Women go kayaking in Australia, horror over what they see lurking in water

“Where is it? What the hell? Oh, my God,” one of them says, as the other repeatedly asks where the animal has gone. At one point, Mia can be heard crying, adding, “I’m crying. I’m dying. Oh, what the hell?” 

Text over the video explains the moment from their perspective: “POV [point of view] you’re just two girls kayaking in the middle of the Australian sea and you see a shark.”  

In the caption, Mia confirmed the emotional reaction was real, writing: “Yes tears were shed. Literally just girls xxx.” 

The encounter took place near Byron Bay, a popular tourist destination on New South Wales’ east coast, known for its beaches, surfing and marine life.  

While sightings can be alarming, experts say that sharks are a regular presence in the area. Byron Bay’s warm waters and abundant fish attract species such as whaler sharks, tiger sharks and occasional great whites, meaning sightings—especially from above in clear water—are not unusual, even if actual attacks remain rare. 

Mia’s video has gone viral on TikTok, amassing over 686,000 views. The clip quickly sparked debate in the comments, with some users trying to reassure the pair.  

“If you can see them you’re usually fine, most sharks attack by swimming deep and then going straight up for the attack,” one person wrote. 

Others were less convinced. “Is this like, safe to do?” another asked. Mia replied honestly: “It is although it did not feel it.” 

Several commenters said the clip reinforced their own fears. “As someone living in Sydney right now no way in hell I’d be in the Beach after the last month,” one wrote, while another added, “I’m Australian and even I wouldn’t go kayaking in the ocean, especially in NSW.” 

Some shared visceral reactions—“My life flashed before my eyes,” one user said—while another joked darkly that they would “have a literal panic attack and probably unalive by heart failure.” 

One commenter recalled a similar experience in the same spot years earlier. Their kayak capsized, they were surrounded by jellyfish, and they suffered a panic attack in the water before being pulled back aboard by strangers. “Good times,” they added.