Swim with Basking Sharks Scotland it is an exhilarating experience.
This majestic gentle giant of the sea, the Basking Shark, is a frequent visitor to Scotland’s waters and not only can you get up close and personal with Basking Sharks in Scotland but did you know you could swim with Basking Sharks?
Is it safe to swim with Basking Sharks?
Yes, but! They are wild animals, they can breach and they can act unpredictably. That is why you shouldn’t swim towards a basking shark. The guidance from the Wildlife Trust advises that you never get closer than 4 metres to a basking shark, stay in a group, remain calm and never touch (illegal) a basking shark.
Never swim towards the basking sharks.
wee wild adventures
When is Basking Shark season in Scotland?
Warm waters are required to bring in the food that Basking Sharks like to eat, plankton and small crustaceans. The seas start to warm in April and the Basking Sharks start travelling north up the coast following their food. Basking Shark start arriving in Scotland in April. High Season for Basking Sharks in Scotland is June to September. Finally after September, Basking Shark start migrating south again.
June to September is Basking Shark Season
wee wild adventures
Where to watch Basking Sharks in Scotland?
The west coast waters of Scotland are warmer than the east coast waters due to the Gulf Stream. The Basking Sharks will arrive on the west coast of Scotland quicker than they do on the east coast.
Hot spots for Basking Shark in Scotland are the waters in and around they Isle of Skye, Mull and other isles of the Scottish Hebrides.
If it is a particularly warm summer we get Basking Shark in the Moray Firth. Just off Secret Beach in Nairn, there were over thirty Basking Shark feeding in the waters (2023). Local swimmers said the sea was cloudy with plankton. A delicious soup of plankton for the visiting Basking. Shark.
Is a trip with Basking Shark Scotland worth it?
Yes, absolutely.
Despite living in Wester Ross we have never been lucky enough to see Basking Shark. We took the plunge and signed up for an amazing weekend experience with Basking Shark Scotland for the opportunity to see and perhaps swim and snorkel with Basking Shark.
Definitely one of the most memorable experiences we have ever enjoyed.
wee wild adventures
Basking Shark Scotland Tours what’s included and what’s not
- Boat travel
- Ecologist and Guide
Costs extra
- Wet suits
- Accommodation
- Food
- Ferry travel to Coll
What to expect on a Basking Shark Scotland Tour
Small Groups
We had a small group of like minded enthusiasts on our Basking Shark Scotland Tour, no more than 8 guests. Of course we are budget travellers therefore we used our own wetsuits and snorkel gear. Likewise other guests choose to hire wetsuits from the company.
Did we see Basking Shark during our weekend Tour with Basking Shark Scotland?
Yes, we did!
We saw a group of Basking Shark within an hour of leaving harbour. In fact we saw Basking Shark every single day of our tour. There were so many Basking Shark we said it was like Basking Shark Soup!
We were so lucky with our Basking Shark adventure that eventually we didn’t get into the sea unless there was more than 3 or 4 Basking Sharks!
Our group were swimming with upwards of 20 Basking Shark. Eye to eye experiences with Basking Shark. Sometimes we had to get out of the way of the Basking Shark!
What is it like snorkelling with Basking Shark?
Exhilarating! Exciting! Thrilling! Maybe even a little scary at first until your realise how gentle these giants are!
Only 4 guests are permitted in with the basking shark at any one time. After all the main objective is not to disturb the sharks. You will be accompanied by a guide from Basking Shark Scotland. You will be briefed on what to do when you snorkel with Basking Sharks e.g. do not swim toward the sharks, don’t touch.
On entering the water these gentle giants, mouth opened seemed completely oblivious to our existence. The Basking Sharks swam in slow circles. We simply float on the surface of the sea and the Basking Shark swam below us. Layer and layer and layer of Basking Shark.
Sometimes we thought the Basking Shark might bump into us but then it would silently turn aside and continue to feed.
Layer and Layer and Layer of Basking Shark into the depths
wee wild adventures
Significantly our swim with Basking Shark Scotland adventure took place in August. Warm seas and plenty of Basking Shark food therefore plenty of Basking Shark food).
Budget Saving tips for Basking Shark Scotland adventures
- Book the hostel on Coll (bring your own towel to save money)
- Bring your own bike on the ferry to explore Coll in the evening (it’s free to travel with a bike)
- Bring or borrow your own wetsuit and snorkelling kit
- Bring your own food or sufficient food for a picnic food (shop in Oban) – Lidl, Tesco, Aldi
- Foot passengers on the ferry to Coll is the cheapest way to get to the start of you adventure (amazing 3 hours – watch out for basking shark, whales and dolphins on this scenic ferry crossing)
- Travel by bus or train to Oban
For more adventures and inspiration in Scotland please have a look at our other Scottish Adventures
