Sharks of Gibraltar
All species
Oceanic Whitetip Shark

Oceanic Whitetip Shark

Carcharhinus longimanus

Highly aggressive

Stocky open-ocean shark with distinctive white-tipped, paddle-like fins.

Maximum size

3–4 m

Aggressiveness

Highly aggressive

Habitat

Open warm pelagic waters; occasional in the Strait's deeper Atlantic side.

Ecology

Once one of the most abundant pelagic sharks; populations have collapsed by >90%.

Feeding

Opportunistic; bony fish, cephalopods, seabirds, turtles and carrion.

Behaviour

Bold, persistent and slow to retreat once interested in a target.

Safety notes for visitors

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

Species-specific: Historically responsible for many open-ocean attacks on shipwreck and aircraft survivors. Exit the water calmly if encountered.

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: Critically Endangered.

Sources & Citations

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