How Fast Do Sharks Swim? Five Amazing Facts

No visit to Hawaii is complete without a few excursions to the depths of the surrounding Pacific Ocean. Hawaii’s waters are teeming with wildlife, from turtles and dolphins to the broad array of tropical fish that call our coral reefs home. However, the most fearsome of our local underwater cousins are probably the sharks. Some of the most common species include tiger sharks, reef sharks, and even hammerhead sharks. All that begs the question – how fast do sharks swim?

At North Shore Shark Adventures, we love nothing more than showing guests the underwater highlights of Hawaii’s surrounding ocean. On our family-friendly shark cage diving tours, shark sightings – and safety – are 100% guaranteed. Even if they can swim very fast, sharks will almost certainly come close to you out of curiosity, all while you remain protected at all times.

Below, we look at some amazing facts regarding the speed of our local sharks. For more information or to book a tour, don’t hesitate to call us.

How Fast Do Sharks Swim?

Here are some awe-inspiring facts about some of Hawaii’s awesome shark species:

1. Speed of Tiger Sharks

If you’re visiting Hawaii and swimming in the waters, you might be curious about the speed of the tiger sharks that live around the islands. These sharks can swim up to 20 miles per hour (32 km/h). While they’re not the fastest swimmers, they’re still pretty powerful and can move quickly when they need to, especially when hunting or protecting their space.

2. Speed of Reef Sharks

Reef sharks, like blacktip and white tip reef sharks, are a bit smaller but faster than tiger sharks. They can reach speeds of about 15 miles per hour (24 km/h). You might spot them darting through Hawaii’s coral reefs, where they navigate swiftly in search of food. Their speed helps them move through the water with ease.

3. Speed of Hammerhead Sharks

Hammerhead sharks are another species you may encounter around Hawaii, and they can swim at speeds of 20 miles per hour (32 km/h). While they might look a little different with their unique head shape, it actually helps them to hunt and move more efficiently. When needed, they can zoom through the water at impressive speeds, particularly if they’re chasing after prey.

4. Speed During Migrations

During migration periods, sharks in Hawaii can really pick up the pace. Species like the Galápagos and mako sharks can swim at speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (40 km/h) for short bursts. This speed is crucial for their long-distance travel across the ocean, helping them find food or breeding grounds.

5. Steady Swimming Over Long Distances

Sharks in Hawaii aren’t all about fast bursts of speed. Many species, like the tiger shark, are built for endurance and can swim at a more relaxed pace of 2-3 miles per hour (3-5 km/h) for long distances. This ability allows them to travel far and wide, covering large areas of the ocean while in search of food, mates, and new territories.

How Fast Do Sharks Swim? Call Us to Learn More

As you can see from the above – while sharks often like to swim at a cool and leisurely pace, they’re capable of reaching speeds in exceed of 20 mph in short bursts. How amazing is that? If you want the chance to see these awesome creatures weaving through the Pacific, we’d love to hear from you. Browse our range of tours today to see what’s available.