Madeira and the Canary Current The waters off Madeira also see a high concentration of marine life, including various shark and ray species. From the relatively harmless basking shark to the rarely seen blue shark, the waters surrounding mainland Portugal, the Azores, and Madeira are far from empty.
Swimming With Sharks in the Azores Thrilling Encounters Await
The few recorded incidents are often cases of mistaken identity, where a shark investigating a splashing swimmer or surfer bites and then quickly releases upon realizing the error. The oceanic whitetip and the mako shark are examples of pelagic species that pass through deep offshore waters, while the blue shark is a common sight for fishermen and divers in the mid-water columns.
These filter feeders, which can grow to the size of a bus, cruise just below the surface with their mouths agape, consuming plankton and small crustaceans. These sleek predators are fundamental to the marine food chain, helping to regulate populations of fish and squid.
Swimming With Sharks in the Azores Thrilling Encounters
The deep trenches and rich biodiversity of this UNESCO World Heritage site attract blue sharks, mako sharks, and even the rare whale shark, making it a prime location for scientific research and responsible ecotourism. Hotspots for Shark Activity While sharks are present throughout the national territory, specific regions act as hotspots for observation and study.
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