Picture this: you’re floating in the warm Mediterranean waters, sun kissing your skin, when a random thought hits you—“Wait… are there sharks here?”
If you’ve ever Googled “Are there sharks in Costa Blanca?”, you’re not alone. With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and millions of annual visitors, the Costa Blanca coast in Spain raises an age-old question: just how safe are these waters from sharks?
Let’s dive into the facts, myths, and real recent sightings—because the truth might surprise you.
Are There Sharks in the Mediterranean?
Yes, absolutely. But don’t grab your snorkel and scream just yet.
The Mediterranean Sea is home to around 47 species of sharks, including:
Blue shark (Prionace glauca) – the most commonly spotted
Sandbar shark
Shortfin mako shark
Great white shark (yes, technically, but it’s extremely rare and mostly near Sicily or Tunisia)
However, sightings are rare, and shark attacks are even rarer. In fact, the Mediterranean sees fewer shark attacks per year than Australia sees in a month.
🧠 Fun Fact
You’re statistically more likely to be injured by a beach umbrella or selfie stick than a shark in Spain.
Recent Shark Sightings in Costa Blanca
While sightings are infrequent, two recent events made headlines and got tourists talking:
1. Dénia – September 2024
A blue shark swam near Playa de les Deveses, prompting lifeguards to evacuate swimmers and raise red flags. The scene caused temporary panic, but the shark quickly returned to deeper waters.
A similar incident occurred in Orihuela when a blue shark approached the Aguamarina shoreline. Beachgoers were calmly escorted out of the water, and the animal disappeared without incident.
The sharks spotted near Costa Blanca shores—mainly blue sharks—are not considered aggressive toward humans. They typically feed on:
Small fish
Squid
Crustaceans
They only come closer to the coast if disoriented, injured, or lost, often in search of cooler water or prey.
🔎 Expert Opinion:
Marine biologists note that blue sharks are shy creatures. Encounters are accidental, and attacks are extremely rare. Most are curious passersby, not predators on patrol.
Why Are Shark Sightings Increasing?
Great question. A few reasons:
Warmer waters (climate change effect)
Overfishing pushing sharks closer to shore to find food
Viral videos and social media increasing public awareness
Still, these are isolated events. Even with slight increases in sightings, Costa Blanca remains one of the safest beach zones in Europe.
Safety Tips: Just in Case
We’re not saying you’ll see a shark—but just like sunburn or jellyfish, it’s good to be prepared:
Always obey lifeguards and beach flags
Don’t swim far from the shore alone
Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk
Don’t wear shiny jewelry that may resemble fish scales
And most importantly—don’t panic. If you do see a shark, calmly leave the water and alert lifeguards.
🧠 Fun Fact
Sharks can smell a drop of blood in the ocean… but they’re more interested in tuna than tourists.
Shark Attacks in Spain: What Are the Stats?
You’ll be glad to hear:
No fatal shark attacks have been recorded in Spain in over a century
Only a handful of non-fatal bites have occurred in the Mediterranean in the past 50 years
The last confirmed shark bite in Spain? Likely decades ago and not on the Costa Blanca
You’re more at risk from jellyfish stings, sunstroke, or mojito overload.
Sharks & Tourism: The Hype
Let’s be honest—“Shark Spotted in Spain!” is great clickbait.
Every time there’s a sighting, it goes viral. But this doesn’t mean danger. It means curiosity.
For eco-tourism enthusiasts, some companies even offer shark-watching trips in deeper waters far from tourist beaches—think of it as the whale-watching of the Mediterranean.
FAQ – Shark Safety in Costa Blanca
Are shark attacks common in Costa Blanca? No. They are extremely rare to the point of being virtually non-existent.
Is it safe to swim in the sea in Alicante or Benidorm? Absolutely. Lifeguards, flags, and clear water conditions make it one of Europe’s safest coastal zones.
Why are there suddenly more shark sightings? Mostly due to better surveillance, social media, and slightly warmer sea temperatures.
Can I dive or snorkel safely? Yes, and thousands do so every summer with no incident. Just follow local guidelines and avoid remote areas alone.
Conclusion
Sharks exist in Costa Blanca’s waters—but so do dolphins, sea turtles, and thousands of safe, happy swimmers.
Rather than fear them, understand them. They’re an essential part of the ecosystem, not movie monsters waiting to attack.
So go ahead—enjoy the Mediterranean. Just don’t forget your sunscreen… that’s way more dangerous than sharks.
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