Sharks of Gibraltar
All species
Great White Shark

Great White Shark

Carcharodon carcharias

Highly aggressive

The largest predatory fish in the ocean — apex predator of temperate seas.

Maximum size

3.4–4.9 m

Aggressiveness

Highly aggressive

Habitat

Continental shelves and slopes; rare but confirmed in Strait of Gibraltar waters.

Ecology

Plays a top-down role in marine ecosystems; populations slow to recover from decline.

Feeding

Adults specialise on marine mammals; juveniles take fish, rays and other sharks.

Behaviour

Generally solitary, capable of long-distance transoceanic migrations.

Safety notes for visitors

Risk to swimmers: ElevatedRisk to divers: ModerateEncounter likelihood: Rare

Species-specific: Implicated in more unprovoked human bite incidents than any other species worldwide. Avoid swimming at dawn/dusk near seal colonies.

If you encounter one

  • Do not panic, splash or turn your back — keep the shark in sight at all times.
  • Maintain a vertical posture, back away calmly toward the boat or shore.
  • If approached closely, push firmly on the snout or gills with any hard object.
  • Leave the water as soon as possible and report the sighting to local authorities.

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: Vulnerable.

Sources & Citations

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