Snorkel with Basking shark

Snorkel with Basking shark

Day 1.

After approx. 5 hours drive from London, Heathrow Airport we arrive at the small cozy fishing village of Penzance, Cornwall, which is located on the south coast of England. In addition to the unique basking shark, there are plenty of nice pubs where most of the dishes on the menu are connected to the sea. We will live here and hopefully get to snorkel with Brugd. The world's second largest fish in these parts of Atlantic.

Day 2.

The next morning we meet Charles Hood down by the harbor where his RIB is waiting for us in the sun glistening water. We simmer out of the harbor and out into the open sea. Charles has several years of experience in looking for water where the basking shark usually resides. Our strategy today is to go along the coast and scout inland for the large black triangular fin. The fin that is the hallmark of the brew. We search and search but to no avail. Charles takes samples from the water and notes how much or how little plankton there is. After the cold winter, the plankton has been conspicuous by its absence. No brew in sight this day.

Day 3.

Even on this day the sun is shining and I thought it was raining most of the time in England. But where I was wrong. Also today, just like yesterday, we start scouting for the long-awaited fin along the coast. Unfortunately, it is without result even today. Instead, we head out to an island where a large colony of seals lives. We jump into the water and snorkel with some approaching gray seals. It was an entertaining encounter with lively and fearless seals of different ages. For the rest of the day, the basking shark is conspicuous by its absence, which worries Charles.

Day 4.

Today, Charles received a tip from a fisherman who must have seen brewed. We head out to search. But no luck this time either. Charles takes samples and it's the same here, plankton is bad. After lunch, we aim for a cliff where the wind is very strong and the waves are high. After rounding the cliff, we enter a large bay with turquoise water and calm wind.

We start scouting and after a while we see two large fins in front of the boat. What a great moment! But the fins move out to sea and suddenly they have disappeared. Searching continues because now we know the giants are here and we are in the right place. After a while, we see a large black fin moving close to land. It's a basking shark. We are now prepared and awaiting the go-ahead from Charles. To gently slide into the water. The first thing is to see how the brugden moves in the water and then try to cross its path.

First meeting with basking shark

Suddenly, I see a large black fin coming towards me. I look down, to the right and to the left. Where do I have the basking shark? It is difficult to see anything in the water because it is rich in plankton. I spot the basking shark when it is about 1-2 m away from me and I see its huge gap. It is completely open to filtering plankton. To have the opportunity to photograph these 4-4 meter long giants from different angles and positions for more than 5 hours is fantastic. You are filled with a very powerful feeling. Very satisfied, we ended by photographing the large fins of the basking shark that cut through the water.

The basking shark is not only a big attraction for the English. Interested people come here from all over the world. To meet the sharks in the water or with camera in hand from land. A big thank you to Scuba Travel and Charles Hood who made The Basking Shark Expedition 2013 possible. I also want to thank a good group, who ensured that the atmosphere was at its peak during all 4 days. Snorkeling with basking shark was a highlight, if you want to try that contact Scuba Travel here!

Text and photos with © approval from Scuba Travel ambassador Tomas Jansson