The Discovery Channel dives into “Shark Week 2025” on Sunday, July 20 with special programming all week long through Saturday, July 26.
But in New Smyrna Beach, every day might as well be Shark Week. That’s because the coastal community has earned the nickname the “shark bite capital of the world.” That might seem like an unfortunate title but NSB takes it in stride, even hosting tongue-in-cheek events tied to Shark Week each summer.
Why is New Smyrna Beach considered the ‘shark bite capital of the world?’
Volusia County, including New Smyrna Beach, has the highest shark attack rate in the world, according to the International Shark Attack File. Since the early 1900s, more than 300 attacks have been reported, even if the majority of reported attacks are minor.
New Smyrna Beach is home to the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America. The lagoon is a kind of “nursery” for thousands of marine species, including small sharks like bonnethead, spinner, the Atlantic sharp-nose, and blacktip. Blacktip sharks are the species behind most of the bites in the area, according to Gavin Naylor, director of the Florida Museum of Natural History’s Program for Shark Research.
Another reason NSB might see a higher incidence of unprovoked shark attacks is due to more people surfing along its coastline — a favorite for surfers — and with their limbs hanging over the boards they might be mistaken for fish.
How many shark attacks have there been in New Smyrna Beach so far this year?
The fourth shark attack in New Smyrna Beach occurred Friday, July 18 when an 18-year-old surfer was bitten by a shark on his foot while surfing. He was transported for medical treatment with non-life-threatening injuries, Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue said.
How does New Smyrna Beach celebrate Shark Week?
Get in on some of the fun:
What is Shark Week on the Discovery Channel?
Shark Week is an annual, weeklong marathon of shark-themed programming on the Discovery Channel. This year it runs from July 20-26 with new shark-centered specials each night.
One new show called “Dancing With Sharks,” will make its debut this year, presented by former “Dancing With the Stars” host Tom Bergeron.
“(The) new Shark Week 2025 special that features an unprecedented underwater dance competition between expert divers and their shark partners,” Discovery says. “Blending skill, grace and the daring pursuit of the ultimate underwater thrill, five divers — all trained by a world-class underwater choreographer — will compete to show off their skills during epic underwater dances.”
Other programming highlights include “Air Jaws: The Hunt for Colossus” and “Great White Assassins.”
Find the full airing schedule for Shark Week 2025 here.
News-Journal reporter Brenno Carillo contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Fins up: It’s Shark Week and the shark bite capital of the world knows how to celebrate
Reporting by Colleen Michele Jones, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
