So, you’re headed to the "Bermuda of the North." You’ve got your ferry tickets, a reservation for some mudslides at The Oar, and a vague, nagging thought in the back of your mind about what’s lurking under the surface of Cow Cove or Mohegan Bluffs. Let’s be real. If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the grainy drone footage of a Great White cruising through the shallows. It's spooky.
Sharks in Block Island aren't exactly a new thing, but the conversation around them has changed. Honestly, it’s gone from "maybe they’re out there" to "oh, they’re definitely here." But before you cancel your snorkeling trip or swear off the Atlantic forever, you need the actual context. This isn't Jaws. It’s a complex ecosystem doing exactly what it’s supposed to do.
Rhode Island’s little island is sitting right in the middle of a massive biological highway. The waters surrounding the island are a literal buffet for apex predators. Thanks to successful conservation efforts over the last few decades, the menu is more crowded than ever.
Why Block Island is a Shark Magnet
Why here? Why now? It basically comes down to dinner. The Atlantic Menhaden (most of us just call them "bunker") are moving in massive, shimmering clouds around the island. When the bunker are thick, everything else follows. You’ve got bluefish and striped bass hitting the schools from below, and then you’ve got the heavy hitters—the sharks—cleaning up the edges.
But the real game-changer is the seal population.
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If you take a walk out to North Light, you’re going to see them. Dozens, sometimes hundreds, of Gray Seals lounging on the rocks. They look like giant, blubbery sausages, and they happen to be a Great White’s favorite meal. Researchers like those at the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy have been tracking this southern movement for years. As the seal colonies on Cape Cod became saturated, the sharks started looking for new hunting grounds. Block Island, with its deep drop-offs and rocky outcroppings, is a perfect spot for an ambush.
The Resident Species
It’s not just Whites. Not even close. If you’re fishing the South Shore, you’re likely encountering a whole cast of characters:
- Sand Tiger Sharks: These guys look terrifying because their teeth are always sticking out. They’re actually pretty chill. They’re bottom-dwellers that mostly care about small fish.
- Thresher Sharks: You’ll recognize them by that insanely long tail. Seeing a Thresher breach out near the offshore wind farm is a core memory kind of experience.
- Blue Sharks: These are the beauties of the open ocean. Electric blue, sleek, and usually found in the deeper "canyons" away from the swimming beaches.
- Mako Sharks: The Ferraris of the ocean. They are fast. I mean 45-mph fast.
The Great White Reality Check
We have to talk about the big guys. In 2022 and 2023, there were several confirmed sightings of Great Whites within a few hundred yards of popular spots like Fred Benson Town Beach. It feels different when it’s your vacation spot.
Greg Skomal, a leading senior fisheries biologist with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, has often pointed out that these sharks have always been in the North Atlantic. What’s changed is our ability to see them. Drones are everywhere now. Every time a shark swims within a half-mile of the shore, there’s a high-definition video of it on Instagram within twenty minutes. This creates a bit of a "frequency illusion." It feels like there are more sharks because we are finally looking for them.
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The water clarity around Block Island is usually way better than the mainland. That’s great for us, but it’s also great for the sharks. They are visual hunters. While the "mistaken identity" theory—where a shark bites a human thinking they’re a seal—is still debated among experts, most agree that clear water reduces the risk. They can see you aren't a seal. You're just a person in colorful trunks flailing around.
How to Be "Shark Smart" on the Island
Look, the risk is statistically tiny. You’re more likely to get hurt by a rogue moped on Weldon’s Way than by a shark. But being smart doesn’t cost anything.
Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk. That’s prime hunting time. The light is low, and the sharks are active. Also, stay away from those seal colonies. If you see a bunch of seals hanging out on a sandbar, don't go swimming right next to them. It’s like setting up a picnic in the middle of a lion’s den.
If you see schools of fish jumping out of the water or birds diving frantically, something is chasing them. Usually, it’s a striper or a bluefish. Sometimes, it’s something bigger. Just give it space. Honestly, the best way to enjoy the water is to stay where the lifeguards are. They’re in constant contact with local authorities and are trained to spot the "shadows."
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The Economic and Cultural Shift
Block Island is a "water" town. Everything revolves around the ocean. For a long time, the local attitude was a bit "out of sight, out of mind." But the influx of sightings has forced a change. Boat charters have pivoted. Instead of just fishing trips, many captains now offer "eco-tours" where they look for whales, dolphins, and yes, sharks.
It’s a weird tension. You want the tourists to feel safe, but you also have to respect the wildness of the place. The Atlantic is not a swimming pool. It’s a wilderness. And Block Island is right on the edge of it.
The presence of sharks is actually a sign of a healthy ocean. It means the food chain is intact. When the apex predators are back, it means the regulations on overfishing are working. It’s a success story, even if it makes your toes tingle when you can’t see the bottom.
Practical Steps for Your Next Trip
If you're planning on getting in the water, here's how to do it with some peace of mind.
- Download the Sharktivity App. The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy runs this. It’s crowdsourced and verified. You can see real-time pings from tagged sharks and reported sightings. It’s fascinating, if a bit sobering.
- Talk to the Locals. Not the "I’ve been here two days" locals. Talk to the guys at the bait shops or the ferry captains. They know what’s been spotted and where the baitfish are running.
- Polarized Sunglasses are a Cheat Code. If you’re paddleboarding or kayaking, a good pair of polarized lenses will let you see through the surface glare. You’ll see the rays, the schools of fish, and the occasional sandbar shark.
- Ditch the Bling. Sharks are attracted to contrast and shine. Leave the silver chains and shiny watches on the beach. You don't want to look like a confused menhaden.
The reality of sharks in Block Island is that they are permanent residents. They were here long before the Southeast Lighthouse was built, and they’ll be here long after. Respect the water. Stay alert. Enjoy the view. The island is one of the most beautiful places on Earth—sharks and all.
Next Steps for Ocean Safety:
- Check the daily surf and weather report at Block Island Fishworks for water conditions.
- Stick to swimming beaches with active lifeguard stands during the peak season (late June through Labor Day).
- Avoid swimming near the New Harbor channel where boat traffic and fish scraps can attract scavengers.