Blue Sharks

Blue Sharks are seen around Cornwall's coastline during warmer months but migrate to warmer seas during winter and usually are seen 10+ miles offshore
White waves
White waves

About Blue Sharks

Scientific Name: Prionace glauca

Blue sharks are a species of shark that can be found in the waters around Cornwall, England. These slender, elegant sharks are named for their distinctive, blue colouration, which helps them blend in with the deep, open ocean. Blue sharks are found in many parts of the world and are known to migrate long distances in search of food and suitable breeding grounds.

It is not uncommon for these sharks to be found inshore, although they tend to favour deeper, offshore waters. The exact distribution of blue sharks in the waters off Cornwall will depend on a variety of factors, including the time of year, water temperature, and the availability of food. They are also known to be curious and sometimes approach divers and boats, although they are generally not aggressive towards humans.

 

How to identify this species:

  • Up to 3.8 metres in length
  • Long, slender body with a pointed snout, large eyes and distinctive long pectoral fins
  • Striking shimmery blue colour across the top of its body, with a white underside

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Blue shark close up

20 years

Average Lifespan

Fish & Squid

Diet

120,000

Population

Did you know?

The age of a blue shark can be determined by counting the rings on the shark’s vertebrae, which grow as the shark ages.

Blue shark swimming

How often do you see Blue Shark on a boat trip?

Book a boat trip and you might get lucky to see one of these fantastic creatures in our Cornish waters. Sharks are not a common sighting on our trips as they do not need to surface to breathe like whales and dolphins do, and tend to stick to deeper waters, but every trip is different and you never know what you might see. Experience our boat trips and keep your eyes open and you might just get lucky.

Blue waves
Blue waves

FAQs about Blue Sharks

More of cornwall's amazing sealife...

Padstow Sealife Safaris give you the chance to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures. Depending on the time of year that you choose to visit, you’ll have the chance to see a number of different species.