<p>This paper analyses data related to 62 human–shark interactions in New Caledonia and 60 in Reunion Island from 1980 to 2022. A database on human–shark interactions in New Caledonia and Reunion Island was developed using the same variables and similar time steps for both locations. The discussion focuses on human–shark interactions in New Caledonia, with some comparisons to those on Reunion Island where possible. Environmental, contextual and individual variables related to human–shark interactions were analysed to identify potential influencing factors. The data analysis for New Caledonia revealed some correlations between variables related to the human–shark interactions. The main results showed that there was a concomitant increase in human–shark interactions since 2010 in the bays of Noumea and in the prevalence of human–shark interactions among people practising boardsports since 2007. The year 2007 was a pivotal year with respect to differences in important parameters of human–shark interactions. The results of this comparison between Reunion Island and New Caledonia were as follows: fatal human–shark interactions occurred among individuals practising boardsports and in turbid environments, whereas nonfatal human–shark interactions among individuals engaged in spearfishing and in clear water in New Caledonia.</p>