Photo credits to @timodersch

Sharks in Lanzarote: Where to See Them and Why You Shouldn’t Panic

Let’s be honest—when most people hear the word shark, their first thought is probably something along the lines of “Nope, not today!” 

But here’s the thing: sharks in Lanzarote are more fascinating than fearsome, and if you’re lucky, you might just get to see one up close (in a totally safe and awe-inspiring way, of course).

So, if you’re curious about sharks in Lanzarote, where to find them, and why you should be excited instead of scared, keep reading.

Spoiler alert: It’s not in your hotel pool.

Are There Sharks in Lanzarote?

Short answer: Yes!

Long answer: Lanzarote, like the rest of the Canary Islands, is home to a diverse range of marine species, including several types of sharks.

But before you start reconsidering your beach holiday, let’s clear up a big misconception: the sharks here are not interested in you.

Out of the 50 species of sharks found in Canary Islands waters, none are considered a real danger to humans. So, while Hollywood may have convinced you that sharks are constantly plotting their next snack (aka you), the reality is that they are far more likely to avoid people altogether.

Instead of fearing them, why not take the chance to admire these incredible creatures?

If you’re a diver, Lanzarote is one of the best places in Europe for shark encounters, with some species being spotted almost daily.

What Sharks Can You See in Lanzarote?

Now that we’ve established that sharks in Lanzarote are more “cool marine animals” than “ocean villains”, let’s talk about the different species you might encounter here.

1. Angel Shark – The Star of the Show

If there’s one shark you’re almost guaranteed to see while diving in Lanzarote, it’s the angel shark. 

Think of it as the underwater version of a ninja—it lies flat on the seabed, perfectly camouflaged, waiting to surprise its prey.

Despite its name, the angel shark is not exactly angelic—it’s a skilled hunter. But don’t worry, humans are definitely not on the menu. 

They’re quite docile unless provoked, so as long as you respect their space, you’ll have nothing to worry about.

Best places to see them:

• Playa Chica (Puerto del Carmen) – Almost daily sightings, from November to March.
• Playa Blanca – Dive sites like Las Coloradas and Flamingo Wall are known for frequent angel shark encounters during the breeding season.
• Chinijo Archipelago Marine Reserve – Home to some of the biggest angel sharks.
• Charco del Palo – A fantastic dive site where, during January, February, and March, we have seen up to 15 angel sharks in a single dive.

Best time to spot them:

The breeding season runs from November to March, making this the peak time for sightings. However, angel sharks can be seen in Lanzarote’s waters at any time of the year.

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2. Hammerhead Shark – A Recent Celebrity

In early 2024, a hammerhead shark was spotted near the coast of Arrecife, making waves (figuratively and literally). A fisherman managed to capture it on video, drawing excitement from locals and marine enthusiasts alike.

Hammerhead sharks are actually quite common in the waters around Lanzarote and are frequently spotted by sport fishermen. While they tend to stay in deeper areas, occasional sightings near the shore do happen. 

These sharks are among the most unique-looking creatures in the ocean, and despite their intimidating appearance, they are not considered a threat to humans.

Where to see them?

They typically stay in deep waters, so your best chance of spotting one is on a boat tour or an advanced diving trip.

3. Shortfin Mako – The Speedster

The shortfin mako is the Formula 1 car of the ocean, reaching speeds of up to 45 mph (74 km/h). It’s also one of the most common sharks in Canary Islands waters.

While they tend to stay in deeper waters, they are sometimes spotted around Lanzarote, especially on offshore boat trips. If you see one, consider yourself lucky—it’s one of the most spectacular sharks to witness in motion.

Blue Shark – A Spectacular but Elusive Visitor

The blue shark, also known as “tintorera” or “quella” in the Canary Islands, is an oceanic species that can occasionally be spotted in Lanzarote’s waters. 

Recognizable by its sleek, elongated body, striking blue coloration, and distinctive cone-shaped snout, it is one of the most elegant sharks in the Atlantic.

These sharks prefer tropical and temperate waters, typically staying at depths between 60 and 300 meters. 

While they are not the most commonly seen species near the coast, fishermen and divers do report sightings from time to time, especially in deeper offshore areas.

Best Places to See Sharks in Lanzarote

Whether you’re a diver or prefer to stay on the surface, there are plenty of ways to spot sharks in Lanzarote. Here’s how you can increase your chances of an encounter:

For Divers: The Best Shark Diving Spots

1. Playa Chica (Puerto del Carmen)
   • One of the most popular dive sites.
   • Frequent angel shark sightings.
   • Easy access and great visibility.
2. Playa Blanca
   • Las Coloradas and Flamingo Wall are great for spotting angel sharks.
   • Also home to rays and other fascinating marine life.
3. Charco del Palo
   • Known for its diverse marine ecosystem.
   • Occasional sightings of mako sharks and other deep-sea species.
4. El Ascensor (Mala)
   • A volcanic tube dive—a truly unique experience.
   • Some shark sightings reported, though less frequent.

For Non-Divers: See Sharks from the Surface

5. Boat Tours
   • The best way to spot basking sharks and other surface-swimming species.
   • Eco-friendly options available, with marine biologists on board to ensure respectful wildlife viewing.
6. Sport Fishing Boats
   • While primarily focused on catch-and-release fishing, some tours report mako and blue shark sightings.
   • Choosing an ethical and sustainable operator is key to protecting marine life.

Is It Safe to Dive with Sharks in Lanzarote?

Absolutely. Sharks in Lanzarote are not a threat to divers or swimmers. In fact, you are more likely to get hurt by a jellyfish or a clumsy fellow diver than by a shark.

However, here are a few golden rules to follow if you’re lucky enough to encounter one:

Protecting Sharks in Lanzarote – Why It Matters

Sharks play a crucial role in the ocean’s ecosystem, but many species are endangered. 

Lanzarote is actually a key conservation area for the angel shark, which is one of the most endangered shark species in the world. Thankfully, ongoing research, protection efforts and projects like the Angel Shark Project are helping to ensure their survival.

Angel sharks have had a rough time. Once common all over the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean, their numbers have plummeted thanks to overfishing, habitat destruction, and accidental bycatch.

Unlike sharks that roam the deep, angel sharks prefer coastal seabeds, making them extra vulnerable—especially to bottom-trawling fishing. 

And to make matters worse? They reproduce at an extremely slow rate, so their population struggles to bounce back.

But here’s the good news: Lanzarote is one of their last strongholds. 

Thanks to conservation efforts like the Angel Shark Project, researchers are working to track, protect, and raise awareness about these fascinating creatures. 

Some sharks have even been tagged with color-coded markers to help scientists understand their movement and population health.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should See Sharks in Lanzarote

So, there you have it—sharks in Lanzarote are incredible, diverse, and nothing to be afraid of. Whether you’re diving, snorkelling, or just taking a boat tour, you might get the chance to witness these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.

And let’s be honest—wouldn’t it be cooler to say you saw a wild shark in Lanzarote rather than just another Instagram sunset? 😉

So, are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Whether you’re diving, snorkelling, or taking a boat tour, Lanzarote is one of the best places in Europe to see sharks in the wild.

Grab your gear, book that trip, and go meet the sharks in Lanzarote! 🦈✨

Did you enjoy this guide? Share it with your fellow adventurers and let them know that sharks in Lanzarote are worth discovering! 🚀