in the world because they can actually live in freshwater for prolonged periods of time without experiencing damage. Fortunately, bull sharks are not known to come near divers. They love to eat fish, turtles, birds, and other species of sharks.

7) Whale Sharks

Whale sharks get their name from being the largest shark and the largest fish alive today. These sharks are easy to identify because of their beautiful patterned skin as well as their unbelievable mass.

Source: See Belize Dive Haven’s Shark Guide for a full description of these sharks. 
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