World’s second largest shark species seen off Algarve coast
Answers to all of your questions about sharks in Portugal
World’s second largest shark species seen off Algarve coast
Answers to all of your questions about sharks in Portugal
Are there sharks in Portugal? The easy answer is yes, and probably more than you would first think. Don’t panic though, they’re mostly hunting small fish such as sardines and mackerel. Sightings are quite rare, and Portugal has a safe history of no recorded shark attacks. Several sightings have been caught on camera over recent years.
Recent sightings
Those on board with Bolhas boat tours this weekend were lucky enough to encounter the worlds second largest species of shark, the basking shark, just off the coast from Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo.
Whilst these sharks pose no threat to humans, living off a plankton based diet, it was a thrilling moment for onlookers aboard the boat. Adults typically reach 6-8 meters in length, and are described as slow-moving filter feeders. Their name comes from its habit of feeding at the surface, appearing to be basking in the warmer water – explaining why it can be found in the Algarve!
This is not the first time one has been sighted from the popular holiday destination. Another adult basking shark was caught on camera from Meia Praia beach in Lagos, in January 2018. The video posted on Facebook soon went viral, reaching more than 50,000 views. Surfers have also reported a sighting at Praia do Tonel near the town of Sagres.
Recent sightings
Those on board with Bolhas boat tours this weekend were lucky enough to encounter the worlds second largest species of shark, the basking shark, just off the coast from Praia da Ribeira do Cavalo.
Whilst these sharks pose no threat to humans, living off a plankton based diet, it was a thrilling moment for onlookers aboard the boat. Adults typically reach 6-8 meters in length, and are described as slow-moving filter feeders. Their name comes from its habit of feeding at the surface, appearing to be basking in the warmer water – explaining why it can be found in the Algarve!
This is not the first time one has been sighted from the popular holiday destination. Another adult basking shark was caught on camera from Meia Praia beach in Lagos, in January 2018. The video posted on Facebook soon went viral, reaching more than 50,000 views. Surfers have also reported a sighting at Praia do Tonel near the town of Sagres.
Shark attacks
Have there been any shark attacks in Portugal? According to Shark Attack Data, there have been two fatal attacks off the coast of Funchal, Madeira, but nothing recorded in Portugal. Both of the attacks were more than 40 years ago, back in 1979 and 1956, during fishing trips.