Description
At up to 11metres long these are giants of the Clyde. The only part of these massive creatures you are likely to see however is their fin protruding from the water, sometimes accompanied by the top of their tails and the tip of their snout, as they cruise along feeding. Basking sharks feed on microscopic plankton, which they filter from the water so have no teeth.

When
Warm calm weather in August or September provides the best chance of seeing a basking shark.

Where
They can be seen anywhere round the island, you need an element of luck to be in the right place at the right time. If you happen to be in a boat when you see one please don’t harass it by going too close. They may approach your boat so be ready to prevent injuring them.