Basking sharks have been spotted off the island of Coll over the Easter weekend, much earlier in the year than expected. We’ll be looking out for them on our Magical Mull cruise on April 25th (two spaces still available at a special offer of only £1150.00 pp due to cancellation)
It is thought the high pressure in the weather over the Easter weekend prompted early zooplankton bloom, which attracted the basking sharks to the waters around Coll, according to Basking Shark Scotland. One possible reason for the early arrival and plankton bloom could be in conjunction with the frequent high wind and storms this winter which could have unlocked natural upwelling and nutrients availability in the Atlantic, which in turn has provided the perfect conditions for generating shark food.
Around ten individuals were counted during a Basking Shark Scotland research trip on Easter Monday, among the earliest sightings that have been recorded in these waters and the wider UK.
Basking sharks normally appear in the Hebrides from May onwards. Areas such as Cornwall usually have amongst the first sightings although the number of sightings has been very poor over the last few years. The early arrival and large numbers of individuals present over the Easter weekend are amongst the first in the UK in 2015 and confirms that the Hebrides are still the best in the world for basking shark sightings.
We found the staff and crew of Hebrides Cruises second to none! As was this amazing cruise, the highlight of our much anticipated first visit to Scotland from Australia. It was evident that along with their professional, friendly service - core business was to ensure each individual on board had the best experience possible. We can highly recommend Hebrides Cruises to anyone looking to either visit the islands of Scotland or simply enjoy the best that cruising has to offer.
Dru and Janeille Hodges: 27 April 2019Idyllic Islands: Mull, Iona, Staffa & the Treshnish Isles