Three-Metre Shark Spotted Circling Boat Off Granada Coast

Mako Shark Circles Research Vessel Off Almuñécar

A three-metre shark has been spotted off the coast of Almuñécar in Granada, just days before the May bank holiday weekend is expected to bring thousands of visitors to the beaches of southern Spain.

The animal was observed by biologists from the University of Granada approximately four miles offshore. Researchers reported that the shark "approached their vessel several times before swimming away" — behaviour consistent with the curiosity often displayed by this species around boats.

Marine experts believe the creature is a shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) — one of the ocean's most impressive and, increasingly, one of its most threatened inhabitants.

About the Shortfin Mako

The shortfin mako is the fastest shark in the ocean, capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h. It has a distinctive torpedo-shaped body, pointed snout and long, narrow teeth, and can be found anywhere from the surface to depths of around 400 metres.

Its diet consists primarily of mackerel, sardines, hake, squid and smaller sharks — fast-moving prey that suits its exceptional speed and agility.

Despite its impressive size and reputation, experts emphasise that the mako poses minimal risk to beachgoers. The species strongly prefers open water and rarely approaches shorelines, making encounters with swimmers extremely uncommon.

An Endangered and Protected Species

The shortfin mako is classified as endangered globally and is a protected species in the Mediterranean Sea, where catching it is prohibited — even though commercial demand for its meat persists in some markets. The species has suffered significant population declines due to overfishing and bycatch.

Sightings off the Spanish coast, while not an everyday occurrence, are not unusual in the Alboran Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cádiz. Fishermen and recreational boats occasionally report encounters off the coasts of Granada, Málaga and Almería.

Timing and Context

The sighting comes just ahead of the May bank holiday, when Spain's southern beaches typically see a significant surge in visitors. The University of Granada researchers were quick to contextualise the find — there is no cause for alarm, and the shark's presence four miles offshore presents no realistic threat to people swimming at the coast.

The encounter follows recent reports of Portuguese man o' war sightings in the same waters — a reminder that the sea off Andalusia's coast is a genuinely rich marine environment, not simply a backdrop for beach tourism.

For marine wildlife enthusiasts, a mako sighting this close to shore is a rare and notable event. For everyone else heading to the Costa Tropical this bank holiday weekend — the beach is safe.

This article is based on reporting from Andalucía Today, published April 24, 2026.