Are There Sharks In Malta 2026? (By A European)

So are there sharks in Malta?

Good question!

Malta is a fantastic holiday destination and there are so many reasons to visit– the amazing places to swim are one of them!

Whether you want to snorkel in the blue lagoon or spend the day at the beach, it is important to know what sea life may be hidden from you.

I love swimming in Malta and Gozo but just like any place you are exploring the water, you need to be prepared.

So let’s dive in and take a look at everything you need to know to safely enjoy the waves in Malta, including if you may see any sharks!

Are there sharks in Malta? Quick guide

Let’s jump straight to the point so you can carry on packing your snorkel and beach towel!

It is incredibly rare to come across sharks when just swimming or relaxing on the beach. My first visit here was in May and I didn’t leave the waters. So you do not have to worry about a high risk of shark attacks when visiting here.

However, it is important to explore its waters safely as you can never say never and there may be other risks like high waves or jellyfish.

So can you see sharks in Malta?

Are you planning a vacation to Malta and wondering if there are sharks in its waters?

The answer is not really. There are no sharks commonly seen in the Mediterranean Sea or around the Maltese islands. I have visited and swam the waters surrounding Malta and have never once seen a sign of a shark!

Even though sharks have been seen over the years, this is usually by divers or fishermen in deeper waters.

There have been 36 species of sharks recorded in Maltese waters but these are harmless species. And in terms of shark attacks, there have been only around 3 recorded in over 100 years.

What sharks are found in Malta?

If you’re planning a trip to Malta and are dreaming of swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, you may be wondering what types of sharks can be found there.

The good news is that whilst sharks have been known to make appearances in these waters, they very rarely come close enough to the shoreline for visitors to spot them.

The most common species of shark that have been spotted around Malta’s coastline are Angel Sharks.

They may look sinister but thankfully they aren’t considered dangerous to humans.

Basking Sharks, Blue sharks, and even the rare great white shark have also been seen in the Mediterranean seas surrounding Malta, though these too are not aggressive and do not usually pose a threat to visitors.

Are there sharks in Blue Lagoon Malta?

The Blue Lagoon is probably one of the most popular day trips to do in Malta. It is a fantastic place to swim, relax and admire the great views from Comino Island!

So you will be happy to know that the chances of seeing a shark in the busy waters surrounding the Blue Lagoon are very small.

And even if you do see a shark, being attacked by a shark during your getaway to Malta is even slimmer.

If there are any shark sightings around the Island, local authorities will let you know but swimming in any lagoon around Malta is pretty safe.

You can easily reach Blue Lagoon from Valletta or other parts of the Island so make sure you visit during your trip so the most amazing swim!

Is it safe to swim in Malta?

Exploring the many beaches and places to swim is a great idea on any Malta trip– especially because it is so safe to swim there!

With its numerous beaches, bays, and coves, swimming off the coast of Malta is a great way to cool down.

But before you dive right in, there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind.

The most important rule is to stay where the locals swim.

Experienced swimmers know what’s safe from previous visits and are aware of any potential dangers or areas with strong currents.

When it comes to sharks, you have nothing to worry about!

Shark sightings off Malta’s coast are rare and even then, most species of sharks are harmless. You’re more likely to find jellyfish which can sting if you happen to touch them, so be careful when swimming!

Finally, keep an eye on the weather.

While currents in Malta aren’t usually strong and unpredictable, sometimes there may be a sudden change that could make it dangerous to swim.

Pay attention to any warning signs posted by the beach and follow local swimming rules. I have never had any issues swimming in Malta so make sure you explore the crystal waters when you are there!

But if you want to avoid seeing any sharks, you can just book a hotel with an epic swimming pool.

Is it safe to snorkel in Malta?

You will have no problems snorkelling in Malta. But like in any destination, follow local guidelines before you do.

One of the great things about exploring the waters around the Maltese Islands is that you can use them all year round. You can even swim there in the winter!

With its crystal waters, hidden coves and amazing marine life, it is one of the best places for snorkelling in Europe. However, sometimes there can be high windspeeds or conditions that will make snorkelling challenging.

So if you need some guidance on the best spots, I highly recommend booking a tour with a local guide!

Is the sea warm in Malta?

The sea temperatures are generally warm when you visit Malta. However, they do vary slightly depending on the location and time of year.

The average sea temperature around the Maltese Islands is around 20 °C (68 °F). This makes the waters around Malta perfect for exploring all year round.

If you want warmer waters for your getaway, visit during the spring and summer months.

Are there poisonous jellyfish in Malta?

You may be wondering if there are poisonous jellyfish lurking beneath the waves.

The good news is that jellyfish can often be found across Malta’s coastal waters during the summer months, but most of them won’t harm you.

In fact, the vast majority of jellyfish in and around Malta are not venomous and will only give you an unpleasant sting.

However, if there is a large number of jellyfish at the beach that make swimming unsafe, locals will let you know.

Occasionally, visitors to Malta may come across a Portuguese Man-of-War.

These jellyfish have a nasty sting and can cause serious medical issues if not treated promptly, so it’s important to be aware of the potential dangers when swimming in Maltese waters.

If you are stung by any type of jellyfish, you should immediately take a hot shower and apply hydrocortisone cream for relief from the sting.

Are there Sharks in Malta final thoughts

Malta is a paradise for anyone who loves sightseeing, swimming, snorkelling or relaxing amongst the clear waves.

It is a super popular diving spot in Europe because of its fantastic sea life. You will get to see so many amazing sites under the waves, but sharks are not one of them.

If you want to explore the hidden caves and swimming spots only locals know about, I highly recommend booking a boat tour. You can even do ones to Sicily if you fancy a change of scene!

Regardless of what activities you decide to do during your trip to Malta, your stay will be safe and shark-free!

I hope you found this post useful, here are some more helpful articles for your trip:

✔️ How To Reach Gozo Island From Malta Airport

✔️ The Best Place To Stay In Gozo Without A Car

✔️ Visiting Popeye Village From Valletta

✔️ How To Get From Malta Airport To Sliema

✔️Must Have Travel Items For Europe