Shark Sightings Along the Jersey Shore: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Hit the Beach

White Shark Sighting Reported Near Jersey Shore Coastline

Shark Sightings Along the Jersey Shore: Here's What You Need to Know Before You Hit the Beach

What Kind of Sharks Are at the Jersey Shore? Here's What You Need to Know Before You Hit the Beach

JERSEY SHORE, N.J. — Shark sightings along the Jersey Shore often make headlines during the summer, leaving many beachgoers wondering: What kinds of sharks live off New Jersey's coast? Have sharks been spotted recently? And what should you do if you see one?

The good news is that sharks are a natural part of the Atlantic Ocean ecosystem, and seeing one doesn't necessarily mean there's a danger to swimmers. Most shark species found off New Jersey are more interested in fish than people.

What Kind of Sharks Are Found at the Jersey Shore?

Several species of sharks can be found in the waters off the Jersey Shore, especially during the warmer months.

Some of the most common include:

Sandbar sharks – One of the most frequently found species in New Jersey waters. These sharks typically feed on fish and crustaceans.

Sand tiger sharks – Easily recognized by their pointed teeth, these sharks often appear intimidating but are generally not aggressive toward humans.

Blacktip sharks – Usually seen during the summer as they migrate along the East Coast.

Spinner sharks – Known for their acrobatic leaps out of the water while feeding.

Thresher sharks – Identified by their long tails and typically found farther offshore.

Hammerhead sharks – Occasionally spotted off the New Jersey coast but are considered uncommon.

Great white sharks – While they do travel through New Jersey waters, they are usually found farther offshore near seal populations and are rarely seen close to crowded beaches.

Have There Been Sharks at the Jersey Shore?

Yes. Shark sightings are reported nearly every summer along the Jersey Shore.

Sightings have occurred from Sandy Hook to Cape May, including beaches in Monmouth, Ocean, Atlantic, and Cape May counties. Many of these reports come from lifeguards, fishermen, surfers, drone operators, and boaters.

In recent years, the use of drones has made it easier to spot marine life just beyond the surf, leading to more shark sightings being shared on social media. Marine experts say this doesn't necessarily mean there are more sharks—it simply means more people are seeing them.

When a shark is spotted close to swimmers, lifeguards may temporarily clear the water as a precaution until officials determine it is safe to reopen the beach.

Video Captured By: OCNJ Drone

What Should You Do If You See a Shark?

If you spot a shark while swimming or from the shoreline, follow these safety tips:

Stay calm and avoid panicking.

Slowly and calmly exit the water without excessive splashing.

Alert nearby swimmers.

Notify a lifeguard or local beach patrol immediately.

Do not attempt to swim toward or follow the shark.

Follow any instructions from lifeguards or emergency personnel.

If you're surfing, paddleboarding, or kayaking, remain on your board or watercraft and return to shore in a calm, steady manner.

How Can You Reduce Your Risk?

Experts recommend several simple precautions:

Swim only at beaches protected by lifeguards.

Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or after dark when sharks are more active.

Stay away from schools of baitfish or diving seabirds, which may indicate feeding activity.

Leave shiny jewelry on shore, as reflections can resemble fish scales.

Avoid swimming alone whenever possible.

Shark Encounters Are Rare

Although shark sightings often generate excitement and concern, actual shark attacks in New Jersey remain extremely rare. Millions of people visit Jersey Shore beaches every summer without incident.

Marine biologists stress that sharks play an important role in maintaining a healthy ocean ecosystem. If one is spotted near the beach, the safest approach is to remain calm, exit the water, and let lifeguards handle the situation.

As summer continues, beachgoers are encouraged to stay aware of their surroundings, follow posted safety advisories, and enjoy the Jersey Shore responsibly.

How Many Great White Sharks are in New Jersey?

A huge number of great white sharks are lurking off the coasts of New York, New Jersey, and Cape Cod, trackers of the creatures have said. A map on Ocearch's website allows members of the public to track the sharks for themselves, with each fish having its own name and fact file.

Track Now