1 Day Basking Shark
& Wildlife Tour
Explore your adventure
Highlights
This tour is a private /group charter only – we don’t run these on a schedule for individuals. For targeted basking shark tours for individuals please see our three / four & seven day tours. Otherwise for a day snorkel trip for individuals then look up our seal & lagoon tour or experience snorkelling session from Oban.
See the best of the remote Inner Hebrides from our comfortable boat, designed for a wild adventure in the Atlantic. Spend a day at sea searching for the biggest shark in the UK, and the second largest in the world! Whether you would like to stay dry, snorkel or wild swim we know you will love this trip! All tours are different as we navigate the sea conditions, but this is what we hope you will experience:
- 1 day at sea searching for basking sharks
- Option to snorkel in temperate kelp forests and reefs*
- Option to visit the resident seal colonies
- Opportunity for whale and dolphin watching along the way
- Visit responsibly guided by a marine biologist.
- Swim at white sand beaches in the Hebrides
* Snorkelling participation requires a minimum experience level, see more information here.
Logistics
Travel
Your 1 day boat trip starts from Oban town centre. Those staying on the Isle of Mull have the option to join the trip in Tobermory. We can offer this tour from the Isle of Coll too but the boat still has to come out from Oban.
For more information on travel and staying in Oban please see our FAQs.
On the Tour
Once you arrive at the marina a member of our friendly crew will meet you, and show you to the facilities and boat. We will then start our journey passing many iconic landmarks such as Lismore Lighthouse and Duart Castle as we make our way into the Sound of Mull.
You will be surrounded by the stunning scenery of Mull on one side and the Morvern and Ardnamurchan Peninsula on the other. Our local guides will tell you more about this special area and which wildlife to look out for.
The search for wildlife begins as soon as we leave the marina. The day will focus on searching for basking sharks and other wildlife. The deep waters around the island create excellent feeding opportunities for sharks, whales and dolphins. Photographers and naturalists will keep themselves busy with the plentiful bird life.
To learn more about which species can be seen in the area visit our Hebrides Wildlife Guide.
Swimming with Sharks
The Sea of the Hebrides is the only Marine Protected Area (MPA) for basking sharks in the world. Swimming alongside these gentle giants is a moment you will never forget. Visit these endangered animals responsibly, with our dedicated and passionate team.
Over the past decade, we have developed our Code of Conduct for encountering sharks to ensure their welfare & protection. This practice ensures both shark and customer safety which is our highest priority and allows you to get the best chance of a memorable experience.
If we have been unlucky in our search for basking sharks we have the option to still get in the water and enjoy the rich marine life of the Hebrides.
Swimming with Seals
Scotland boasts one-third of the world’s grey seal population, and swimming with these curious animals is a moment you will remember. We have multiple options around the island where we have resident seal colonies to visit.
The Lagoon
The turquoise waters of the lagoon are not to be missed. This is the perfect place for beginners to test the waters, and those with more experience to take advantage of the abundant life and crystal-clear visibility.
Who is the tour for?
For those who want to search for basking sharks on a shorter trip. This tour is about the wildlife, however you would like to enjoy it – be it in the water or on board the boat.
To join our in-water activities you must be comfortably able to swim a minimum of 100m unaided in open water.
With the remote location we operate in there are some physical challenges such as boarding the boat by ladder and landing on the islands without facilities, please see here for more information.
Tour expectations
The natural world is very unpredictable, not a zoo or an aquarium, therefore sightings are never guaranteed. We can however promise that you are visiting a wildlife hotspot with a highly experienced and passionate team. Our boats are comfortable cabin RIBs built for the wild Atlantic conditions which are closely monitored by our experienced skippers. We will do our very best to give you a great experience!
Ready to join us on an adventure?
Prices
TOUR PRICES
Private Charter rates
from £2550
Rates depend on boat availability and start location – to help us give you a quote please get in touch.
A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking, with the final balance due 12 weeks before tour departure.
Group tours have specific payment terms & conditions. Please email for more information.
What’s Included?
- 1 day wildlife tour
- Knowledgeable and experienced guides
- In water guide for snorkelling and swimming
- Hot drink
- Use of binoculars, books and information guides.
Additional Considerations
- Accommodation
- Equipment Hire
- Travel to meeting point
- Food and Drink
To see all our private tour options visit here.
Cancellations
Please see our cancellation policy and terms and conditions here.
Bookings
Our 1 day shark charters can be arranged any day throughout the summer, please note the peak basking shark season is our busiest time and all of our boats get booked up quickly. To avoid disappointment advanced booking is essential.
Hire equipment
If you are participating in our in water activities please check our hire equipment information. You will need to input your requirements and sizes at the time of booking – find our wetsuit size charts here.
If you intend to bring your own gear make sure you’ve read the minimum standard of kit needed. Here’s an advice document on what is best.
Ready to Book?
After booking your preferred date you will receive a confirmation email with a linked information document.