Costa Rica is internationally celebrated for its rainforests, volcanoes, and biodiversity on land. Yet beneath the surface of its turquoise Pacific and Caribbean waters lies another extraordinary world—one that is often misunderstood, ignored, and increasingly threatened. Costa Rica’s sharks are among the most important marine predators in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, and at the same time, among the most endangered.
So, are there sharks in Costa Rica’s waters?
The answer is yes.
Are they dangerous to humans?
Rarely.
Are they in serious danger themselves?
Absolutely.
This article explores the species of sharks found in Costa Rica, their ecological importance, the realities of shark attacks, and the controversial practice of shark finning that continues to threaten their survival.
Sharks in Costa Rica: A Biodiversity Hotspot Beneath the Waves
Costa Rica is home to more than 50 species of sharks, making it one of the most biologically rich marine regions in the world. These sharks inhabit both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, although the Pacific side is far more diverse and active.
Common shark species found in Costa Rican waters include:
- Tiger sharks
- Bull sharks
- Reef sharks
- Silky sharks
- Blacktip and whitetip reef sharks
- Hammerhead sharks
Each of these species plays a critical role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems by controlling prey populations and preserving balance in the food chain.
Are Sharks Dangerous in Costa Rica?
Despite widespread fear, shark attacks in Costa Rica are extremely rare.
Scientists agree that when a shark bites a human, it is almost always a case of mistaken identity. From below, a surfer or swimmer can resemble a fish or sea lion—especially in murky water or low visibility conditions.
Important facts about shark encounters in Costa Rica:
- Attacks are infrequent and non-systemic
- Most species avoid human contact
- Fatal attacks are exceedingly rare
- Millions of people swim, surf, and dive in Costa Rican waters every year without incident
In short, humans are not natural prey for sharks.
Sharks Are More Afraid of Us Than We Are of Them
The real danger in Costa Rica’s oceans is not sharks attacking humans—it is humans driving sharks toward extinction.
Worldwide, sharks kill fewer than 10 people per year. Humans kill an estimated 100 million sharks annually.
Shark Finning in Costa Rica: A Dark Reality
One of the most controversial and tragic issues facing Costa Rica’s sharks is shark finning, a brutal practice in which sharks are captured, their fins cut off, and the bodies often discarded—sometimes while the animal is still alive.
Why Shark Fins Are So Valuable
Shark fins are primarily exported to Asia, where they are used to make shark fin soup, a status dish served at weddings and banquets. The fins can fetch extremely high prices, while the rest of the shark has little commercial value.
Costa Rica’s Legal Loophole
Costa Rica passed a law requiring that sharks not be dumped back into the ocean after their fins are removed. However, this is not a true ban on shark finning.
Instead, it allows:
- Sharks to be landed with fins “attached”
- Fins to be removed once on shore
- Continued export of shark fins
As a result, shark finning continues under legal technicalities, and enforcement remains weak.
Government Contradictions and Conservation Challenges
Costa Rica promotes itself as an environmental leader, yet enforcement of marine protection laws often falls short. Illegal fishing, lack of patrols, and corruption have allowed shark finning to persist—especially off the Pacific coast.
Ironically, Costa Rica even featured a shark on its new 2,000-colón banknote, symbolizing marine biodiversity. But critics ask: What is being done to actually protect the sharks?
The Hammerhead Shark: Costa Rica’s Marine Icon
Perhaps the most iconic shark species in Costa Rican waters is the hammerhead shark, often described as the masterpiece of aquatic engineering.
Why Hammerhead Sharks Are Unique
- Their wide, flat “hammer-shaped” heads allow panoramic vision
- Eyes positioned on each end allow them to see above and below simultaneously
- Specialized sensory organs help detect electrical signals from prey hidden in sand
Hammerheads Around Cocos Island
The waters surrounding Cocos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are world-famous for massive schools of hammerhead sharks. During the day, they travel in groups of 100 or more, while at night they become solitary hunters.
Cocos Island is one of the most important shark sanctuaries on Earth—but even there, illegal fishing remains a serious threat.
Sharks and the Health of Costa Rica’s Oceans
Sharks are apex predators, meaning they sit at the top of the marine food chain. Removing them causes cascading ecological damage.
When sharks disappear:
- Prey species multiply uncontrollably
- Coral reefs decline
- Fish populations collapse
- Entire ecosystems destabilize
Protecting sharks is not just about saving a species—it’s about protecting the ocean itself.
Why the Great White Shark Is Not Found in Costa Rica
Many people ask whether great white sharks live in Costa Rica.
The answer is no.
Great white sharks prefer cooler waters and are typically found:
- Further north in the Pacific
- Along temperate coastlines
Costa Rica’s warm tropical waters are not suitable for them.
Shark Conservation Efforts in Costa Rica
Despite challenges, there are positive steps being taken:
- Marine protected areas
- International pressure to end shark fin exports
- NGOs working to monitor fishing ports
- Increased public awareness
Organizations and conservationists continue pushing for:
- A complete ban on shark finning
- Stronger enforcement
- Greater funding for marine patrols
Eco-Tourism and Sharks: A Better Alternative
Sharks are worth far more alive than dead.
Shark-related eco-tourism, including:
- Diving tours
- Marine research tourism
- Wildlife education
Generates sustainable income while protecting ecosystems.
In places like Cocos Island, a single live shark can generate hundreds of thousands of dollars over its lifetime through tourism—far more than the value of its fins.
What Can Visitors and Travelers Do?
If you visit Costa Rica, you can help protect sharks by:
- Choosing eco-certified tour operators
- Supporting conservation organizations
- Avoiding shark-derived products
- Educating others about shark myths
- Advocating for stronger marine protection laws
Final Thoughts: The Future of Costa Rica’s Sharks
Costa Rica’s sharks are not villains—they are vital guardians of the ocean. They have survived for over 400 million years, outliving dinosaurs, ice ages, and mass extinctions. Yet today, human greed threatens to wipe them out within decades.
Costa Rica has the opportunity to truly lead the world in marine conservation—but only if action matches reputation.
The sharks of Costa Rica’s waters deserve more than symbolic recognition. They deserve protection, enforcement, and respect.
Because without sharks, the ocean—and Costa Rica’s rich marine heritage—will never be the same.