When my young Canadian friends, Ceili and Georgia, visited recently, they hesitated before jumping into the Mediterranean. Their big question? "Are there sharks in Turkey?"
This article dives into the facts about sharks in Turkey and the Mediterranean, dispelling fear with science and sharing a few surprises along the way.
Sharks in Turkey: What You Should Know
The Mediterranean Sea is home to around 50 species of sharks, including famous ones like hammerheads and great whites. But before you panic — let's put this into perspective.
Why Don’t We Hear About Shark Attacks in Turkey?
- The Mediterranean is vast. Spanning 2.5 million km2 and averaging 1,500 meters deep, the sea offers plenty of space for sharks to stay well away from popular beaches.
- Humans (even chubby ones) aren’t on the menu. Sharks prefer fish or high-fat marine mammals like dolphins and seals. These food sources are generally absent near Turkey’s shores, so sharks rarely come close to swimmers.
- Shark populations are small. In fact, Turkey’s shark population has decreased by 90% over the last 50 years due to overfishing and habitat loss. The critically endangered angel shark, occasionally seen near Fethiye and Antalya, now depends on conservation efforts for survival.
Are Sharks in Turkey Making a Comeback?
Possibly. From 1881 to 2007, researchers documented just 40 great white sharks in Turkish waters. In recent years, more juveniles have been spotted - likely drawn by the growing number of tuna farms, which may attract sharks due to the easy food supply. Still, sightings remain rare.
In July 2024, divers near Hatay's Samandağ district encountered a group of tope sharks - a species considered harmless to humans. Around the same time, sand sharks were seen off the coast of Antalya. According to marine biologist Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gökoğlu, these sharks are not dangerous and have never attacked anyone in the area.
In another case from November 2021, sharks were spotted within 3 meters of Sarıgerme Beach in Muğla. They were identified as sandbar and tope sharks, both known to be non-aggressive.
Curious? Watch this video from the 2021 sighting.
How Common Are Shark Attacks in the Mediterranean?
They’re extremely rare. Shark attacks in Turkey are almost unheard of, and many incidents attributed to sharks in the Mediterranean turn out to involve other marine species, such as barracudas or jellyfish. Fatal shark attacks are rarer still - as illustrated in this chart comparing common causes of accidental death:
Should You Be Concerned About Sharks in Turkey?
Not really. Shark sightings along the Turkish coast tend to generate more curiosity than alarm. Local authorities and boat crews - including Captain Oktay and our team - keep a close watch and are quick to respond. If a shark were spotted, swimmers would be notified, and appropriate action taken. Realistically, the crowd trying to film the shark would probably scare it off first!
What This Means for You
If you’ve got a fear of sharks (selachophobia), rest assured: marine scientists consistently rank the Mediterranean among the safest seas in the world for swimming. Risks are minimal - especially if you follow standard beach safety practices.
Join Us for a Mediterranean Adventure!
Interested in exploring Turkey’s remarkable coastline? Whether you’re swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing in the sun, our gulet cruises are a memorable and worry-free way to experience the Mediterranean - no shark fears required. Feel free to contact us anytime for details or booking information.
References consulted for this article:
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