Bali, renowned for its vibrant marine life and world-class surf spots, occasionally raises concerns about shark attacks among ocean enthusiasts. While the island’s waters are home to various shark species, incidents involving humans are exceedingly rare. This article delves into documented shark attacks in Bali, provides safety guidelines for divers and surfers, and aims to dispel common myths surrounding these majestic creatures
Shark attacks in Bali are uncommon. According to available data, there have been only a handful of reported incidents over the past few decades, with none resulting in fatalities.
An American surfer (Ryan Boarman) was bitten by a shark at Balian, sustaining a serious arm injury. According to TheJournal.ie, Boarman saw a 2m (6-foot) shark just before it bit through his right forearm near the elbow. The shark tore through muscle and reached the bone, and an eyewitness said Boarman’s whole elbow had gone into the shark’s mouth. Pretty badly damaged as the shark pulled back.
Dr. Ni Gusti Ayu Made Sri Pujarini (who treated him) confirmed the wounds were consistent with a shark bite. Boarman underwent emergency surgery in Bali and was eventually flown to Singapore and then to San Diego for further treatment.
Media reports confirmed the attack and noted Balian had seen other incidents: between 2010–2012 at least four foreign surfers (Canadian, Australian, South African) were bitten there
In June 2023, a large tiger shark was seen near the surf zone at Nyang Nyang Beach in South Bali. Although no injuries were reported, the sighting raised concern among local surfers.
According to Stab Magazine, Indonesian surfer Varun Tandjung witnessed the shark attacking a dugong, a protected marine mammal, only a few meters from where he and others were surfing. The event was captured on video and shared on social media, showing the shark splashing while feeding near the group.
Tandjung later stated that surfers were “chased out by a shark,” but confirmed that “no fatalities or casualties were reported.” This incident illustrates a common pattern in Bali’s waters: shark activity is more often related to natural feeding behavior than any threat to humans.
Clear communication and understanding of shark behavior can help promote safety and reduce fear, especially among surfers and divers exploring Bali’s marine environments.
Divers exploring the Ped dive site off Nusa Penida filmed a great white shark passing nearby. This was confirmed by dive media and local reports. It was a 3m long great white swam past a group at 20–25m depth. The shark was recorded by Swedish divemaster Fabian Clinton using a GoPro. The video shows the shark swimming among the group before turning away. Importantly, no diver was harmed.
Such a sighting is extremely rare, the only earlier documented great white in Bali was filmed in 2019 at Crystal Bay and Blue Corner dive site . This event highlights that large sharks can wander into Bali waters with no attack occurred.
Fact: Sharks do not see people as preferred prey. Marine experts emphasize that human shark attacks are almost always mistakes or defensive reactions. Sharks are not hunting humans. Most ‘attacks’ on humans are mistakes due to poor water visibility or are inquisitive bites.
NOAA Fisheries similarly points out that media coverage misleading perception; in fact global unprovoked shark bites are not increasing. In 2022 fewer shark bites reported than the recent five-year average.
In short, sharks like tiger and great whites roam Bali’s waters, but they rarely target swimmers or surfers on purpose. Victims often report that sharks bit out of curiosity or confusion, mistaking a board or flipper for a fish.
Fact: Bali is notorious for anything but beach safety, shark attacks are exceedingly uncommon. A surf news report explicitly states “Bali is not known for its shark attacks. There’s been five of ’em since 1990, none fatal”.
Nearly all of those few incidents occurred around Uluwatu and nearby spots. For context, Indonesia’s total shark bite statistics are far lower than those of countries like Australia or South Africa. Even with many surfers and divers in Bali’s waters, confirmed bites are rare events.
Fact: The common shark species found in Bali (grey reef sharks, whitetip reef sharks) are generally harmless to humans unless provoked. One report notes that even tiger sharks off Uluwatu are harmless and do not hurt any surfer until they are being bothered. In summary, the presumption that any shark means danger is incorrect in Bali’s context.
Fact: There is no clear trend of increasing shark attacks. The idea that “shark attacks are on the rise” is a misconception fueled by viral media.
NOAA notes that dramatic images and social media make a few incidents seem common. In reality, shark bite numbers globally are very low (57 unprovoked bites in 2022 worldwide, only 1 fatal). Likewise in Bali, only isolated events have been reported over decades. Again, responsible local reports and wildlife experts stress that each shark encounter is unusual rather than routine.
Regardless of how rare attacks are, it’s wise to follow proven safety practices. Authorities and shark experts offer these guidelines to minimize risk in Bali waters:
Always enter the water with buddies or near other people . Sharks are statistically less likely to bite a group than an isolated person. Use the buddy system and keep track of one another, especially in deeper water.
Many shark species, including the tiger shark, are most active at low light. It’s best to stay out of the water at sunrise, sunset, or after dark. Lower visibility increasing chances of the sharks mistaken identity.
Do not swim or dive in water with poor visibility (e.g. heavy rain runoff, harbors, estuaries) . Sharks frequent murky channels and steep dropoffs, and reduced visibility can confuse them. If sediment is stirred up or algae is high, it’s safer to wait or choose another spot.
Never enter the ocean with open wounds. Sharks can detect tiny amounts of blood or body fluids from hundreds of meters away . Even menstrual cycles can attract sharks, according to studies. If you have any cut or graze, stay on shore.
Don’t surf or dive near schools of baitfish, seals, or sea turtles, as sharks may be hunting in these areas . Also stay away from fishing boats, piers, or places where people are spearfishing or cleaning fish (discarded guts attract sharks) . If you see birds diving into the water or fish jumping, consider it a warning sign to exit.
Avoid wearing bright colors, high-contrast patterns, or shiny jewelry . Sharks see color contrast and flash very well. Opt for dark or matte-colored suits, boards, and gear. Remove jewelry that might glint or jingle.
Sudden movements and splashing in the water can resemble the behavior of injured fish, which may unintentionally attract sharks. If you find yourself entering the surf or caught in breaking waves, try to move slowly and with control. If a shark is seen nearby, stay calm, take steady breaths, and avoid kicking around quickly. Maintaining a horizontal position especially for divers using neutral buoyancy can help show the shark that you’re not a threat or prey. In some situations, dive professionals may advise staying close to the reef and holding your position if a shark approaches, rather than swimming away.
If you encounter a curious shark, face it and maintain eye contact . Sharks often approach from behind; by looking at it, you reduce the chance of a surprise attack. Slowly back away or gently surface toward shore without turning your back.
If a shark loiters nearby, leave the water promptly but without panicking. Swim or paddle straight to shore or your boat while keeping the shark in view and keeping movements smooth. Alert others on the beach or boat quietly to clear the area. Do not splash or make a scene on exit.
In the unlikely event of an attack, experts advise fighting back immediately. Aim strikes at the shark’s most sensitive parts (eyes, gills, nose) to encourage it to break off . For divers, a firm jab to the snout is effective if reachable. On a surfboard, use it to keep distance and strike if necessary. Remember: most shark bites can be survived if you remain conscious and aggressive.
While shark attacks in Bali attract attention, the reality is they are exceptionally rare. Most shark species found around the island like reef sharks, bamboo sharks, and even occasional thresher or whale sharks are either non-aggressive or avoid human interaction altogether. The few documented cases, involving surfers or divers, highlight the importance of respecting shark habitats and understanding their natural behavior rather than fearing them.
For divers and surfers in Bali, being informed is the best safety measure. Follow local advice, dive with experienced operators, and avoid high-risk conditions like murky waters at dawn or dusk. Sharks are a vital part of the marine ecosystem, and responsible ocean activity not only protects you but also supports shark conservation. By approaching every encounter with knowledge and calm, we can continue enjoying Bali’s incredible waters safely and respectfully.
No, shark attacks in Bali are extremely rare. Over the past few decades, only a few confirmed incidents have occurred, most involving surfers in remote reef areas. The risk to swimmers, divers, and snorkelers remains very low.
Stay calm and avoid sudden movements. Maintain eye contact with the shark, back away slowly, and don’t splash or panic. If you’re diving, stay neutrally buoyant. If you’re surfing, slowly paddle toward shore or a group. Most sharks in Bali are not aggressive and will move on if not threatened.
Globally, many shark bites occur at dawn or dusk, when sharks feed close to shore. In Bali, similar patterns may hold. For instance, the 2016 Balian attack happened around 7:00 AM 2 . Sharks (especially tiger sharks) do come inshore at night or early morning. Conversely, mid-day swims often have better visibility for both you and the shark. That said, sharks have been sighted in Bali during daylight (e.g. the 2025 dive was in clear daylight)
Most confirmed cases in Bali have been at southern or western spots. Our examples include Balian Beach and Uluwatu. Southern reefs and dropoffs (including Nusa Penida) have seen shark sightings, likely because those deeper channels are shark feeding zones. By contrast, crowded resort beaches like Kuta and Sanur have almost no shark history. If you surf or dive in places like Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Nusa Penida, or even less-popular reefs, use extra caution.
Most shark bites on people are cases of mistaken identity. A paddling surfer can look like a seal or turtle from below. For instance, if a shark sees a board or flippers, it may snap out of curiosity or confusion .
Another reason: sharks have electroreceptors and may bite things that activate them (like speared fish nearby). In Bali’s tropical waters, food is plentiful sharks eat fish, rays, turtles, and sometimes dolphins, so humans are not typical prey. As NOAA notes, the idea that sharks “hunt humans” is a myth. In the Bali cases cited, only the Balian incident involved an actual bite; the others involved sharks feeding on other animals or just passing by.
Stick to known dive operators or surf instructors, follow safety briefings, and avoid isolated reefs when alone. For divers, ensure neutral buoyancy to avoid sudden movements and accidental stirring of sediment. Ascend and descend slowly. Stay within training limits. For surfers, don’t surf alone in empty reefs buddy up and watch each other.
Don’t wear shiny jewelry, avoid murky water, and stay alert. Using common sense and understanding shark behavior is the best way to stay safe.
Bali, occasionally raises concerns about shark attacks among ocean enthusiasts. While the island’s waters are home to various shark species, incidents involving humans are exceedingly rare. This article delves into…
Bali and its surrounding islands offer scuba divers the thrill of encountering a surprising variety of shark species. From tranquil coral reefs patrolled by reef sharks to rare appearances of…
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course The advanced open water diver course has 5 dive specialties to choose. Two are chosen for you, Deep and Navigation, the other three are…
The Nusa Penida MPA has an official Manta Ray Code of Conduct outlining how divers and snorkelers should behave around these gentle giants. By following this code, you not only…
Great white sharks are strong ocean predators, and seeing one in Nusa Penida dive site is really cool. These facts, based on scientific research, explain what makes great white sharks…
Mastering a range of finning styles is crucial for all levels of divers, from beginners to seasoned instructors. Using the appropriate kick for a given situation can greatly improve your…
Explore the depths of the ocean from your screen with these 11 exceptional films ranging from powerful documentaries to cinematic classics. Each title offers a unique perspective on marine life,…
Bali is a dream destination for scuba divers of all levels. With clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a wide range of marine life, it’s no surprise that divers from…
The Nusa Penida MPA has an official Manta Ray Code of Conduct outlining how divers and snorkelers should behave around these gentle giants. By following this code, you not only…
