Dive Center
Deep Ocean Diver
🦈 Is the Angelshark Dangerous? Discover the Truth Behind the Myth
Have you ever heard the name “angelshark” and wondered if it’s too good to be true? A shark that sounds… heavenly? 😇🦈 Well, if you’re planning to dive in Tenerife or you’re already curious about the fascinating marine life around the Canary Islands, you’re in for a surprise. Let’s uncover the truth behind this rare and mysterious species — and why you really don’t need to be afraid of them.
What Is an Angelshark?
The Squatina squatina, or angelshark, is a flat-bodied shark that closely resembles a stingray. Unlike the typical sleek, fast-swimming sharks seen in Hollywood movies, angelsharks are bottom-dwellers, often buried under the sand with only their eyes visible 👀. This camouflage helps them ambush small prey — not divers.
These majestic creatures are critically endangered and only found in a few parts of the world. Tenerife is one of the rare places where you can still spot them while diving, making it a bucket-list experience for marine life lovers 🐠💙.
Want to know more about the stunning underwater world of Tenerife? Check out our article on the best dive sites in Tenerife.
So… Is the Angelshark Dangerous to Humans?
Not at all! 🙅♂️🦈
Angelsharks are shy, calm, and completely non-aggressive toward divers. In fact, they will do everything possible to avoid confrontation. Attacks on humans are extremely rare and only occur if someone accidentally provokes or steps on them — and even then, their bite is defensive.
During your dive, if you’re lucky enough to spot one, it’s best to admire it from a short distance and avoid touching or disturbing it. Think of it like seeing a sleeping cat 😺 — beautiful, peaceful, and best left alone.
Want to know how to behave around marine species while diving? Visit our guide to responsible scuba diving practices.
Where Can You See Angelsharks in Tenerife?
Angelsharks are most commonly spotted on sandy seabeds between 10 and 40 meters deep, particularly in protected bays and calmer areas. Our guided dives in Radazul, El Médano, and other dive sites offer a high chance of seeing them — especially in the winter and early spring months, when they approach the coast for mating 🤿❤️.
You can join one of our guided dives with expert instructors who know exactly where to find and observe them without disturbing their natural behavior.
What Makes Angelsharks Special?
Besides being rare and beautifully adapted to their environment, angelsharks are also a crucial part of the ecosystem. Their ambush-hunting style helps maintain the balance of fish populations. Their presence is a sign of healthy marine biodiversity 🐟🌱.
Some divers even report a kind of spiritual feeling when they first see one — perhaps that angel name really fits 😇.
If you love marine life, you’ll probably enjoy our marine biology course, where we explore local species like the angelshark, moray eels, trumpetfish, and more in depth.
Diving with Angelsharks: Safety and Etiquette
There’s a right way to approach this kind of experience. Here’s what we recommend:
Never chase or touch an angelshark
Approach calmly, maintain neutral buoyancy
Avoid using strong lights or sudden movements
Don’t block their escape route
Respect is key — this isn’t an aquarium, and that’s the beauty of it! 🐾
If you feel unsure about diving with marine life, our PADI Advanced Open Water course includes specialty dives such as underwater naturalist or perfect buoyancy, which help divers feel more confident around wildlife.
Did You Know? Fun Facts About Angelsharks 🧠
They’re called “angelsharks” because their wide pectoral fins resemble angel wings 😇
Females are bigger than males — up to 2.4 meters long!
They give birth to live young, not eggs 🐣
Unlike most sharks, they don’t swim around — they wait for prey to come to them
Their population has declined by more than 80% in recent decades 😔
This is why it’s essential to respect and protect these creatures. Participating in eco-conscious diving and learning more about them is a way to help conserve the species.
Check out our full list of diving specialties, including Underwater Naturalist and Conservation Awareness 🌍.
Want to See One? Join Us in Tenerife!
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, seeing an angelshark in the wild is an unforgettable experience. Our team at Deep Ocean Diver has helped hundreds of divers explore Tenerife’s waters safely and respectfully 🧑🤝🧑💙.
👉 Start your adventure with a Discover Scuba Diving experience
👉 Or go further with a PADI Open Water Diver course and become certified for life
👉 Need help choosing the right dive? Contact us and we’ll plan the perfect outing with our expert team
❓ FAQ – Is the Angelshark Dangerous?
Can angelsharks bite divers?
Only in very rare situations when they are provoked or stepped on. They’re passive and avoid human contact.
Are angelsharks common in Tenerife?
Tenerife is one of the few places in the world where you can still see them in the wild, especially in the south and southeast coastal areas.
Do I need special training to dive with angelsharks?
Not necessarily, but we recommend diving with a guide and knowing how to stay neutrally buoyant. A Perfect Buoyancy specialty is ideal.
When is the best time to see them?
From December to April, when they approach coastal zones for mating.
Is it safe to dive where there are angelsharks?
Absolutely! They are among the least aggressive shark species in the world.
Limited Spaces – Reserve now and meet Tenerife’s most peaceful shark! 🦈✨
🧭 Posts You Might Like
XXX
📣 See what our Clients say
Deep Ocean Diver - PADI Dive Center
Centro Comercial, C. Juan Sebastián El Cano, 15, Planta 1 Local 2, Radazul
-
Son increíbles!, mi pareja hizo su bautizo con el Joven jorgen y fue genial!, da mucha seguridad y tranquilidad. … More
-
Recomiendo 100%! Hicimos el bautizo, a mi me daba un poco de miedo, y desde el principio me hicieron sentir muy cómoda. … More Nos recibió Fran, encantador, y el bautizo lo hicimos con Jorge, que fue genial, muy atento en todo momento y muy agradable. Recomiendo sin duda!!! Muy bonita experiencia!!!
-
Increíble la experiencia, bien completa y el instructor Jorge una excelente persona, amable, muy atento y profesional … More super recomendados
-
Excelente la inmersión en el bautizo, Jorge es un excelente instructor
ADDRESS
Calle El Cano 15. Radazul Bajo.
CC Radazul. Floor 1. Shops 1 and 2
38109 El Rosario, Tenerife, Canary Islands.
FREE PARKING FOR CUSTOMERS
CONTACT
info@deepoceandiver.es
(+34) 600 84 16 92
DIVE SHOP HOURS
Monday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
DIVE CENTER HOURS
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Closed for lunch from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Follow us & leave your review!
