Florida, renowned for its sun-soaked beaches and unique natural wonders, is also home to two of the most dangerous tourist attractions in the United States: New Smyrna Beach and Eagle’s Nest Sinkhole. Both locations draw thrill-seekers and nature lovers, but each carries significant risks that have earned them national notoriety.
New Smyrna Beach: The “Shark Attack Capital of the World”
New Smyrna Beach, located on Florida’s east coast in Volusia County, consistently ranks as the most dangerous beach in the United States due to its high number of shark attacks, surf zone fatalities, and hurricane threats.
According to recent studies, New Smyrna Beach has recorded 277 shark attacks and 12 surf zone fatalities, giving it the highest danger score among U.S. beaches. The Guinness Book of World Records recognizes it as the “Shark Attack Capital of the World,” with nearly 250 recorded incidents per square mile.
The high frequency of shark encounters is attributed to the area’s abundant bait fish, which attract both sharks and surfers. While most shark bites are non-fatal and often result in minor injuries, the sheer number of incidents sets New Smyrna Beach apart.
Surfers and swimmers here are reportedly ten times more likely to be bitten by a shark than anywhere else in the country. Despite this, locals and regular visitors emphasize that shark encounters are rare for the average beachgoer, especially if safety protocols-such as avoiding fishing areas and staying aware of marine life-are followed.
Beyond marine life, New Smyrna Beach is also vulnerable to powerful rip currents and hurricanes. Since 1851, the region has experienced over 120 hurricane landfalls, compounding the risks for tourists, especially during storm season.
Eagle’s Nest Sinkhole: The “Mount Everest of Cave Diving”
Hidden within the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management Area, Eagle’s Nest Sinkhole is infamous among divers and adventure tourists. Nicknamed the “Mount Everest of cave diving,” this underwater cave system plunges to depths exceeding 300 feet and features a labyrinth of narrow, disorienting passages. Since the 1980s, more than a dozen divers-both experienced and novice-have lost their lives exploring its depths.
The dangers at Eagle’s Nest are multifaceted:
- Poor visibility: The water is often murky and filled with algae, making navigation difficult and increasing the risk of getting lost.
- Complex cave system: The cave’s twisting passages and constricted entrances can trap or disorient even skilled divers.
- Depth and pressure: At extreme depths, divers risk nitrogen narcosis, a condition that impairs judgment and can be fatal.
- Limited rescue options: The remoteness and complexity of the cave make rescue operations challenging and, in some cases, impossible.
Warnings are posted at the site, and the cave was once closed to the public due to the high fatality rate, only reopening after lobbying from the diving community. Today, only highly trained and certified technical divers are advised to attempt a dive in Eagle’s Nest, and even then, the risks remain substantial.
Comparison Table: New Smyrna Beach vs. Eagle’s Nest Sinkhole
| Attraction | Main Danger | Fatalities/Incidents | Who’s at Risk | Safety Measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Smyrna Beach | Shark attacks, rip currents, hurricanes | 277 shark attacks, 12 surf fatalities | Swimmers, surfers, beachgoers | Avoid fishing areas, heed warnings, stay alert during storms |
| Eagle’s Nest Sinkhole | Cave diving accidents | 12+ diver deaths since 1980s | Technical cave divers | Only for experienced divers, follow strict protocols |
Florida’s allure as a tourist hotspot comes with a cautionary tale: some of its most beautiful attractions are also among the most dangerous in the country. New Smyrna Beach’s record-breaking shark attacks and Eagle’s Nest Sinkhole’s deadly allure for divers have secured their places on national lists of hazardous destinations.
While both sites remain popular, visitors should approach them with respect for the risks and a commitment to safety. For most, the best way to enjoy these locations is from a safe distance-or, at the very least, with eyes wide open to their hidden dangers.
Sources:
- https://wflanews.iheart.com/content/2025-03-07-florida-spot-named-among-the-most-dangerous-tourist-attractions-in-the-us/
- https://www.newsmyrnastays.com/is-new-smyrna-beach-dangerous/
- https://cavedivingaccident.com/floridas-deadly-depths-the-tragic-tale-of-eagles-nest-sinkhole/
- https://travel.alot.com/themes/the-10-most-dangerous-tourist-attractions–10189
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2023-05-11-florida-is-home-to-2-of-the-worlds-most-dangerous-tourist-attractions/
