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.
Despite some pretty gusty weather, this was a fabulous cruise, our very experienced and attentive crew continually reviewing the forecast and the options to ensure the guests had a memorable and very enjoyable 10 nights aboard the wonderful Emma Jane. I’m fortunate enough to have previously visited St Kilda with Hebrides Cruises, but I must say this visit was possibly even more exciting, more a sense of achievement. However, don’t go thinking that St Kilda was all the cruise was about, not by a long way !! We had a fabulous visit to the sun drenched Shiants – sitting there watching the puffins, guillemots, razorbills, shags etc was pure pleasure. Other highlights were walking among the ruins of the old village on the Isle of Isay, just off the coast of Skye (a first for most of us), and the intriguing ruins at Rubha an Dunain on Skye. Just imagine an Iron Age dun on a cliff top, a chambered cairn from 2nd/3rd century BC, and a stone-lined canal thought to have been built by the Vikings !! This was a first for everyone on board – never let it be said Hebrides Cruises just visit the same old places, nothing could be further from the truth !!
Steve Lloyd: 8 June 2024St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides