When you think of Malta, you picture blue water, sunshine, and beaches. But what about sharks? Yes, they live in these waters. But the chance of seeing one while swimming is almost zero. Most sharks stay far from shore and avoid people. That means it’s perfectly safe to enjoy the sea, especially during Malta tours or boat trips around the islands.

A peaceful shark in Sliema

On May 9th, 2025, something rare happened. A small shark was seen calmly swimming near the coast in Sliema. People stopped to watch, filmed it, and shared it online. There was no panic, just surprise and excitement. Experts think it was a blue shark. These sharks are calm and usually stay in deep water. The sea was clear that day, making it perfect for this one-time visit. During tours in Malta, seeing something like this is rare – but unforgettable.

No need to worry

Shark attacks in Malta are almost unheard of. Only three shark-related incidents have ever been recorded. Two were deadly, but they happened decades ago. No beach has ever been closed because of a shark. Most sharks here live far below the surface. They don’t come near swimmers or snorkelers. Malta’s coastline doesn’t offer much food for them, so they stay away. Whether you’re enjoying a beach day or a boat tour to Comino or Gozo, there’s no reason to be scared.

Shark hotspot: Filfla

Filfla is a small, uninhabited island south of Malta. It’s protected and rich in marine life. Sometimes, bigger sharks are spotted there. But Filfla is far from public swimming areas, and boats rarely go that close. Even on longer Malta Comino en Gozo day trips, it’s not part of the usual route. Types of sharks in Malta

• Zebra shark – Spotted and up to 2.5 meters. Peaceful and rare.
• Blacktip reef shark – Dark on top, white underneath. Fast and graceful.
• Horn shark – Short, with small dark spots. Slow and shy.
• Great white shark – A famous one was caught near Filfla in 1987. That was a one-time thing.

What was the Sliema shark?

Experts checked the video from the Sliema sighting. Daniel De Castro from the Malta National Aquarium thinks it might have been a great white. The fin and the movement matched. But marine biologist Alan Deidun says it looked more like a shortfin mako. These sharks are quick and agile. Both species are endangered in the Mediterranean. So really, they’re more at risk from us than we are from them. Castro also said the shark may have followed the smell of a dead tuna. It wasn’t acting strange or trapped. It just passed by peacefully.

Sharks are ocean helpers

Sharks play a big role in keeping the sea healthy. They balance fish populations and help protect coral reefs. Sadly, many species are now in danger because of overfishing and pollution. Malta is working on protecting marine life. With more awareness and eco-friendly tourism, we can all help. Every Malta tour or sea adventure can be a chance to respect nature.

Want to see a shark up close?

You don’t have to wait for a surprise at the beach. Visit the Malta National Aquarium in Qawra. There you can see sharks like the sandbar shark and the blacktip reef shark in a safe and relaxed setting. It’s fun, family-friendly, and a great extra stop during your trip. Ready for a safe sea adventure? Book here