Basking shark watching in Cornwall

04/06/2006 00:00:00 Wildlife watchers in west Cornwall were privileged in 2006 by the large numbers of Basking sharks sighted in June and July, with over 100 being seen on some days at the end of June. The largest shark was an enormous 10 metre monster with a dorsal fin over a metre high!

Without a doubt one of the most exciting spectacles and gatherings of nature it’s still possible to see in the UK. Basking sharks are not the only notable species possible that can be seen off Cornwall in summer; other species include Bottlenose, Common, and Risso’s dolphins, orca (Killer whales) and Harbour porpoise. Minke, Fin and Pilot whale, Atlantic grey seals, sunfish, leatherback turtles and even the occasional Thresher, Porbeagle and Shortfin Mako sharks. How to see the Basking sharks off Cornwall
Wildlife Extra recommends you contact Elemental Tours if you want to see the Basking sharks. Elemental’s Atlantic Adventure’ sea trips are aboard a high-speed R.I.B. ‘Ocean Ranger,’ and last 2 hours (occasionally longer) covering at least 25 miles.

It costs £30 for adults and £20 for children 5-15 years old. Departures are from Penzance harbour, and travel along the magnificent granite coastline around the Land's End peninsular, and out into the Atlantic Ocean.

As well as Basking sharks, and depending on time of year, with the help of expert local guides, they hope to encounter a wide selection of seabirds, a range of cetacean species including porpoise, Bottlenose dolphins, Common dolphins, Minke, and sometimes even Fin whales, the second largest creature on the planet. Atlantic grey seals are resident all year round, Basking sharks and ocean sunfish make a regular appearance from late spring to the end of summer.

Contact Elemental Tours
Call 01736 811200 or click www.elementaltours.co.uk