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Sharks and marine life in Cyprus: real risks and rules of conduct

What species of sharks and other marine animals can be found around Cyprus, why sightings do not necessarily mean danger, and how to stay safe in the water, on the shore and when encountering wildlife.

Cyprus InformEditorial team

14 June 2017 9 min read

Sharks and marine life in Cyprus: real risks and rules of conduct

Checked: 13 September 2026.

Are there sharks in Cypriot waters?

Yes, sharks are a natural part of the Mediterranean Sea, including the waters around Cyprus. The Department of Fisheries publishes specific material on their monitoring and conservation. The correct answer should not claim that there are no sharks, but the mere presence of the species in the sea does not imply a common encounter near the swimming area.

Most sightings are associated with open water, fishing or the occasional animal coming ashore. A photograph without details of the location, date or scale provides little evidence of the species or distance. Do not share an alarming report as fact until it has been confirmed by lifeguards, the marine police or the relevant department.

There is no such thing as a reliable ‘zero-risk’ guarantee in the natural world. The practical conclusion is different: at a supervised beach, follow the current guidelines, stay within the designated swimming area and get out of the water if an official warning is issued. This protects you not only from the animal, but also from currents, waves and boats.

How to assess a report of a shark

First, establish the source. A report from a lifeguard at a specific beach requires immediate action, even if the species has not yet been identified. A video on social media may have been filmed in a different country or a different year. Check the location, geotag, time, original post and any subsequent statement from the relevant authority.

The size of a fin and the silhouette seen from the shore can be misleading: a dolphin, fish, turtle or object may be mistaken for a shark. Do not go into the water to check, and do not fly a drone over people without permission. Report your sighting to a beach attendant, giving the exact direction and time, without causing a crowd at the water’s edge.

After temporarily leaving the water, do not return simply because others are swimming. Wait for explicit permission from the person in charge or for the warning to be lifted. If there is no official information, choose another organised beach; missing out on one swim is wiser than attempting to identify an unknown animal yourself.

What to do if you encounter a shark in the water

Stay calm, keep the animal in your field of vision and, without splashing about, make your way towards the shore or a boat. Do not chase, surround, feed or attempt to touch it just to take a photograph. Leave a clear path to the open sea and alert a lifeguard.

If there is a child or a weak swimmer nearby, help them stay afloat and get out of the water together, but do not cause a panic or a stampede. If you are in a boat, do not lean over the side or throw bait. Once you are ashore, state the location, time, approximate size and direction of movement without attempting to identify the species with certainty.

In the event of a bite or other serious injury, call a lifeguard immediately and dial 112. First, stop any life-threatening bleeding using whatever safe method is available and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Do not waste time trying to identify the species, and do not post photos of the victim instead of calling for help.

Other animals you are more likely to encounter

Near the shore, you are more likely to see small fish, crabs, sea urchins, jellyfish or turtles than a large shark. On the rocks, the danger often comes from sharp shells and slippery surfaces. Water shoes help prevent cuts, but do not allow you to step on an animal or coral.

Do not touch a jellyfish with your hands, even after it has been washed up onto the sand: the stinging cells may still be active. If you come into contact with one, get out of the water, contact a lifeguard and follow local instructions, as first aid depends on the individual’s physical condition. Do not use random home remedies or rub your skin with sand.

Sea turtles and the Mediterranean monk seal are strictly protected. Observe them from a distance; do not block their path to the surface or the shore, do not chase them for a selfie, and do not feed them. In nesting areas, respect fencing and lighting regulations; human curiosity is not more important than the animals’ rest and reproduction.

Toxic fish — a risk if consumed, but no cause for panic

In June 2026, the Department of Fisheries issued a separate clarification regarding the silver-cheeked needlefish (Lagocephalus sceleratus). The species has been present off the coast of Cyprus for at least 20 years, and the department has not recorded any attacks on swimmers. The main danger to humans is associated with the consumption of toxic fish.

Do not catch unknown fish with your bare hands, do not gut them, and do not taste them on the advice of a stranger. The toxin does not become safe simply because of a home remedy. Buy seafood from a licensed retailer and ask what species it is, especially if the catch is being sold unlabelled.

If, after eating fish, you experience numbness, weakness, vomiting, difficulty breathing or any other acute symptoms, call the emergency services and keep the remaining product or its packaging, without putting others at risk. Do not wait for the symptoms to subside, and do not induce vomiting without medical advice.

Main risks associated with normal swimming

For most visitors, the main risks are currents, waves, heat, overestimating one’s strength, and boats. The Marine Police advise swimming in areas marked by red buoys, choosing beaches with lifeguards, not venturing out to the open sea, and not diving where the depth and seabed are unknown.

Do not swim alone at night, after drinking alcohol or in bad weather. If a current carries you away from the shore, do not waste your energy panicking; stay afloat, attract attention and follow the lifeguards’ instructions. The specific situation and on-site instructions are more important than a one-size-fits-all approach.

A child should always remain within immediate reach, even in shallow water. An inflatable ring is not a safety net. Before entering the water, locate the lifeguard post, check the flag signals and agree on a meeting point. These precautions are useful every day, regardless of whether there has been a story about a marine animal in the news.

How to observe nature responsibly

When snorkelling, choose a designated, calm area, swim with a partner and use high-visibility equipment where permitted. Do not disturb the seabed with your fins, do not remove any animals and do not leave any fishing line behind. Additional rules apply in marine protected areas; check these before your visit.

Take photographs without a flash and without chasing the animals; keep your distance and do not disclose the exact geotags of a vulnerable nest or a rare species in public posts. Do not pull an injured, entangled or stranded animal back into the water yourself: notify a lifeguard or the relevant authority and follow their instructions.

Check for any new warnings on the morning of your trip. If an area is closed off, do not climb over the fencing in the hope of spotting wildlife. The living sea is under no obligation to reveal a specific species, and a safe excursion does not guarantee a photograph. The best outcome is to experience nature without harming it and to return home safely.

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Official sources

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