Basking Sharks in Scotland
Basking Sharks in Scotland

Basking Sharks in Scotland

United Kingdom
United Kingdom

When Is the Best Time

The season starts mid-June until September. The highest chance for a sighting is also the peak season on the Hebrides in July and August. However, no guarantee at all. I booked a four-day trip to increase the chance for snorkeling with one, but I only saw a young one from the boat. One guy had booked a trip for the third time and our three meters tall shark was his first one. You need the right conditions and to be fortunate!! After this experience, I'd recommend August. In this month the shark festival takes places as well during the weekend. 

Best Months to Visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Related Topics

Location and Tips

Scotland, Inner Hebrides, Isle of Coll
United Kingdom
United Kingdom

Our guide Luke, a marine biologist, explained that young sharks disappear as soon as you get into the water. It only makes sense to snorkel with older and bigger ones. The sun brings plankton to the surface this attracts the basking sharks. With a high concentration of plankton, the sea appears green. If you book a several days trip for snorkelling with basking sharks don't have too high expectations, I would rather call it snorkelling with seals which were quite amazing and a great experience. Have a look at the place Cairns of Coll. I'll definitely try it again. Anyhow, the sea can be rough, and it gets quite difficult to snorkel and follow the shark. The visibility is 5 to 7 meters in summer. Expect lots of jellyfish in the sea.

5 Facts About the Basking Sharks
  1. The sharks are feeding half a ton of plankton
  2. The liver has the size of a car
  3. The basking sharks were hunted almost to extinction for their liver to get the valuable oil and the fins.
  4. It is the second-largest fish in the world after the whale shark. Growing up to 12 meters, but there is still a lot to discover about them.
  5. No one has ever seen one of these sharks mating or giving birth. It looks like the Hebrides are a key area for feeding and mating. Luckily they are protected now.

Photos

Nearby Places
Best Time to See Puffins on Lunga Island, One of Scotland’s Treshnish Isles
8 km
Best Time to See Puffins on Lunga Island, One of Scotland’s Treshnish Isles
Lunga Island is the largest of the Treshnish Isles and a photographer's and…
Wildflowers on the Isle of Coll
10 km
Wildflowers on the Isle of Coll
I visited the island in late June, and I was fortunate to see such a huge…
Hogh Beach on the Isle of Coll
12 km
Hogh Beach on the Isle of Coll
The Isle of Coll has several beautiful beaches, but none of them are signposted…
Snorkeling at Cairns of Coll
15 km
Snorkeling at Cairns of Coll
This lagoon is located in the north of Coll. The rocks are surrounded by…
Fingal’s Cave on Isle of Staffa - How to Get Here and Tips
15 km
Fingal’s Cave on Isle of Staffa - How to Get Here and Tips
The boat ride to Staffa is already an amazing experience when dolphins pass by…
Hyskeir Island and Lighthouse
48 km
Hyskeir Island and Lighthouse
It is difficult to get there. The closest islands are Canna and Rum but you…
Rubh' an Dunain on the Isle of Skye
68 km
Rubh' an Dunain on the Isle of Skye
Rubh' an Dunain is a peninsula on the Isle of Skye near the Glenbrittle village…
Elgol
69 km
Elgol
Elgol is a village on the beautiful Isle of Skye. You can experience fine…
Sgurr Alasdair
73 km
Sgurr Alasdair
PLEASE NOTE that climbing this mountain can be very dangerous. It is not a walk…
Coire Lagan
73 km
Coire Lagan
Coire Lagan is a fine place on the Isle of Skye. It is situated in the southern…
Created by
Micha Herber-Bleich
Micha Herber-Bleich
I am always open, curious about new…