Season
The best time for diving in Portugal is from May to October, with warm water, good visibility and ideal conditions.
Diving with sharks in Portugal
The Portuguese coast and the Azores are known for their rich underwater world. More than 30 shark species live here – some common, others only occasional. But what about the great white shark in Portugal or possible shark attacks? We take a closer look at the facts and show where divers can encounter these fascinating animals.
Best time to travel
When, where and how to dive in Portugal
Getting there
Portugal is easy to reach: there are daily direct flights to Lisbon, Porto and Faro from many European airports.
Water temperature
Climate in Portugal
Languages
In Portugal the official language is Portuguese, but in tourist regions English is also widely understood. In larger cities and in the Algarve, many people also speak Spanish or French.
Decompression chambers
In Portugal there are several decompression chambers for divers with decompression accidents, mainly in coastal regions such as the Algarve, Lisbon and Porto. These facilities are modern and available around the clock.
On the Portuguese mainland there are currently no organized offers for shark diving. Apart from the small-spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula), which is mainly found off Lisbon, encounters with sharks are rare. Divers occasionally report spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), tope sharks (Galeorhinus galeus) and occasionally blue sharks (Prionace glauca), which are otherwise more often seen further out in the Atlantic. Such sightings are, however, exceptional moments of luck and cannot be planned.
The best dive centers in Portugal
5 ★ Dive Center
With all dive centers there is the opportunity to observe sharks. You will find the species and the right season for them.
Which shark species can be seen in Portugal?
Shark species in Portugal
In Portuguese waters, more than 30 different shark species have been documented. Catsharks, tope sharks and spiny dogfish are commonly encountered. In the Azores, there are good chances of seeing blue sharks in summer and occasionally mako sharks. Hammerheads, thresher sharks and other pelagic species appear less frequently. The great white shark is also sighted, but extremely rarely.
Blue Shark
Prionace glaucaSmall-spotted catshark
Scyliorhinus caniculaShortfin Mako
Isurus oxyrinchusSilky shark
Carcharhinus falciformisTiger Shark
Galeocerdo cuvierWhale Shark
Rhincodon typusGreat white shark
Carcharodon carchariasOceanic whitetip shark
Carcharhinus longimanus
Portugal’s Atlantic jewel
The Azores – the highlight with sharks
Diving with sharks in the Azores is a unique experience. Especially around Pico, Faial and São Miguel, dive centers offer trips into the open Atlantic, where you can dive with blue sharks and sometimes mako sharks. The remote location of the archipelago makes the Azores one of the best places in Europe for encounters with pelagic sharks.
Season
The best time for shark dives in the Azores is from July to October. During these months, pelagic species such as blue sharks are particularly common.
Getting there
The Azores are easily accessible by plane, usually via Lisbon or Porto. From there, there are regular connections to Pico, Faial or São Miguel, where most dive centers are located.
Species
The Azores are particularly famous for blue sharks. Mako sharks and occasionally hammerheads and whale sharks can also be spotted. Closer to the coast, smaller species such as catsharks can be encountered.
Climate
Water temperatures range from 17 °C in spring to around 24 °C in late summer. In midsummer, the water is at its clearest, providing optimal visibility.
Frequently asked questions
Are there sharks in Portugal?
Yes, several shark species live both on the mainland and in the Azores. Especially in the Azores, divers can regularly observe different species.
Which sharks are there in Portugal?
More than 30 different species have been documented in Portuguese waters. These include catsharks, dogfish, spiny dogfish, blue sharks, mako sharks, hammerheads, and many more.
Are there great white sharks in Portugal?
The great white shark occurs in the North Atlantic, but it is only extremely rarely sighted off the Portuguese coast. For divers, other species play a much more important role.
Are sharks dangerous in Portugal?
No. The native species are harmless to humans, and shark attacks are extremely rare. There are hardly any documented cases of shark attacks in Portugal. The few reports mostly date back decades and involve fishing boats, not divers or swimmers.
Where can you dive with sharks in Portugal?
The best chances are in the Azores, especially Faial, Pico, and Santa Maria. On the mainland, smaller species such as catsharks can be found around Cascais, Peniche, or Sesimbra.
For the Azores, summer (July to September) is considered the best season for encounters with whale sharks, blue sharks, and makos. On the mainland, smaller species can be found all year round.
Best season for shark diving in Portugal?
The main season for shark diving in the Azores is from July to September. On the mainland, smaller species can be seen all year round.
Always up to date
News from Portugal
In our news section, you will find the latest reports on sightings, research, conservation projects, and special events related to sharks in Portuguese waters.
