Do Sharks Swim Near Cruise Ships?

The Cruise Mummy blog explains that sharks are physically unable to follow cruise ships, even if they want to. On average, sharks max out at around 5 miles per hour while swimming. While sharks have been seen swimming near cruise ships, it is not because they are specifically targeting the ship or its passengers. Instead, sharks are more likely to interact coincidentally with the ship’s noise and vibrations. Bluefin tuna swim in large schools, which attracts sharks, making wildlife-watching excursions more enjoyable.

Various species of sharks can be encountered near cruise ships, depending on the location and time of year. Common species include reef sharks and nurse sharks. Sharks are not naturally drawn to cruise ships due to several reasons, such as the noise and vibrations made by the ships. They may be drawn to potential food sources and follow the ship in hopes of an easy meal. However, not all sharks are attracted to cruise ships for this reason, as their feeding habits can vary depending on the species.

Stingrays, which do not have sharp teeth, tend to swim underwater, unlike their shark cousins. While cruise ship snorkeling tours are not designed to take you to shark waters, they are still close to sharks. The reason why sharks always follow large ships when sailing out to sea is not because they are attacking people on board. Waters are not infested by sharks, as they literally live there. It is not their fault that they jumped into their domain and risked their life.