7.North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Species: Galapagos sharks, Sandbar sharks, Tiger sharks
According to the ISAF, Oahu boasts the second-highest number of confirmed, unprovoked shark attacks recorded in the Hawaiian island chain since 1882. If Oahu’s infamous North Shore waves aren’t enough to make you think twice before entering the water—can you say Bonsai Pipeline?—here’s something that might. Just three miles north (a 15-minute boat ride) the shark presence is so consistent that at least one “shark encounter” tour guide won’t ask you to pay if you don’t see any of the beautiful creatures. Tiger sharks are typically rare on these tours, but in 2005 one guide did spend a few hair-raising and thrilling minutes swimming (cage free!) with none other than a great white. Yes, there’s video to prove it.
8.Recife, Brazil
Species: Bull shark
Sharks favors reefs and so do surfers—one for the waves, the other for the fish. Recife, a lovely beach town on Brazil’s northeast coast, boasts a coral reef that attracts copious numbers of sharks that come to feed in the area. Which is why, according to the ISAF’s regional map of “confirmed unprovoked shark attacks” (covering 1931–2006), the state of Pemambuco (where Recife is located) boasts the highest number of shark attacks by far for all of South America. And why, when you visit the balmy beachside paradise, the locals will tell you to stay close to shore. Very close.
