Lorraine Williamson
A large basking shark was recorded swimming near recreational boats off the coast of Marbella on Sunday evening, 18 May 2025, in what marine experts have described as a rare but not unprecedented appearance in southern Spain’s waters.
The sighting occurred around 6.00 pm and was captured on video by AquaTime Marbella, a local maritime excursion company with over 35 years of experience in the region. Staff shared the footage on Instagram, noting they had never seen anything like it in their decades at sea.
“We’ve never seen anything like it”
In the video, the shark glides close to the surface, its distinctive dorsal fin cutting through the water just metres from the boat. According to observers, the individual was likely an adult female, possibly accompanied by a juvenile. It appeared to be moving west, likely toward the Strait of Gibraltar and the Atlantic Ocean.
“It was an unforgettable moment,” a spokesperson for AquaTime said. “Never in our 35-year history have we seen anything like it!!”
The gentle giant of the sea
The basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) is the world’s second-largest fish after the whale shark. Adults can grow up to 10 metres in length and weigh more than four tonnes. Despite their size and appearance, they are completely harmless to humans. These filter-feeders swim with their mouths wide open to consume plankton and microscopic marine organisms.
Basking sharks are slow-moving and spend much of their time near the surface, particularly in spring and early summer when plankton levels are high.
From viral video to scientific insight
The footage has since gone viral, prompting interest from the Fundación Aula del Mar Mediterráneo, a marine conservation organisation based in Málaga. Their team confirmed from the images that the animal was indeed a basking shark. While striking, such sightings have been increasing slightly in recent years along the Andalucian coast.
In 2023, a large basking shark was spotted in the Port of Málaga, and another came close to Sacaba Beach in 2020. The Alboran Sea — the westernmost part of the Mediterranean — is known for its rich biodiversity, hosting everything from dolphins and sea turtles to migratory sharks.
A basking shark´s unfortunate encounter with fishing nets
Protected but still at risk
The basking shark is a protected species in Europe and is listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Once widely hunted for its liver oil, meat, and fins, the species has seen population declines due to overfishing and habitat degradation.
Marine biologist Juan Antonio López from Aula del Mar warned that even these occasional appearances should not be taken for granted. “Every sighting is valuable,” he said. “These are endangered creatures that remind us how important it is to protect marine ecosystems.”
What to do if you spot one
Although basking sharks are harmless, experts advise maintaining a safe distance if you encounter one. Avoid making noise, never attempt to touch the animal, and notify local authorities or a marine conservation group to report the sighting.
With increasing awareness and protection efforts, conservationists hope sightings like the one off Marbella will become more common — not less.
Sources: Málaga Hoy, Diario Sur