Sharks in Rhode Island in May
Yes, May is a good month to see sharks in Rhode Island. It is the 4th busiest month of the year, with 36 of the 393 sightings logged across the year (9.2%), based on verified iNaturalist records.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Good month for sharks in Rhode Island
9.2%
of yearly sightings
36
records in May
#4
busiest month of 12
393
verified records a year
April 7.9%, May 9.2%, June 19.3%. Busiest month is June at 19.3%.
393 verified observations of sharks in Rhode Island, recorded across 12 months of the year on iNaturalist.
When sharks are recorded in Rhode Island
Peak month
June
76 records (19.3% of the year)
| Month | Observations | Share |
|---|---|---|
| January | 12 | 3.1% |
| February | 16 | 4.1% |
| March | 13 | 3.3% |
| April | 31 | 7.9% |
| May | 36 | 9.2% |
| Junepeak | 76 | 19.3% |
| Julypeak | 67 | 17% |
| Augustpeak | 61 | 15.5% |
| September | 34 | 8.7% |
| October | 21 | 5.3% |
| November | 18 | 4.6% |
| December | 8 | 2% |
Sharks you are most likely to see
| Species | Verified observations |
|---|---|
| Little Skate | 105 |
| Dusky Smooth-hound | 85 |
| Clearnose Skate | 46 |
| Sand Tiger Shark | 9 |
| Rosette Skate | 9 |
| Winter Skate | 6 |
| Western Atlantic Torpedo | 4 |
| Basking Shark | 3 |
In Rhode Island, May carries 9.2% of the year's sharks sightings, about 0.9 points above an even month-to-month split. That makes it the 4th busiest of the twelve months, out of 12 months with recorded activity.
Activity is rising from April (7.9%) into May, and it heads toward June (19.3%) after. The busiest month is June (19.3%), so if timing is flexible, that window is the safer bet.
The sharks most often recorded in Rhode Island are Little Skate, Dusky Smooth-hound and Clearnose Skate. Those counts are annual totals rather than a May split, so treat them as which species you are likely to encounter, while the month figures above show how many sightings fall in May itself.
Which sharks you are most likely to see
- Little Skate105 records
- Dusky Smooth-hound85 records
- Clearnose Skate46 records
- Sand Tiger Shark9 records
- Rosette Skate9 records
- Winter Skate6 records
Plan your shark trip in Rhode Island
Start with live tours near Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main shark viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best shark viewing area in Rhode Island.
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Broader backupBook a shark tour in Rhode Island
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see sharks in Rhode Island in May?+
Yes. May accounts for 36 of the 393 verified sharks sightings logged in Rhode Island across the year, which is 9.2% of the annual total.
Is May a good time to see sharks in Rhode Island?+
May is the 4th busiest month. It is workable, though June and July is the stronger window for a reliable sighting.
What month is best for sharks in Rhode Island?+
June is the single busiest month, with the broader peak running through June, July and August, based on 393 verified observations.
Which sharks are you most likely to see in Rhode Island?+
The most-recorded species in Rhode Island are Little Skate, Dusky Smooth-hound and Clearnose Skate, based on all-time iNaturalist counts.
See sharks in Rhode Island in other months
More wildlife in Rhode Island