More sightings of a rare Sand Tiger Shark reported in the Canary Islands
Divers in La Restinga, in the municipality of El Pinar in El Hierro, have reported more sightings of the Sand Tiger Shark (Odontaspis ferox), known locally as the Tiburón Solrayo, in the waters of the Marine Reserve of Mar de Las Calmas.
This species is considered rare and difficult to observe, and no confirmed sightings had been recorded in El Hierro for the past six years.
A vulnerable but docile species
The Sand Tiger Shark is listed as vulnerable on the Red List of Threatened Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It typically inhabits depths between 400 and 800 metres, can grow to more than three metres in length, and, despite its imposing appearance, is considered docile in behaviour.
In El Hierro, sightings have been reported in dive sites such as Baja Rosario and El Salto, located within the protected marine reserve of Punta de La Restinga, Mar de Las Calmas.
Growing interest among divers
Joseba Landaeta, director of the dive centre El Bajón, explained that in the past three weeks his team has observed the same shark on three separate outings. “Almost all the dive centres here in La Restinga are organising trips to try and spot it, especially in the afternoons, when visibility is better,” he said.
The news has sparked a surge in diving bookings, as enthusiasts are keen to experience the rare opportunity of observing this species in its natural environment.
Responsible observation
Landaeta also stressed that, despite the growing demand, all dive operators are following a strict code of conduct established in 2020 with technical and scientific input and supported by the Canary Islands Government.
This code sets out best practices to ensure the shark can be observed safely and without disturbance, helping both to protect the species and to guarantee a respectful and sustainable diving experience.
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