Sharks of Gibraltar
All species
Basking Shark

Basking Shark

Cetorhinus maximus

Not aggressive

The world's second-largest fish — a gentle giant that filter-feeds on plankton.

Maximum size

7–9.1 m

Aggressiveness

Not aggressive

Habitat

Open coastal and pelagic waters; seasonally moves through the Strait following plankton blooms.

Ecology

Highly migratory. Aggregations have been documented in the Alboran Sea adjacent to Gibraltar.

Feeding

Passive ram filter feeder — swims slowly with mouth agape, straining zooplankton through gill rakers.

Behaviour

Often surface-feeds with the dorsal fin and tail tip exposed. Frequently solitary, sometimes in small groups.

Safety notes for visitors

Risk to swimmers: NegligibleRisk to divers: NegligibleEncounter likelihood: Possible

Species-specific: Harmless to humans. Maintain distance to avoid stressing the animal or being struck by the tail.

If you encounter one

  • Enjoy the sighting — these species are not considered dangerous to humans.
  • Keep a respectful distance; do not touch, grab or attempt to ride the animal.
  • Avoid blocking its path or cornering it against the seabed or a reef.
  • Report unusual or stranded individuals to GONHS or the Department of the Environment.

General visitor guidance

  • Swim, snorkel and dive in groups and stay close to the shore or your boat.
  • Avoid dawn, dusk and night — visibility is low and many sharks are most active.
  • Do not enter the water with open wounds or near fishing activity, bait or chum.
  • Remove shiny jewellery and avoid high-contrast clothing that can resemble prey.
  • If sharks are reported locally, follow guidance from Gibraltar Port Authority and lifeguards.

Conservation status

IUCN: Endangered.

Sources & Citations

Data compiled from peer-reviewed and authoritative open sources. Last reviewed 2026.