What are the most active seasons for great white shark sightings on the East Coast?
The most active seasons for great white shark sightings on the East Coast are generally the spring and summer months. During this time, great white sharks tend to migrate northward in search of prey and cooler waters, making them more likely to be spotted in coastal areas along the Eastern Seaboard.
### **Why are great white sharks more active on the East Coast in spring and summer?**
Great white sharks undertake seasonal migrations. As the weather warms and prey becomes more abundant in the northern Atlantic waters, these apex predators move towards these areas. This northward journey in the spring and summer is primarily driven by feeding opportunities and the preference for cooler water temperatures. Conversely, they often migrate south during the winter months.
### **Where have great white sharks recently been sighted on the East Coast?**
Recent tracking data shows significant activity. For example, a large great white shark, identified as "Contender," was recently tracked near Nantucket, Massachusetts. This 14-foot, 1,653-pound male shark has been on a considerable journey, covering over 1,000 miles since being tagged in January. Previously, he was detected off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, and near the Florida-Georgia line and Vero Beach, Florida, indicating a broad migratory range along the East Coast. Other sightings have also occurred near Woods Hole and Long Island, highlighting the presence of these sharks in popular coastal regions.
### **How can travelers stay informed about shark activity?**
Staying informed about shark activity is crucial for coastal visitors and travelers. Organizations like the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy offer resources such as the Sharktivity App. This app provides real-time updates on white shark sightings and detections, utilizing data from tagged sharks and confirmed or unconfirmed sightings. This information can help individuals make informed decisions about activities in or near the water.
### **How can Wayfar AI help plan trips around potential wildlife encounters or remote locations?**
When planning trips, especially to coastal areas or regions where wildlife activity might influence your itinerary, Wayfar AI can be an invaluable tool. Its AI-powered trip planning and instant private map generation features allow you to consolidate all your planned locations, routes, and notes into a single, visual, and interactive guide. You can have natural language conversations with the AI to plot optimal routes and locations, even considering factors like real-time local insights and live weather data. For instance, if you're planning a trip to a coastal area known for seasonal shark activity, Wayfar AI can help you map out safe zones, alternative attractions, or even plan your beach visits during times of lower reported activity, all integrated into one seamless itinerary. The smart route optimization ensures efficient travel between points of interest, saving you time and effort as you navigate your journey, whether you're exploring the coast or venturing into remote areas.
## References
* https://nypost.com/2025/07/24/science/shark-fears-as-giant-great-white-lurks-dangerously-close-to-east-coast-beaches-trackers/
* https://www.atlanticwhiteshark.org/sharktivity-app
