Basking Sharks

The best way to see basking sharks in the Isle of Man is from the shore. With or without binoculars you can witness the natural feeding, swimming and even what scientist think is the courtship of these spectacular animals. We are incredibly lucky to be able to see the second biggest fish in the world without even getting our feet wet!

Good Vantage Points from Shore

On a calm day during June, July and August you have a good chance of seeing a shark around the south and west of the Isle of Man. At Peel, you can often see basking sharks from Fenella Beach. Walking around Peel Castle from Fenella Beach to the breakwater is another great opportunity to see basking sharks. If you don’t see a basking shark, you are almost guaranteed to see a seal. From Peel Beach there is also a good chance that you will see a big fin in Peel Bay!

Port Erin has one of our most popular beaches and Port Erin Bay is the perfect location for diving, kayaking and boating. The area is also a popular feeding ground for basking sharks and there are great shark watching spots all around Port Erin Bay – from the breakwater out past the harbour in the South and round to the paths of Bradda Glen to the North.

Many of the coastal walks around the south and west of the Island also provide an opportunity to shark watch, whilst also enjoying the diverse coastal wildlife. Walks from Port Erin to Fleshwick, Port Erin to the Sound, the Sound to Port St Mary, the walk to Lag ny Keilley and other walks south of Peel are all good for basking shark watching. Unlike whales and dolphins which can often be seen only fleetingly, basking sharks often remain in the same area for some time so are ideal for watching from the coast.

Shark Watching from Boats

A number of boat operators offer marine wildlife watching trips. Look out for the WiSe symbol which shows that the boat operator has been accredited as a wildlife safe operator after attending a course. A full list of marine wildlife friendly boat operators can be found on the WiSe website: http://www.wisescheme.org/html/operators/isleofman.html

Diving, Snorkelling and Swimming with Basking Sharks

Basking sharks are protected species and are listed as globally vulnerable. The Isle of Man is a hotspot for this species so we have a special responsibility to look after them while they are visiting Manx waters. Basking sharks are also large, powerful wild animals. Although they are plankton eaters, they can still pose a risk to people. Their large, powerful tails can be potentially lethal. For these reasons (your safety and the conservation of the sharks) we recommend that you do not dive, snorkel or swim with basking sharks. It is very difficult to do so without disturbing the basking sharks and this can have a serious impact on the shark and the future success of this species. Watching basking sharks from shore or with a WiSe accredited boat operator is the responsible, sustainable option.

If you do find yourself in the water with basking sharks please remember the following guidelines (adapted from the Shark Trust Basking Shark Code of Conduct):

1. Stay at least 4m away from the basking shark and be wary of the tail.

2. Do not try to touch the sharks.

3. Do not enter the water when the visibility is less than 4m.

4. No more than 4 people should be in the water with the shark at any one time – the fewer the better.

5. The group should stay close together and ideally stay at the surface. Do not corner or surround the basking shark in any way.

6. If you are taking photographs do not use a flash. Send any photographs to Manx Basking Shark Watch to help with their research.

7. Do not use underwater propelled devices.

8. Do not enter the water with basking sharks if you are not a confident swimmer, snorkeller or diver.

9. The boat should drop you 100m away from the sharks – if you can anticipate their direction of movement the sharks will come to you.

10. Limit your time in the water with the basking shark.

Basking sharks are protected under Manx law. If you follow the Basking Shark Code of Conduct you are unlikely to disturb a basking shark and risk prosecution.

For more information about the Basking Shark Code of Conduct, watching basking sharks in a responsible manner or to enquire about licences to film basking sharks please contact: Fiona Gell, Marine Conservation Officer, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry on wildlife@gov.im or telephone 01624 843109.

Conservation of Basking Sharks

Manx Basking Shark Watch is a local group led by Jackie Hall who have been carrying out basking shark research for the past three years. In this time they have mobilised the Manx and visiting public to report sightings and have made some fascinating discoveries about the behaviour and migration of this mysterious animal. You can get involved in that research by reporting your sightings on their website, sending any photos you take or just by learning more about these amazing fish. See their website for everything you ever wanted to know about basking sharks and regular updates on Manx Basking Shark Watch’s research: www.manxbaskingsharkwatch.com