Sharks in Trunk Bay (St. John)?

[mshinrockford]

OK, I realize that I'm being a bit of a worrywort, but I'm really getting excited about our upcoming trip to Trunk Bay on St. John. I love to snorkel, but I have to admit that, when I snorkel in the ocean, I am always a little nervous about what might be approaching me (or watching me) from behind. It doesn't help that, for some reason, the soundtrack from "Jaws" always seems to play in my mind when I'm snorkeling…I'm sure you get the picture. Anyway, I'm quite sure that, given Truck Bay's status as a National Park, it's waters receive more than their fair share of "supervision" by authorities (park rangers, aerial patrols, etc.). So, could someone tell me if contact with sharks is a concern at Trunk Bay? From what I've seen, there does not seem to be any natural (or man-made) barriers at Trunk Bay that would prevent sharks from cruising the entire Bay, including the shallow waters by the beach. But given the popularity of Trunk Bay, I would hope that this risk is very small. Since my son (14yr) will likely join me in snorkeling Trunk Bay, I'd like to be able to reassure him (and me!) that contact with a shark in Trunk Bay is not going to happen. But I also want to be open and honest with him about this risk. At the moment, I'd feel comfortable telling my son that it's "extemely unlikely" that we would see a shark in Trunk Bay, but I'd like to be able to tell him that "it won't happen." Any thoughts, especially from those of you who have some insight on this subject?

 

[jel0511]

As a veteran visitor to St. John (we go just about every year), I'll give you the low down on sharks on St. John. Have they been spotted? Yes. They are usually the smaller nurse sharks, than the huge Great Whites from Jaws though. Will you see one? Most likely not. Has someone been injured by a shark on St. John? Yes. Were they being careful? No. The last shark attack on St. John actually didn't happen at Trunk Bay, but at Honeymoon Beach, which is close by, but not next door. The snorkle trail at Trunk Bay is so traveled by humans, that any sharks in the area usually stay away, as they are actually afraid of humans just as much as we are of them. And yes it is true that Trunk Bay is in the open water, you can see all the way to Jost VanDyke from St. John, and there is nothing but water in between. Enjoy your visit to Trunk Bay, it is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world!!!

I also wanted to add, that all shark attacks, whether in the USVI or anywhere else are VERY rare and really nothing to concern yourself with.

 

[erikthewise]

Only a few. And they're not very big. And they don't eat much.

 

[mickeyboat]

When we were on our honeymoon, we drove to a beach on St. John (I can't remember its name) recommended to see nesting sea turtles. The beach was a short walk from the road and was completely deserted when we got there. We snorkled a bit and returned to the beach. In the water, right at the shore line, we saw a shark. It was about 3 feet long - I can't remember exactly what it looked like because I was high-tailing it out of the water.

Trunk Bay is pretty crowded, especially when the cruise ships are in port. We didn't see anything too scary, other than a sting-ray.

If nothing else, you can be comforted by knowing the chances of you being bitten by a shark are lessened by the fact that there is a lot of bait in the water. Just kidding!

Have a great time.

Denae

 

[jel0511]

When we were on our honeymoon, we drove to a beach on St. John (I can't remember its name) recommended to see nesting sea turtles.

Sounds like Watermelon!!! It is a truly wonderful beach, and is right next to Honeymoon Beach!!! Again, the more desserted beaches and snorkle spots on St. John are where sharks are usually spotted, though if you snorkle all the way off to the left by the rocks at Trunk(far away from the trail), there have been sharks (again the smaller nurse sharks which is what mickeyboat saw) seen there.

 

[jgalecpa]

I fish regularly out of Ocean City, MD. It is a resort town with an average daily population of about 250,000 every summer day.

There has not been a shark incident there is at least 25 years.

What most swimmers don't know is we regularly catch sharks right off shore, virtually every day (and night).

There have even been two big great whites caught. One this summer was pulled up in a net that weighed over 500 lbs. Someone else caught a world record Hammerhead this summer.

I caught 2 myself this summer.

My point is, All these sharks and they never bother anyone.

Now to the Islands.

I am sure, somewhere out there, there are sharks (I hooked into some off Casataway Cay). But we are not their food, so they could generally care less about us.

I will swim there, and I hope you don't miss what sounds to be a stunning place.

You are far more likely to be hurt on your car ride to and from the ship than by a shark.

Jim

PS If you like, I will go along with you and personally catch any that come your way.

Just by me a ticket!

 

[mshinrockford]

Lori, Mickeyboat, and Jim

Thank you very much for the information, and the advice. I really do feel much better now. I guess I'll just have to rely on the assumption that, if there are sharks in Trunk Bay when I'm there, they won't be looking at me or my son as lunch. I'm sure that my heart will be racing a bit, but I hope to enjoy every minute of my time snorkeling in Trunk Bay. Thanks again for your advice. It is greatly appreciated!

Mike.

P.S. Lori > I hope that you REALLY enjoy your upcoming Western cruise!

 

[jel0511]

Originally posted by mshinrockford
P.S. Lori > I hope that you REALLY enjoy your upcoming Western cruise!

Thanks! I guess I should think about packing huh? Really, don't worry about sharks on Trunk. We've been there every year for the past 6 years, and I've never personally seen one there, though I do know several who have in the area I mentioned. There is GREAT snorkling over there though, MUCH better than the trail, since the trail has been "stomped" on over the years. And by the way if you do happen to see one, don't panick and just swim calmly away. They really won't bother you, if not bothered.

 

[Aisling]

Wow, this is really scary! I can't imagine Disney taking us to a place where there are sharks, at least that's what I'm hoping. I've never heard of anyone on a DCL ship being attacked by a shark, so I'll try to remember that while I'm a nervous wreck snorkling!

 

[jel0511]

I finally found the article that talks about the last reported shark attack on St. John. I was incorrect in stating it was off Honeymoon beach, my mind is going, it was off Water Island. Though not far off.... Anyway, it does talk about the attack and the likelyhood of being in one. Also, the sharks that are usually seen (this was unlikely) are Nurse and Reef Sharks. They are the smallest and least agressive of sharks, and usually don't attack people.

http://new.onepaper.com/stjohnvi/?v=d&i=&s=News:Local&p=66516

 

[jel0511]

Originally posted by Aisling
Wow, this is really scary! I can't imagine Disney taking us to a place where there are sharks, at least that's what I'm hoping. I've never heard of anyone on a DCL ship being attacked by a shark, so I'll try to remember that while I'm a nervous wreck snorkling!

There is a risk of sharks in ANY ocean, even at my local beach here in NJ. If you're swimming where there are a TON of fish, like usually a reef, there are usually sharks in the proximity. They usually stay away and don't cause harm, but they are almost always there. The great misconception is that all sharks are HUGE Great Whites, like that was seen in Jaws. Usually they aren't the 500LB monsters on film, they usually grow to a length of around 3ft and don't weigh more than 50 or so pounds. Most sharks are also not dangerous to humans, unless they are provoked in some way. If you're just snorkling and see one, just swim away, they will usually leave you alone.

 

[jgalecpa]

Aisling,

I am on your cruise. I went fishing off CC with "Grumpy'sMom"'s DH last Xmas.

We hit into a bunch of sharks, but they were only interested in the butterfish!

My offer to personally scare off any sharks for you stands as well, and you don't even have to buy me a ticket.

Far greater worry on any cruise is the "Land Sharks"!

Jim

 

[Mulljac]

We were at Trunk Bay in Aug. We snorkeled over on the right side of the reef and we didn't see any sharks but a barracuda swam by us. We also saw a cool octopus in the reef area. Don't worry and just go and have a good time. There are sharks everywhere. Try not to dwell on it.

 

[Aisling]

Jim, that's one big wierd-looking green fish you're holding!

 

[TheWog]

Trunk Bay, what about Castaway Cay. I will have to find the picture of the shark taken in the snorkeling section of the family beach..... its on these boards somewhere.


found it... http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=612537&highlight=+sharks++castaway++cay

 

[Par8hed]

Sharks in the ocean?????? How can Disney allow such a thing!

 

[Scotsman]

par8hed, I am sure Osama Bin Laden would vote for Kerry. That way he could build back his terrorist network while Kerry kissed the UN's rear end, instead of hiding scared in a rat hole like his former buddy Saddam.

That being said, why don't we keep these boards positive and filled with Disney fun!

Now go and turn off CNN and watch FoxNews. Maybe you will learn something instead of being brainwashed by the liberal left media.

 

[Par8hed]

Even with my limited intellect I am aware that proper tact and decorum dictate avoiding public attacks on ones inteligence followed by a caveat to play nice. I will gladly entertain a private message for such recourse as you should have initially.

 

[Scotsman]

par8hed, Proper tact and decorum would mean leaving out your picture and comment which attacts the president. It is obvious that you will be voting against Bush and any Democrat will do. Seems like if you really think Kerry would make a good President you would have placed a positive note under your posts.

As far as your assumption about Osama Bin Laden! Well looks like your wrong there also, since he endorsed the weaker candidate in his video over the weekend.

 

[westjones]

Originally posted by TheWog
Trunk Bay, what about Castaway Cay. I will have to find the picture of the shark taken in the snorkeling section of the family beach..... its on these boards somewhere.


found it... http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=612537&highlight=+sharks++castaway++cay

This link says the shark was at the Adult Beach. I thought that Disney had some sort of netting up to keep out sharks at the family beach. Am I wrong?

I am also nervous about sharks, and we are going on the Kayak adventure at CC in December, so I hope the sharks stay far far away!!!

DJ