Swimmers and freedivers were treated to an unexpected visitor off the coast of Tenerife when a large shark was spotted close to the surface shortly before the start of a freediving event.

The shark was seen in the waters off Radazul, in the municipality of El Rosario, this morning (Saturday August 8th), causing considerable excitement among swimmers and competitors gathered in the area.

Despite its size and proximity to the planned diving area, there were no attacks or dangerous incidents reported, and the scheduled activities were able to continue.

Shark filmed close to the surface

Footage of the encounter was shared on Instagram by the account @gastonanfibio and shows the shark's fin moving calmly through the water close to the surface off Radazul.

Its arrival shortly before the freediving competition naturally attracted plenty of attention from those preparing to enter the water.

However, the shark did not display any reported aggressive behaviour and the sighting passed without incident.

Shark sightings around the Canary Islands are not unusual, although encounters close enough to the coast to be noticed by swimmers inevitably generate attention, particularly when footage is shared on social media.

The waters surrounding the archipelago are home to, or visited by, numerous shark and ray species, the vast majority of which pose little threat to people.

Other recent shark sightings in the Canary Islands

The Radazul encounter follows several other sightings around Tenerife and elsewhere in the Canary Islands during the past year.

In August 2025, swimmers at Las Vistas beach in Arona filmed a shark close to the shoreline, while divers also encountered a shortfin mako shark in waters off Los Cristianos.

There was another notable sighting off El Hierro, where diving centres documented the presence of a smalltooth sand tiger shark (Odontaspis ferox).

This deep-water species can occasionally move into shallower waters, providing divers with a rare opportunity to see one.

Marine biologists say the Canary Islands' marine ecosystem is home to more than 80 species of cartilaginous fish, the group which includes sharks, rays and skates.

Anyone who encounters a shark in the water is advised to remain calm, keep a safe distance and avoid approaching or disturbing the animal.