These 3 Places in Maine Are Top Great White Shark Hotspots

Shark sightings feel like they've become more common in Maine, and you wouldn't be wrong.

According to WMTW, Maine Department of Marine Resources scientist Matt Davis stated there has been an uptick in shark activity off the Maine coast.

WGME recently reported multiple sightings of Great Whites off Bailey Island, and National Geographic photojournalist Brian Skerry captured an incredible underwater photo of a Great White off the coast of Harpswell.

Great White Shark Monitoring in Maine

Back in 2020, Maine’s Department of Marine Resources announced that they were teaming up with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy and Massachusetts’ Division of Marine Fisheries to start tracking great whites using underwater receivers. That same summer, tragedy struck as Maine saw its first, and so far only, fatal shark attack.

While the research partnership had already been in the works, that attack made its importance all the more real.

Where are Great White Sharks Showing Up the Most in Maine?

Thanks to acoustic tag data from recent years, the Maine Department of Marine Resources has revealed three places along the Maine coast that have become top shark hotspots.

3. Higgins Beach in Scarborough, Maine

New receivers were added in 2023, according to the Department of Marine Resources, and seven unique sharks were recorded by late 2024. Seems like this southern Maine beach is an emerging focal point for shark activity.

2. Ragged Island in Harpswell, Maine

The department reported that 13 sharks were detected in 2023 across 29 days. Recent nearby sightings in 2025 only add to its notability as a hotspot.

1. Hermit Island in Phippsburg, Maine

This is the most consistently active detection site statewide, according to the marine resources department. It reported that in 2023, 19 unique sharks were detected here, with over 190 total pings, and high activity was detected throughout 2024.

A big important thing to note is that these findings are based on data from tagged sharks pinging underwater sensors, not beach sightings. However, they correlate closely with areas where sharks and humans intersect and give you a good idea of where they seem to be hanging out.

Sharks in Shallow Maine Waters

Another interesting thing is that Forbes reported in an article that research has revealed sharks are "spending time in waters less than 50 meters (164 feet) deep off Maine, with peak sightings occurring between July and September."

The article also stated that sharks are being detected more often during the daytime. Makes you want to be extra careful when you're enjoying the beach.

Of course, researchers emphasized in the Forbes report that "while the presence of sharks in Maine waters is notable, there is no reason to believe that humans are at significant risk."

Sure, but still, you can't help but get that rush of adrenaline and fear when you see a fin slicing through the water, right?

Bottom line? Shark attacks are still rare, but it's important to be vigilant, keep an eye out, and stay safe while enjoying your summer in the Pine Tree State.

Have you ever seen a shark in Maine?