Shark
Shortfin mako shark
Isurus oxyrinchus
IUCN status: EndangeredWidely sought
The fastest shark in the ocean, stocky and metallic blue. Makos turn up far less predictably than blue sharks at the Azores bait dives, and are more skittish when they do.
- Max size
- Up to ~4m
- Habitat
- Open ocean; occasionally joins blue sharks at Azores bait dives in summer
Best places to dive with Shortfin mako shark
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Azores
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Genuinely occasional — a bonus rather than a reason to book. Same summer window as the blue sharks.
Port Lincoln & Neptune Islands
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Possible in the region; no unsupported monthly peak is applied.
Tasmania — East & Southeast
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | rare |
| February | rare |
| March | rare |
| April | rare |
| May | rare |
| June | rare |
| July | rare |
| August | rare |
| September | rare |
| October | rare |
| November | rare |
| December | rare |
Possible year-round; no unsupported peak is applied.
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
Research is source-backed, but conditions and fees should still be confirmed locally.
View 2 sources and checking notes
- Blue Sharks in the Azores, X-Ray Mag
- Epic Pelagic Action Awaits Divers in the Azores, Scuba Diving Magazine