Basking Shark Research Expedition

Itinerary

Travel

Our boat will be based from Inverness Marina on the outskirts of Inverness. It’s around 10min drive or 30min walk from the town centre.

Micro Plastic Research

As part of the NatGeo CSI for the Ocean project, we are collaborating with the Staffordshire Uni and Prof Gwinnett to field test out a new citizen science microplastic test. We have sampled the waters where basking sharks have been feeding for plastics on previous scientific voyages. However this was just preliminary data and now we can gather robust data whilst using the new techniques and equipment designed for the public to gather vital information on plastic pollution.

Sightings Data

We will be collecting data on all the sightings we are able to find on our survey voyages. This will include location, weather conditions, tidal information, numbers of individual, water temperature.

Genetics Data

We’re excited to be adding the basking shark aggregation to our data collection. The researchers are looking into how closely related groups of basking sharks, to look at migrations and if they travel together following the same routes. We will gather the environmental DNA samples using non-disturbance methods, create clear notes and prepare samples for sending to the lab. You might even get to name a basking shark!!!!

Photo ID

A technique used to create what we call a ‘shark passport’, creating a visual record similar to a finger print in order to create a catalogue of sharks using the area. This is a low-tech way of distinguishing individuals, understanding shark movements on a short term basis and creating a resource for further mark/recapture techniques.

Behavioural Study

A lot of our previous work around the Hebrides has looked into basking shark behaviour. Why are the sharks there, what are they doing at the time. Are they foraging for food and feeding or are they doing other things? We have observed some potential courtship behaviour, torus, mating scars and unusual events over the years. We’ll be using observations, photos and videos to record behaviour of the sharks that we find on this trip to try and determine why they are in this area.

Cetacean Survey

The area has a resident pod of bottlenose dolphins, if we’re lucky enough to bump into them we’ll record any sightings & interesting behaviour whilst observing from a safe distance and share with the researchers.

Swimming with Sharks

The area has limited sheltered areas, calm waters or good visibility. Swimming isn’t a main objective of the trip, only if conditions & time allow for additional bonus information gathering. You must be a confident snorkeler with recent swims to be able to snorkel on this trip. A check-out swim will be conducted prior to any attempted shark swim. If you are just interested in snorkeling with sharks and a ‘tourism’ style trip then you are best on our other multi-day tours from Coll during Jul/Aug.

Prices

TOUR PRICES

We will have a maximum of 8 participants so there is plenty opportunity to get involved.

What’s Included?

• 4 activity days
• Knowledgeable and experienced marine biologist guides
• Training on survey techniques & experiments
• Hot drink onboard
• Use of binoculars, books and information guides & equipment

Additional Considerations

• Accommodation
• Equipment Hire
• Travel to meeting point
• Food and Drink

Cancellations

Please see our cancellation policy and terms and conditions here.

Bookings

Our research expedition will take place after our season based from the Isle of Coll. We have 4 x 4 day trips based from Inverness before we are returning to Oban for the remainder of the autumn tour schedule.

Hire equipment

If you are participating in our swims 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.