Costa Rica’s sun-kissed beaches and turquoise waters have long drawn tourists from around the world. While these encounters remain a rarity, it’s vital for both tourists and locals to stay informed. Our weekly updates aim to shed light on recent shark attacks in Costa Rica, fostering a safe and respectful environment for all to enjoy the splendors of Costa Rican shores and their magnificent marine inhabitants.
Recent Shark Attacks in Costa Rica
| Date / Time | Country / Area | Activity | Name | Sex / Age | Injury | Species |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02-08-2022 | COSTA RICA ,Guanacoste | Diving | female | F /50 | Right forearm and left hand injured | Bull shark, 3m |
| 04-28-2018 10h40 | COSTA RICA ,Cocos Island | Scuba diving | male | M /30 | No injury, shark bit scuba gear | Tiger shark |
| 11-30-2017 | COSTA RICA ,Cocos Island | Scuba Diving | __ Jimenez | M /26 | Serious injury to leg | Tiger shark, female |
| 11-30-2017 | COSTA RICA ,Cocos Island | Scuba diving | Rohina Bhandari | F /49 | FATAL | Tiger shark, female |
| 07-28-2015 | COSTA RICA ,Guanacaste | Surfing | Thomas McCall | M /47 | Minor inuries to toes | |
| 06-19-2011 12h15 | COSTA RICA ,Guanacaste | Surfing | Kevin Moraga | M /15 | FATAL | |
| 02-04-2007 | COSTA RICA | Swimming | Jason Cash | M /36 | Death due to drowning. Shark bite may have been postmortem | Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed |
| 01-03-2003 | COSTA RICA ,North Pacific coast | Surfing | Ross Menking | M | Lower right leg lacerated | Bull shark, 7' |
| 05-21-2002 | COSTA RICA ,Guanacaste | Surfing | Nick Wallace | M | Toothmarks in board & his swim trunks | Bull shark, 1.8 m to 2.1 m [6' to 7'] |
| 01-01-1968 | COSTA RICA ,Limón Province | Swimming after his canoe capsized | male | M | FATAL | |
| 02-01-1964 | COSTA RICA ,Puntarenas Province | Swimming | male | M | FATAL, right arm & left thigh bitten | |
| 01-16-1956 | COSTA RICA | Swimming | Lester Burton | M /33 | FATAL, leg severed | |
| 05-26-1938 | COSTA RICA ,Nicoya Peninsula | Fishing | Laureano Villareal | M | FATAL, pulled overboard by tuna, & bitten by shark | |
| 05-11-1930 | COSTA RICA ,Limón Province | Air disaster | Shark involvement prior to death was not confirmed | Shark involvement prior to death unconfirmed | ||
| 02-01-1928 | COSTA RICA ,Near Puntarenas | Swimming | Lily Artavia | F | Right leg severely lacerated. Surgically amputated | |
| 02-01-1928 | COSTA RICA ,Near Puntarenas | Swimming | Armando Chavez | M | Right leg & hand severely lacerated | |
| 09-12-1919 | COSTA RICA ,Turtle Bogue | Small vessel with 13 men on board capsized crossing the bar and 6 men drowned. The 7 survivors were swimming to shore | 6 males | M | FATAL, 6 men were taken by sharks as they neared the beach, 1 survived | |
| 07-10-1913 | COSTA RICA | Swimming | August Schulke & Karl Schafer | M | FATAL |
What kind of sharks are found in Costa Rican waters?
In Costa Rica, you can find a myriad of shark species inhabiting its waters, including the formidable Bull Sharks and the distinctive Hammerhead Sharks. Interestingly, these same species are also prevalent in the waters surrounding India, showcasing the wide geographical spread and adaptability of these magnificent marine creatures.
Is it safe to swim in Costa Rica’s waters given the reports of shark attacks?
Absolutely! While there have been reports of shark encounters, these incidents are relatively infrequent. Always be aware of your surroundings and follow safety guidelines to enjoy Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches.
Are sharks a problem in Costa Rica?
Sharks are not generally considered a “problem” in Costa Rica, with encounters being relatively infrequent. However, like many coastal areas, it’s essential to stay informed and follow safety guidelines when enjoying the country’s beaches.
