Blue shark sighted near the surface off Almuñécar

A blue shark, known locally as a tintorera, was filmed swimming near the surface in daylight off the coast of Almuñécar, in Granada’s Costa Tropical. The footage was captured by the diving company Open Water La Herradura during an authorized marine wildlife excursion permitted by Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO).

The sighting is considered unusual because blue sharks typically operate at depths between 60 and 300 meters and are primarily nocturnal. This specific individual was observed at shallow depths during the day in open water, away from crowded bathing zones.

Local diving professionals noted that while blue sharks are common in the region, climate change may be facilitating the arrival of other species that were previously rare in these waters, such as giant mantas, humpback whales, and dolphins. According to the University of Granada’s Aula del Mar, Mediterranean blue sharks are currently listed as Critically Endangered due to fishing pressures. Experts emphasize that the presence of the shark does not pose an immediate danger to swimmers, though they advise maintaining a respectful distance.