Mako Pako – Basque Shark Diving was founded in 2013 out of a passion for the sea and sharks. The dive centre operates off the coast of the Basque Country from Bermeo (Biscay) and offers responsible shark encounters in the open Cantabrian Sea, combined with environmental education and conservation projects.
Shark Diving with Mako Pako
Tours run daily from mid-June to mid-October in small groups, departing from Bermeo harbour. After a safety briefing, the boat takes participants out to wait for the sharks. Once the first animals approach, a guide introduces the behaviour of the sharks, then enters the water for up to 10 minutes before giving each participant the opportunity to enter the water calmly and respectfully. The guides ensure safety and accompany participants throughout the encounter. Additionally, there is a chance to observe other marine life such as dolphins, sunfish, jellyfish, salps, swimming crabs, or various seabirds during the trips.
Equipment & Details
A standard tour lasts 4–5 hours and costs £200 per person. A private tour (up to 6 people) costs £1,400 for approximately 5 hours. Snacks and drinks are included on board, and snorkelling equipment can be hired for £20. The water temperature in summer is around 22°C – a 5mm wetsuit is recommended. Visibility ranges from 8–15 metres depending on weather conditions. Participation is possible from a minimum age of 10 (with parental consent), and aquatic sports insurance is mandatory.
Diverse Encounters & Conservation Efforts
Mako Pako focuses on encounters with blue sharks (Prionace glauca) and occasionally with mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus). Both species are pelagic wild animals – encounters are possible but not guaranteed; the sighting rate is around 90%. The activities are used to raise awareness and support marine and shark conservation projects. Mako Pako participates in citizen science initiatives to report sightings, among other efforts.
