Hammerhead Sharks in Tenerife: Dolphins, Sea Turtles and the Wild Side of the Ocean
Tenerife continues to surprise anyone who loves the ocean and nature. In recent months, several hammerhead shark sightings in the Canary Islands have brought attention to one of the most fascinating and mysterious predators of the Atlantic.
For those of us who spend time on the sea every day, like us at Easy Kayak Tenerife, seeing marine wildlife in its natural environment is always something special. And when, alongside sea turtles and dolphins, the unmistakable silhouette of a hammerhead shark appears in the distance, it becomes a memory you will never forget.
🦈 Hammerhead Sharks in Tenerife: What Is Happening?
In July 2026, RedPROMAR, a marine biodiversity monitoring project promoted by the Government of the Canary Islands, launched a campaign to collect reports of hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna spp.). The initiative followed a number of recent images and sightings reported in the waters of the Canary Islands.
This does not mean that hammerhead sharks can be seen every day close to the coast, nor that their presence can be predicted during a kayak excursion.
And that is exactly what makes an encounter so special.
In March 2025, researchers also documented an adult female smooth hammerhead shark (Sphyrna zygaena) in the waters of Tenerife during a research campaign focused on elasmobranchs.
The smooth hammerhead is a fascinating ocean predator and an important part of marine ecosystems. It is also classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
🌊 Why Is Seeing a Hammerhead Shark So Special?
The most recognizable feature is, of course, its extraordinary hammer-shaped head.
But behind that unique appearance is a highly adapted ocean predator that plays a role in the balance of marine ecosystems.
For us, seeing a wild animal is never about getting as close as possible.
It is about giving it the freedom to continue its journey.
That is why responsible wildlife observation is at the heart of our approach to the ocean.
🐢 Tenerife: A Marine World Full of Surprises
Hammerhead sharks are only one of the fascinating encounters that can happen in the waters around Tenerife.
The real magic begins when you get out onto the Atlantic and discover just how much life exists beneath the surface.
Among the marine animals commonly associated with the waters of the Canary Islands are sea turtles, particularly the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).
And then there are the dolphins.
Tenerife and the surrounding Canary Island waters are home to several species of cetaceans, including bottlenose dolphins and common dolphins, as well as other marine mammals.
This incredible biodiversity is one of the reasons why a kayak tour in Tenerife can be so much more than a simple outdoor activity.
You never know what might appear on the horizon.
🛶 Kayak Tenerife: Wildlife Without Chasing It
One of the most beautiful things about a kayak tour in Tenerife is the feeling of being on the ocean without the noise and size of a large boat.
But being close to the water does not mean getting close to wildlife.
For us, the experience must always begin with respect for the marine environment.
Sea turtles, dolphins, sharks and all other wild animals should be allowed to move freely.
That is why during our tours we do not chase animals and we never promise a specific wildlife encounter.
Nature is not a scheduled show.
And that is exactly what makes it authentic.
🐬 Dolphins, 🐢 Sea Turtles and 🦈 Sharks: Every Trip Is Different
Some days the ocean gives us sea turtles.
On other days, we may encounter dolphins moving through the water.
And, much more rarely, we may be lucky enough to witness something completely unexpected, such as a hammerhead shark.
These are the moments when everyone suddenly stops talking.
You look at the ocean.
You hold your breath.
And for a few seconds, you realize that you are simply a guest in the ocean's world.
📍 Palm-Mar: Discover Tenerife's Southern Coast by Kayak
Our adventure begins at Playa La Arenita in Palm-Mar, in the south of Tenerife.
This beautiful coastal area is an excellent starting point for discovering a quieter and more natural side of the island.
From the kayak, you can enjoy views of the coastline, volcanic rock formations and the surrounding marine environment.
When sea and weather conditions are suitable, the experience can also include a snorkeling stop in Tenerife, always with respect for the ocean and its wildlife.
With your mask, snorkel and kayak, the Atlantic becomes your own little window into the underwater world.
💙 The Most Important Thing: You Never Know What You Will See
People often ask us:
“Will we see turtles?”
“Will we see dolphins?”
“Can we see a hammerhead shark?”
The most honest answer is always the same:
They are wild animals, and no wildlife encounter can ever be guaranteed.
What we can guarantee is an experience focused on safety, respect and discovering the sea in a responsible way.
And when nature decides to give you a special encounter, the emotion is even stronger precisely because it was never planned.
🌴 Discover the Wild and Authentic Side of Tenerife
Tenerife is not only about beaches, sunshine and volcanic landscapes.
Beneath the surface of the Atlantic lies another world — a world of sea turtles, dolphins, fish, cetaceans and, occasionally, hammerhead sharks.
This is the side of Tenerife that we love sharing with our guests.
We do not promise encounters with wildlife.
We take you onto the ocean, respect its inhabitants and let you experience the excitement of discovering what is really out there.
🛶 Kayak Tenerife • Palm-Mar • Sea Turtles • Dolphins • Snorkeling • Marine Wildlife
And maybe, just when you think the day could not become any more special...
a shape appears in the distance.
The unmistakable silhouette of a hammerhead shark.
And for a few seconds, everything else disappears.