12 Jan Combine Your Divemaster Training with SSI Shark Ecology
If you are planning your Divemaster internship in Tenerife, there is no better time to arrive than during the winter months. While the water remains comfortable, the sandy bottoms of Abades Bay become a sanctuary for one of the ocean's most elusive and Critically Endangered species: the Angel Shark (Squatina squatina). As a Divemaster trainee, this isn't just a sightseeing opportunity—it is a unique window to develop professional-level monitoring and conservation skills.
Why Winter is "Angel Shark Season"
During the winter months, these masters of camouflage aggregate in our local waters. For our Divemaster interns, this means the chance to encounter these creatures on a near-daily basis.
Instead of just watching, you will learn to:
- Identify Behavior: Distinguish between resting, hunting, and mating behaviors.
- Conduct Ethical Surveys: Master the professional "pro" approach to conducting surveys without disrupting the natural environment.
- Educate Future Guests: Become the guide who can provide authentic, evidence-based insights when your future students ask about the sharks they see.
Contribute to Real Science
We believe in the power of citizen science. By learning the SSI Shark Ecology framework, you aren't just earning a certification; you are gaining the skills to contribute to global conservation efforts. We highly recommend all our interns familiarize themselves with the ongoing research and conservation guidelines provided by the Angel Shark Project. Their work is vital to the protection of this species, and understanding their protocols is a key part of becoming a responsible, professional dive guide in the Canary Islands
Integrate Shark Ecology into Your Internship
Whether you are here to transition into a career as a PADI or SSI professional, or you are a marine biology or marine science student looking to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical field experience, this specialty is designed for you. By integrating the SSI Shark Ecology course into your Divemaster internship, you gain a professional toolkit that is highly valued in both the recreational diving industry and the conservation sector:
The Best Time for Angel Shark Encounters
While Angel Sharks can be spotted in the waters around Tenerife throughout the year, the cooler winter months between November and March are widely considered the prime time for sightings. During this period, the cooling water temperatures draw these elusive predators closer to the coastline and into the shallower, sandy seabeds that characterize sites like Abades Bay. Because Angel Sharks are ectothermic and sensitive to thermal shifts, they are most comfortable when water temperatures remain within their preferred range, making the winter season a highly reliable time to observe them resting in the sand.
