Belize Shark Attacks: Rare but Not Unheard Of

nurse shark — Nurse sharks are relatively docile. Stephen Frink / Getty Images

When you picture Belize — a Central American jewel hugged by the Caribbean Sea — your mind probably drifts to turquoise waters, coral reefs and epic scuba diving adventures.

But Belize shark attacks have recently put a new spin on those dreamy underwater getaways. While shark encounters are typically rare and nonlethal, a string of bites off the Belize coast has grabbed headlines and sparked fresh concern.

Most shark attacks in Belize have occurred during recreational activities like scuba diving and spearfishing, especially near popular dive sites such as the Blue Hole, Halfmoon Caye and Ambergris Caye. One of the most widely reported incidents involved a Colorado teenager named Annabelle Carlson, who was attacked by two sharks during a day trip near Half Moon Caye.

What Happened to Annabelle Carlson?

Female scuba diver — Not all sharks are safe to scuba dive with. Antonio Busiello / Getty Images

Annabelle, a young scuba diver visiting Belize with her family, was enjoying a diving trip when two sharks began circling. Moments later, they started attacking.

According to Annabelle's mother, Kellie Carlson, the teen's leg turned "sheet white" from the blood loss. After seven surgeries and a bacterial infection scare, Annabelle ultimately lost her right leg and now uses a prosthetic.

The incident caught international attention, especially after Kellie Carlson told NBC's Morgan Chesky about the terrifying experience. Belize's coast guard quickly launched an investigation, and Belize's Minister of the Blue Economy acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

What Sharks Are Involved?

The sharks most commonly seen around Belize include nurse sharks, reef sharks and bull sharks. Nurse sharks are generally docile and common in tourist snorkeling spots. However, bull sharks are more aggressive than other sharks and are considered among the most dangerous shark species to humans.

Shark experts and the Belize Dive Pro Company suggest that spearfishing and feeding behaviors can alter shark activity. Blood and fish remains in the water can attract more aggressive species and change the behavior of normally peaceful sharks.

It's like ringing the dinner bell in the middle of a crowded cafeteria: Somebody's going to get jostled.

Is It Still Safe to Dive in Belize?

The Great Blue Hole is a major tourist attraction in Belize. Buena Vista Images / Getty Images

Yes, scuba diving in Belize remains one of the most breathtaking experiences in the world. But just like hiking near bears or swimming in jellyfish waters, it comes with natural risks. Shark bites are still extremely rare, especially considering the number of tourists who dive Belize's waters every year.

The Belize Coast Guard and dive operators are working closely to review safety protocols, especially for day trips involving feeding or spearfishing. Educating tourists and divers on how to interact with marine life responsibly is a key part of keeping these waters safe.

What to Know Before You Dive

Avoid spearfishing unless you're with an experienced guide.
Don't feed sharks or participate in baited shark dives.
Stay in a group when diving or snorkeling.
Watch for signs of nearby shark activity (like sudden fish dispersal).
Follow local safety guidelines and updates from Belize Dive Pro or your dive tour.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.