Cape Cod’s Unique Tourist Attraction: Great White Sharks

Cape Cod, located in southeastern Massachusetts, has long been a beloved vacation spot known for its stunning beaches, historic towns, and iconic lighthouses. However, the area is increasingly gaining attention for its seasonal population of great white sharks. Instead of deterring visitors, these sharks are drawing tourists to this scenic destination in a new and exciting way.

According to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, Cape Cod’s tourism economy experienced growth from nearly $2 billion in 2019 to almost $2.8 billion. This rise coincides with a decline in traditional recreational visits to Cape Cod National Seashore, which stretches 40 miles and is home to frequent white shark sightings.

The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy has developed a valuable resource app, Sharktivity, to keep beachgoers informed about shark activities near public beaches. The app provides alerts for confirmed shark sightings and important safety information. The surge in shark presence is linked to the recovery of Cape’s gray seal population, which expanded significantly following the 1972 Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Between 2015 and 2018, a study published in Marine Ecology Progress Series estimated that about 800 individual white sharks visited Cape Cod’s waters, marking it as one of the world’s significant shark hot spots. Despite their increased presence, there is no evidence of heightened aggression or behavioral change among these sharks, according to the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy.

Cape Cod’s growing shark population is reshaping local tourism. The area is emerging as a prime destination for white shark ecotourism. Visitors have options to embark on shark-spotting excursions, with private charters costing $2,500 and open-boat charters priced at $500 per person. These trips, lasting about two and a half hours, utilize spotter pilots to locate sharks, often requiring advance booking due to high demand.

These expeditions serve a greater purpose than mere sightseeing. Guests engage in citizen science by logging shark sightings, deploying hydrophones to track tagged sharks, and recording observations for ongoing research. A portion of the trip fee supports research and is tax-deductible, as noted by the conservancy.

Hannah Leary, ecotourism coordinator for the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, remarked on the uniqueness of spotting sharks so easily from Cape Cod’s inlet, attracting many to experience this natural wonder.

Additionally, local swimming pool companies have seen increased demand; some even market ‘shark-free swimming’ as a selling point. The shark presence, however, isn’t all positive. There have been sporadic incidents, including a fatal shark attack in 2018, the first recorded in Massachusetts since 1936.

The National Park Service advises beachgoers to maintain distance from seals and fish schools, swim in groups, and avoid poor visibility waters. Purple shark flags signal recent shark sightings, urging swimmers to heed all warnings and lifeguard instructions.

It’s crucial to note that shark activity extends beyond the summer, as predators remain active through the fall. Visitors should exercise caution even after the seasonal lifeguard coverage ends.