Are There Sharks in Siesta Key? Everything You Need To Know!

If you are planning your visit to Siesta Key and want to know more about the sharks that can be found in the waters of Siesta Key then you have come to the right place.

Siesta Key is undoubtedly one of the most popular beach destinations in Florida. That’s why millions of tourists visit this remarkable beach destination every year.

However, Siesta Key is located off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, which is home to different kinds of shark species. So, if you are visiting Siesta Key, it is important to know more about the various shark species that are lurking in the waters of Siesta Key.

In this article, we have covered everything about the sharks in Siesta Key that you should know before visiting this lovely beach destination.

Are There Sharks in Siesta Key? Everything You Need To Know!

Are there sharks in Siesta Key?
Siesta Key Shark Attack Statistics

Recent Shark attack incidents in Siesta Key
What type of sharks are there in Siesta Key?
Safety Tips to Prevent Shark Attacks in Siesta Key

Are there sharks in Siesta Key?

Siesta Key is located in Florida, which is undoubtedly the leading state in the USA when it comes to shark attacks. In fact, for decades Florida has been reporting the highest number of shark incidents in the entire world.

Many tourist destinations in Florida are surrounded by the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which is home to a number of shark species. Siesta is one of those destinations located off the coast of siesta key. That’s why like many other destinations in Florida, there are sharks in the waters surrounding siesta key.

However, these sharks prefer to stay away from the siesta key’s coastline as the water surrounding the Siesta key is too shallow for sharks to swim. Apart from that Siesta key’s crystal clear water is not a natural feeding ground for sharks as they prefer murky water to attack their prey.

In other words, the odds of you coming in contact with sharks are extremely rare in Siesta Key.

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Siesta Key Shark Attack Statistics

It is true that there are different species of sharks that exist in the waters surrounding the Siesta key. However, these sharks usually don’t come in contact with humans as they stay far away from the coastline and try to avoid contact with humans. In other words, shark attacks are extremely rare in Siesta Key. In fact, if you look at the data from international shark attack files, it becomes extremely clear that there is nothing to worry about sharks in siesta key.

Siesta Key is part of Sarasota county. And, according to the international shark attack files (ISAF), only 7 confirmed unprovoked shark attacks have been reported in Sarasota county since 1882.

An important point to note is that siesta key is one of the top tourist beach destinations in the USA that welcomes millions of tourists every year. Even after such a huge influx of tourists each year, there are only 7 shark attacks have been reported in Sarasota county in the last 140 years.

In other words, you are more likely to be hit by lightning or drowned by rip currents than attacked by sharks in Siesta Key.

Recent Shark attack incidents in Siesta Key

The last notable shark attack incident was reported in Siesta key in 2020. In December 2020, the 39-year-old man was attacked by a shark in a Siesta key. He was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.

In 2022, 16 shark incidents were reported in Florida. Fortunately, no shark attack incident was reported in Siesta Key in 2022.

In other words, the Siesta key is completely safe to swim as long as you follow basic safety precautions and dont do something silly to attract sharks’ unwanted attention.

What type of sharks are there in Siesta Key?

Siesta Key is located in the Gulf of Mexico. That’s why the water surrounding Siesta Key is home to a diverse range of marine life including sharks.

Like most of the destinations in Florida, different species of sharks can be found in Siesta Key. While most of them are not harmful to humans, some of them can be aggressive.

Here are some of the most common shark species found in/around Siesta Key:

Lemon sharks: Lemon sharks are the most common shark species found in Siesta Key. In fact, they are quite common shark species in Florida. They grow up to 5 to 7 feet in length and can be aggressive if they feel threatened.

Blacknose sharks: The black nose shark is another interesting shark species that can be found in Siesta Key. They get their name from dark blotch on the tip of their snout. They are small-sized sharks and are considered harmless to humans.

Bull Sharks: Bull sharks, as their name suggests, are extremely aggressive sharks. They grow up to 6 to 10 feet in length and can attack humans if they feel threatened.

Tiger sharks: Tiger sharks, although not common like lemon sharks, can be found in Siesta Key. They are usually quite large in size and are known for their aggressive behavior toward humans.

Safety Tips to Prevent Shark Attacks in Siesta Key

As I explained above, there are only 7 shark attack incidents reported in Sarasota county in the last 140 years. In other words, shark attacks are extremely rare in Siesta Key.

However, you should follow some basic safety precautions in Siesta Key (as should everywhere in Florida) to avoid unwanted attention from sharks.

Here are a few safety tips for you to prevent shark attacks:

Avoid swimming in murky waters. Due to less visibility in murky waters, sharks might confuse humans with their prey.

Avoid wearing shiny things like jewelry while swimming or surfing as it might attract sharks’ unwanted attention.
Avoid swimming alone far away from the coastline. Try to swim close to the lifeguards and other people.
Avoid swimming in areas where the river meets the ocean. Such places are ideal hunting grounds for sharks.

Don’t swim near fishermen as their bait can get the attention of the sharks.
Do not swim in low light or at night. Some sharks are more active at night or in low light.
It is advisable to stay away from water if you are bleeding. The smell of human blood can attract sharks’ attention.