Gran Canaria: The Best Place in the World to Spot the Elusive Angel Shark
- Yan YUAN
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
For most divers, spotting a shark is thrilling. But here in Gran Canaria, the ultimate underwater moment isn’t a fast swim-by — it’s a still, camouflaged shadow on the sand. Meet the angel shark (Squatina squatina): ancient, endangered, and surprisingly easy to miss.
In this quiet corner of the Atlantic, you’ll find one of the last strongholds of this rare species. Whether you’re a new diver or a seasoned explorer, Gran Canaria offers the world’s best chance to see an angel shark in the wild.
What Is an Angel Shark?
With their wide, flat bodies and wing-like fins, angel sharks resemble rays more than traditional sharks. They rest motionless on sandy bottoms, partially buried, waiting to ambush passing prey with lightning speed.
Though once widespread in Europe, today they are listed as Critically Endangered. Due to overfishing and habitat loss, sightings are rare across most of their range — except here, in the Canary Islands.
Why Gran Canaria?
There are a few reasons why angel sharks still thrive around this island:
Ideal Habitat: Calm bays with sandy bottoms bordered by reef provide the perfect conditions for resting and hunting.
Stable Climate: Year-round mild water temperatures allow angel sharks to stay active across seasons.
Local Dive Knowledge: Many instructors know the signs — and know how to spot them respectfully.
Regular Sightings: In winter and spring, divers frequently encounter them on recreational dives, especially in the south.
In other parts of the world, spotting one is luck. In Gran Canaria, it’s a real possibility.
Where to Dive for the Best Chance
While angel sharks can technically be found all around the island, certain dive sites offer a better chance of spotting them.
If seeing an angel shark is on your bucket list, here are the top spots to try:
Pasito Blanco – Boat dive site with a mix of reef and sand — sightings are common here.
Arguineguín and Mogán – Easy-access sites with quiet sandy slopes where sharks often rest.
Tufia - Its volcanic reef structure and sandy seabed make it a perfect resting spot for angel sharks. Divers often find them lying motionless in the sand, relying on their incedible camouflage to remain unseen. But if you look closely (and calmly), you just might get lucky.
El Cabrón (Arinaga) – Advanced dive site with some deeper sand channels known for occasional sightings.
Ask your dive guide to help train your eye — sometimes they’re right under your fins.
When to Go: Angel Shark Season
Angel sharks can be seen all year round, but the best season is November to May, during their breeding period. Cooler water, lower crowds, and calm conditions make this the ideal time to dive with purpose.
How to Dive with Respect
Seeing an angel shark is unforgettable — but also a responsibility. They’re protected by law in the Canary Islands. Help keep them safe by following these simple rules:
Don’t touch or chase — even if they look asleep.
No flash photography — and always keep a respectful distance.
Practice perfect buoyancy — avoid stirring up sand or startling the shark.
Share responsibly — raise awareness, not noise.
Every diver is a guardian of the reef — your calm behavior helps ensure future divers get to see them too.
Why It Matters
Angel sharks are survivors from a time long before humans ever took a breath underwater. The fact that we can still see them in Gran Canaria is a gift and a reminder:
That wild beauty can still thrive when we choose to protect it.
By diving here — and diving responsibly — you become part of that protection.
Ready to Spot an Angel Shark?
Seeing an angel shark in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience - and Gran Canaria just happens to be one of the few places on Earth where it's still possible. Whether you're a seasoned diver or just getting started, our experienced team knows exactly when and where to go.
Join us for a dive and experience the magic of the ocean - you might just come face to face with this gentle, prehistoric predator.
Book your next underwater adventure now - We’ll teach you how to look, how to move, and how to appreciate the rare magic of the angel shark — right here in the Canary Islands.
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