Lithuanian Diver in Tenerife Spots Rare Sunfish, Fulfilling Lifelong Dream

A truly remarkable encounter unfolded beneath the waves off Tenerife, as a Lithuanian diving instructor, Giedrė, witnessed a creature many divers only dream of: a sunfish (Mola mola). For Giedrė, who has dedicated two decades to exploring the waters around the Canary Islands, this sighting was the culmination of a lifelong aspiration.

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I was diving with a Lithuanian client, and another group was swimming a bit further away. From a distance, I saw something above. At first, it looked like a turtle that had flipped onto its side. I even thought, why is it turned like that?

She described the initial moment of spotting the unusual shape, mistaking it for a capsized turtle before realizing the magnificent truth. While she couldn't get close enough for a clear photograph, another group of divers nearby managed to capture stunning footage of the gentle giant. This event underscores the incredible biodiversity that thrives in our oceans, even in well-trafficked diving spots.

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For 20 years of diving in Tenerife, I have never seen one before. It has been spotted off the island's coast before, but it is very difficult to see. About 5 years ago, a colleague saw one but didn't manage to film it.

From our vantage point at Delfi, this story resonates deeply. It’s a reminder of the wonders that still exist, often hidden from plain sight. While Western media might focus on the exoticism of such a find, for us, it’s also a testament to the dedication of individuals like Giedrė, who pursue their passions and share these incredible moments with the world. The sunfish, with its unique appearance and behavior—surfacing to be cleaned by birds—is a fascinating subject, and seeing it in its natural habitat is a privilege. This encounter is not just a news item; it's a moment of pure awe, a fulfillment of a dream, and a beautiful illustration of the ocean's enduring mysteries.

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Seeing a sunfish, which rarely comes up from the depths to the surface, is the dream of many divers. It was a dream come true for me to see such a fish while diving.