A couple had an “unforgettable welcome to paradise” on their recent Royal Caribbean cruise. Right when they were about to hop in the water, they spotted a large hammerhead shark swimming near CocoCay.
@thevacationclubgambler, an account run by a couple who have timeshare ownership of Disney Vacation Club and Wyndham, recorded a hammerhead shark following their Royal Caribbean cruise ship. The post indicated they were about to get in the water, but the shark sighting deterred them.
The creator asked, “Would you still jump in the ocean after seeing this?”
The post has more than 87,500 views, with viewers sharing their own pictures of shark sightings near CocoCay.
Do Royal Caribbean Destinations Have Large Numbers Of Sharks?
The cruise ship regularly docks at its private island in the Bahamas, CocoCay.
Viewers claimed they have seen a number of sharks in the area.
Commenters theorized these sightings are likely of lemon sharks, which are among an estimated 500 species of sharks that are not considered dangerous to humans.
Are Hammerhead Sharks Dangerous?
While a majority of commenters were fascinated by the shark, a few viewers said they wouldn’t swim in the water if they saw the hammerhead.
“This is why I do not go further than ankle deep in the ocean,” one viewer said.
Another added, “That would be the snorkel of dive of my life.” The content creator replied, “But possibly your last with a shark like that!”
On average, around five to 10 people die due to shark attacks per year.
Historically, larger hammerhead species—the great hammerhead, scalloped hammerhead, and smooth hammerhead—have only attacked individuals without being provoked a number of times, according to TheSea. There are no reported fatalities that have occurred due to unprovoked hammerhead attacks, regardless of species. Additionally, the website noted that larger hammerheads are “physically capable of causing serious injury but show very little inclination to do so.”
The Dangers
There are still good reasons to be cautious when traveling.
In 2022, a 58-year-old woman died on an independent excursion while traveling with Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, according to Reuters. The woman and her family went snorkeling in Green Cay, a popular tourist destination, when a bull shark attacked her. Three years prior to the incident, a 21-year-old woman died in the same location after a shark attack.
In 2026, there was a fatal shark attack off the coast of California. The woman, Erica Fox, was wearing a shark band that was supposed to deter sharks from approaching her.
How To Avoid Shark Attacks
U.S. Masters Swimming reporter Elaine K. Howley recommends avoiding murky water when swimming in areas with shark sightings. Swimming along the shore and choosing to be in groups can also help prevent shark attacks.
If and when a person sees a shark, they should calmly swim away from the animal rather than antagonizing it. Howley wrote, “Simply keep an eye on the shark while quietly swimming towards the shore. If the shark is blocking your access to the beach, give the animal as wide a berth as possible so it can go about its business undisturbed.”
BroBible reached out to @thevacationclubgambler via TikTok direct message and comment as well as to Royal Caribbean via email for more information.