Swimming with sharks in Euskadi.

Swimming with sharks in the Basque Country, an extraordinary adventure.

Swimming with sharks in Euskadi is one of the most amazing experiences of the Basque coast. An activity that even a large number of Basques are unaware of. To the disbelief of many, we can confirm with total confidence that you can swim with sharks in the Basque Country. In fact, Isaias Cruz, a madman in love with the sea and every living being that inhabits it, encourages us to enjoy this experience in the middle of the Biscayan coast, a little more than half an hour of navigation from Bermeo. An experience that we have not hesitated to add to our booking center. The sharks we find in Euskadi are not like the ones we can see in places like Mexico or Australia, where they can reach more than 6 meters in length, but even so, they are sharks and they are imposing in the same way. Many of you will wonder if the activity of swimming with sharks in Euskadi is done inside a cage, nothing could be further from the truth. This activity is done without a cage, with no more protection than a wetsuit. An adventure difficult to forget.

The fishing methods used halfway around the world have led to the near disappearance of many of these species. Believe it or not, in the Basque Country there has been a great tradition of fishing for whales, sharks, dolphins and many other species. Fortunately, we evolved, we advanced. In fact, we Basques have been known internationally as some of the best whale fishermen. This is what they show us in Albaola, one of the most dynamic and important museums in the Basque Country.

According to experts, there are many sharks on the Basque coast but they are not aggressive, which is why the Basque coast is never associated with swimming with sharks. A very common mistake. Sharks are very present in the Basque Country but they do not come close to the beaches. Even so, we must be aware that these are unpredictable wild animals, so please follow the indications of those responsible for the activity at all times. Be respectful.

Experiences to swim with sharks in Euskadi.

These experiences have been designed with everyone in mind. Thus, 2 formulas have been created to see and swim with sharks. The first one, the 4 – 5 hour outboard boat trip is designed for people who have already had contact with snorkeling or diving, a boat that has been created for this purpose. The second one, the catamaran trip, combines 2 of the most demanded experiences on the Basque coast: boat trips and swimming with sharks. and swimming with sharks. This last boat is designed to enjoy the trip in total comfort. As you can see in the short summary below, the main differences lie in the duration of the tour and the type of boat used.

Remember that there is also the possibility of private and personalized tours. In this case, we recommend you to contact us through our contact form. In any case, departures will be daily and the group will be small (maximum 8 people).

Sharks in Euskadi.

Many people believe that there are no sharks in the Basque Country. However, we coexist with a large number of them. Sandbar sharks, mako sharks, thresher sharks and blue sharks are sighted daily by our arrantzales (fishermen in Basque). Although it is true that the sharks we find off the coast of Euskadi, shy, not very aggressive and elusive, do not have the dimensions that we are used to seeing in Hollywood blockbusters, we must say that they are ideal to discover in first person these magnificent specimens that inhabit our seas. Now, which sharks are we going to see in Euskadi? Well, mainly 2 species: blue sharks and mako sharks.

Swimming with sharks in Euskadi explained step by step.

The expedition departs from the port of Bermeo, in the heart of the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. An enclave of great natural wealth that allows us to feel and enjoy nature both at sea and on land. It is in the port itself, next to the parking lot that we find at the bottom of the breakwater, where the first contact is made. It is here, where Isaias, informs us about the security measures and the responsibility that each individual has during the experience. We will have to sign 2 documents indicating that we understand everything indicated.We will head out to sea, at the end of the continental shelf, where we will find depths of more than 300 meters. This is a sea route of 40 to 60 minutes (depending on the conditions of the day) that allows us to see blue sharks and mako sharks. During the trip we will enjoy a different perspective than usual. Spaces such as Cape Ogoño, Izaro Island, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe or Akatz Island will be left behind offering us a unique view of the Basque coast.Once at the place where we will perform the activity we will stop engines for Isaias team to spread a couple of floating baits. It is time to attract the sharks. Meanwhile, the people who are going to enjoy the experience must get ready for the action, it’s time to put on the wetsuits, fins and the rest of the equipment. When the first shark approaches the boat, one of the expert divers will enter the water to check the shark’s behavior. This is the first contact with the shark. The shark must gain confidence and not believe that we are a threat.Once it is confirmed that it is safe to swim with the individuals that have approached the boat, the diver will signal for people to enter the water. Slowly, gently, one at a time we will enter the water. The big moment has arrived. We will position ourselves taking as reference a line of buoys located at a prudent distance from the line of the baits. Now we just have to enjoy these spectacular animals while they swim in front of us, and during the activity the different professional divers that accompany us will make sure that we are comfortable. They will take care of everything. They will also be the last ones to get out of the water.

Book online to swim with sharks.

When we mention the possibility of reserving a place online to swim among sharks off the Basque coast, the astonished faces speak for themselves. Few people know that there are sharks off the coast of the Basque Country. In fact, it is one of the most striking sections of our reservation center. You can book your experience in a few seconds from here. No commissions, safe and fast. It couldn’t be easier.

Is it safe to swim with sharks in the Basque Country?

Yes, as long as you follow the guide’s instructions to the letter. The professionals who have designed this activity are professional guides with great experience swimming with sharks. They know these animals and how to interact with them safely. Sharks are dived daily all over the world and accidents are practically anecdotal.

Activity insurance.

Although both the boat in which we sail and the company that performs the activity have their own insurance for possible accidents, it is necessary to be in possession of a personal insurance to be able to perform any water activity. If you do not have one, do not worry, just indicate it during the online reservation. Before heading out to sea, Isaias will tell us the rules to follow. And we must remember that there will be no cage to separate us from the sharks swimming a few meters away from us, so following the rules in the water is the key.

Boat route.

In order to reach our destination it is necessary that we venture on a beautiful marine route to get into the heart of the Bay of Biscay. During this journey it is common that we meet other species such as dolphins, sunfish, tuna, seabirds and if we are lucky, a whale. Animals that will accompany us and brighten up the trip.

Isaias Cruz.

Isaias Cruz Irujo, a man from Pamplona born and raised in the emblematic neighborhood of Txantrea, is responsible for this activity on the Basque coast. After more than 10 years diving with sharks from half the world, Isaias has decided to establish on the Basque coast, in Urdaibai, the base of his new project. A work that began in 2013 that encourages us to discover what it feels like to swim with sharks in Euskadi. Isaias and his team have been exploring the Basque coast since then in search of the ideal place to swim with sharks. Apparently, they have found it and it has far exceeded all their expectations. Great news. Attracted by this project, we wanted to know more about the concerns and objectives of this young man from Navarre. Isaias tells us that he seeks to raise awareness through this activity of the need to protect these endangered animals. A responsible experience with the environment, which seeks to bring sharks closer to the people so that they know the delicate situation in which they find themselves. People who love the ocean, diving and adventures will find in the Basque coast everything they need to enjoy one of the best days of their lives.

Equipment.

The temperature of the Basque coast during the summer season usually reaches 22 degrees, even so, a wetsuit can be a good option. In fact, Isaias and his team recommend it. On the other hand, the average visibility is usually between 8 and 15 meters, depending on the conditions at any given time. All the material or equipment necessary for the activity can be brought from home or rented. If we have wetsuit, mask, snorkel and fins is better to bring our own, we will be more comfortable. Anyway, if you do not have these materials do not worry, during the online reservation system gives us the option to indicate if we want to rent the material. Easy and effective. The services and materials included in this experience are the following:

As you can see in this list, the aquatic activities insurance, a mandatory certificate to do this activity, is not included. If you don’t have it, don’t worry, you can also select it during the online booking process.

Shark research.

Isaias and his team work with “México Azul” a foundation that fights to preserve the habitats of these sharks through research and education. Thus, during the shark swim, data will be collected that will contribute to this work. Once again, tourism contributes as a tool in the collection of essential information to know the shark populations in the Basque coast. A responsible and sustainable tourism model is possible.

Recommendations for swimming with sharks.

We believe it is appropriate to give you some recommendations that can help you to make your experience with sharks in the Basque Country as pleasant as possible. Here are some examples:

Urdaibai.

The Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve is an ideal place for shark watching. As we already told you in our articles on whale watching in the Basque Country, there is a deep underwater canyon where these beings find a rich ecosystem in which to live. It is here, in Urdaibai, where we find a nice and varied of attractions to know. Here is a brief summary:

Video of swimming with sharks in Euskadi.

Once again we wanted to accompany the words and photographs in this article with a short video. An audiovisual that allows us to get a more real idea of the experience that we recommend today. We encourage you to subscribe to our YouTube channel to follow our adventures throughout the Basque Country. We are sure that our videos will inspire you to get to know some of the most striking corners of our land.

As you have been able to see, swimming with sharks in Euskadi is a unique and different activity. An experience that takes us out to sea to enjoy the wildlife of the Basque coast. Are you up for it? If you have any questions, we encourage you to use the comment system that you will find below these lines. We will try to respond as soon as possible. Ondo pass!