6 Most Shark-Infested Beaches In North Carolina

Numerous shark encounters have occurred in North Carolina throughout the years, and the state's waters are home to a variety of shark species, including the great white shark, tiger shark, and bull shark. These species are known for their size and aggressiveness, which increases the risk of face-to-face sightings, especially in popular beach areas. The state's warm waters, along with rising human activity, make it a prime location for sharks, especially during peak tourist months when more people are in the water. However, it is important to remember that shark attacks remain rare and that following safety precautions — such as avoiding swimming at dawn or dusk and staying in groups — can significantly reduce the risk of incidents. Here are the six most shark-infested beaches in North Carolina.

Emerald Isle

One of the most shark-infested beaches in the world is Emerald Isle Beach, which is situated in North Carolina's Crystal Coast. The surrounding coastal waters are a significant part of a major migration route for sharks, creating what is commonly referred to as a "shark superhighway." This pathway is frequented by various shark species, including the mighty great white, hammerhead, and blacktip sharks, making the area a hotspot for shark activity. Their increased sensitivity to prey in the dim light around twilight is what drives their behavior. Because people are frequently in the water at the same time and are not aware of the predators nearby, shark attacks typically happen during these times. Shark attacks in the area have become more common since 2000. In that year, a man was bitten by a shark, nearly losing his hand in the attack. Following this, several more incidents were reported, including attacks in 2002, 2008, 2016, and 2020.

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach has experienced occasional shark-related incidents. In 2021, a young boy was bitten on his right calf while standing in shallow water. Another incident occurred in 2019 when another little boy was bitten by a shark while swimming. That month, North Carolina saw a greater rise in shark attacks as a result of this incidence. While these sightings are worrisome, they educate the public on how most shark encounters result in non-life-threatening injuries, especially in areas with shallow, clear water, and since sharks are often more interested in pursuing smaller aquatic prey. It is still a common place for sharks and people to meet, with only a few close, alarming encounters, because of its popularity for activities like swimming, surfing, and fishing.

Kitty Hawk Beach

Shark sightings are relatively frequent in Kitty Hawk and the broader Outer Banks region, where great white sharks and other species are frequently observed through tracking and seasonal migrations. According to OCEARCH, in a recent month alone, nine great white sharks were tracked near the Outer Banks. This evidence showcases how important the area is to the sharks' migratory patterns as they pass through it, hunting for food. There have been 10 shark attacks in the Outer Banks since the 1930s, two in Currituck County and eight in Dare County, where Kitty Hawk is located.

Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke Island, a beach town in the scenic Outer Banks region, has seen many shark attacks and sightings. In 2011, a girl was bitten by a shark on her lower leg and foot. The event served as a reminder that even shallow waters can be risky. In 2015, a more serious attack occurred when an older man was bitten while casually swimming. He suffered multiple bites spanning from his torso, hip, and leg to his hands. The most recent reported sighting occurred in 2024 when a shark bit a woman at Ocracoke’s lifeguard beach and left multiple wounds on her foot. Visitors and locals should know the importance of swift and knowledgeable action in the event of an encounter, as well as the need for individuals to be aware of potential shark activity, even in the presence of lifeguards and well-regulated beach areas.

Holden Beach

Unfortunately, communities along the coast, such as Holden Beach, must often be on the lookout for shark sightings. A moderate number of shark attacks have been charted at the beach between 1853 and 2015, with six documented shark attacks reported in the area. There have been four well-known sightings that took place in 2005, 2009, 2011, and 2013. In 2013, an older woman's right foot was bitten while walking through the water. Attacks like this commonly take place in deeper waters, which provide an ideal environment for larger shark species like the blacktip and bull shark.

However, sharks are known to venture to the shoreline of Holden Beach due to its calm, relatively shallow waters where their prey is found. Nonetheless, with isolated reports of shark sightings and occasional bites near Holden Beach, the overall likelihood of an attack remains low, although there may be sightings. The beach’s gentle waters, combined with the natural habits of sharks to avoid shallower regions during much of the year, contribute to a safer environment for swimmers and families.

North Topsail Beach

North Topsail Beach certainly adds to the ongoing discussions about shark activity along the state’s coastline. In 2024, a young swimmer was bitten by a shark while swimming surprisingly close to the shore. Another shark-related event occurred in 2018, when a woman was bitten by a shark while swimming off the coast, which resulted in bites to her lower body, but, like the 2024 incident, the injuries were not life-threatening. Because sharks, including blacktip, spinner, and hammerhead, traverse through the region as part of their seasonal movements, these sightings are standard during the summer and fall.

North Carolina is home to some of the most shark-infested beaches in the country, but it's crucial to realize that shark attacks shouldn't deter potential visitors from enjoying the breathtaking beaches. Sharks congregate in the state's coastal waters, which are vibrant with marine life and a key shark migration route. In regions with high concentrations of human activity, bite attacks are usually isolated incidents. Regardless, by staying informed, following local safety guidelines, and being cautious while swimming or surfing, visitors and residents can continue to enjoy North Carolina's beaches while minimizing the probability of shark encounters.