Swimming amidst the area's narrow rock passages and spectacular tunnels is an impressive selection of nurse and reef sharks, plus numerous other large species like tarpon and grouper.

Yes, there are sharks in the waters surrounding St. Barthélemy (St. Barth), but they are generally not a cause for concern for swimmers and snorkelers. The most common species found in the shallow reefs and bays are Nurse Sharks and Caribbean Reef Sharks. Nurse sharks are bottom-dwellers that are largely docile and often seen resting under rocky overhangs; reef sharks are more active but are typically shy and avoid human interaction. While larger species like Tiger or Hammerhead sharks inhabit the deeper Atlantic waters far offshore, they rarely enter the protected "Marine Reserve" areas where tourists swim. Since the establishment of the St. Barth Nature Reserve in 1996, the shark population has been a sign of a healthy marine ecosystem. There have been virtually no recorded shark "attacks" on tourists in the island's modern history. For snorkelers at spots like Colombier or Lorient, spotting a small reef shark is usually considered a highlight of the trip rather than a danger, as these creatures are a vital and beautiful part of the Caribbean's biodiversity.