How to Identify Shark Fins
Dorsal fins are an inevitable sight at the ocean whether you're swimming or boating. Knowing the difference between a shark's fin and a dolphin's fin could save your life, particularly if you're swimming.
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Instructions
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Locate the dorsal fin in the water. Since sharks are swimmers and aren't stationary for very long, it's imperative that you learn how to look quickly at the dorsal fins and remember their shape.
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If the fin is triangular and slightly slanted, it's a shark. If the fin is triangular but severely slanted and dramatically curved inward, then it's most likely a dolphin.
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If you've identified a shark fin, get out of the water immediately. If you can't tell because of a poor sighting, don't take chances--leave the water.
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Tips & Warnings
Most sharks have another small fin right before the beginning of their tails. Notice how the water swishes around the tail area. If it goes side to side, it is most definitely a shark. If the water seems to go up and down, it's a dolphin or some other mammal.
