How and where to see basking sharks

Basking sharks typically return to the Isle of Man in mid-May. Though they have been reported from all around the island, they are predominantly seen on the west and southwest coast with Peel, Niarbyl, Port Erin and the Sound being hot-spots.

As it is possible to see basking sharks from any of these sites, in close proximity to the shore, you do not need to be on a boat to see them. Once the first shark has returned, more typically follow, and a walk along the coastal path (Raad ny follian) on a calm day during this time can provide the perfect opportunity to see them.

If you are on the water, it is extremely important to follow the basking shark code of conduct below. Basking sharks are slow, and will not move out of the way or alter their course to get out of the way of any boat, kayak or jet-ski. When feeding, they tend to ‘zone out’ and may not even be aware of a boat right beside them.

The IUCN status of basking sharks was changed from vulnerable to endangered in 2019 and there may be less than 8,000 of them left in the whole world. They are very slow breeding, having 5 or 6 live pups about every 3 years. You may see newborns of 1.5- 2m in Manx waters. Manx law protects basking sharks from harassment, fishing or reckless injury. If you injure one through reckless boat driving you are liable to be prosecuted and fined up to £5,000.

Signs and Indicators

• Look out on a calm day with little wind
• Look for diving birds, especially gannets, as they dive where the shark is
• Look for ‘flashes of light’ on a sunny day, as the sun reflects off a wet dorsal fin on a sunny day 
• Look for a slow moving triangular shaped dorsal fin. Try not to get confused with the black flags that you see on top of marker bouys!
• Sometimes you may see the 3 points on a shark (nose, dorsal fin and upright tail)
• Look for tidal slicks, as sharks often feeds along the current

Comparison with other species 

Basking shark behaviour is completely different to any cetacean (whale, dolphin, porpoise). Cetaceans are mammals, and swim with a ‘rolling’ motion up and down through the sea surface to take breaths as they swim.  A shark will not do this. Instead, they travel at a slow, steady pace, usually in a straight line but sometimes sending their body in line with the current. If they wish to dive, they do so but slowly sinking down into the water. 

Seals are often mistaken for basking sharks. They will point their head upward, allowing their nostrils to stay above the surface as they have a snooze. This behaviour, known as ‘bottling’, makes the seal’s head appear rather triangular and shark-like. 

If you are unsure what you are looking at, stay a while and note down everything you see. How does the animal move? Is it travelling in a straight line or does it roll up and down? Does the triangle appear pointed like a shark fin, or is it rounded at the top like a ‘bottling’ seal? Can you see the animals body? Can you see any other fins or colour on the body? Is it travelling quite quickly or slowly? Take video or photos if you can. Get in touch with MWDW and describe your encounter. We can usually decipher species based on descriptions. 

If you wish to download this PDF, click this link-  Basking Shark Code of Conduct PDF

• Restrict your speed to below 6 knots and avoid sudden speed changes.
• Do not approach closer than 100m.
• When drifting closer than 100m switch the engine to neutral to avoid injuring sharks.
• Avoid disturbing groups of sharks as you may disrupt courtship behaviour.
• Do not approach areas where basking sharks have been observed breaching.
• Jet-skis seriously disturb basking sharks, they should stay at least 500m away.
• For every shark visible on the surface there are likely to be many more just below.
• Avoid sailing your boat along the foamy, plankton-filled tidal fronts. They are often full of jellyfish and floating seaweed. This is where the sharks feed.

Further recommendations and warnings

1. Take time to observe the direction of movement of the basking sharks. Quietly position the vessel alongside their anticipated course for a safe and enjoyable view.
2. If you find basking sharks close to your vessel switch your engine to neutral, remain calm and quiet and enjoy a close view of these magnificent animals until they move away.
3. Do not attempt to swim with basking sharks
4. Shark skin is covered in tiny teeth called denticles, if you were to stroke the skin backwards toward the head it would shred your hand raw. The tail fin is so large and covered in denticles, that one whip of the tail could result in you loosing a limb