Isle of Man Basking Shark Expedition

This expedition has been design by Nigel Dennis Sea Kayaks UK, in conjunction with Keirron Tastagh of Adventurous Experiences; a sea kayaking and adventurous sports center in the Isle of Man. It has been initiated to offer an opportunity for experienced sea kayakers to come together and explore the spectacular coast line and diverse wildlife of the Isle of Man. This trip is especially designed to offer Kayakers a unique experience of paddling alongside Britain's well loved summer visitors, the great Basking sharks. Sometimes reaching up to twelve meters in length, the basking sharks are the largest wild animal regualrly found in British waters and are know to appear in the summer months off the Isle of Man. This week long trip will provide the perfect enviornment for skilled kayakers to explore the tidal races and coastline of the Island alongside the frinedly 'gentle giants!'

The Experience

By positioning your kayak carefully, and then watching the wildlife come to you, the experience is far more enjoyable and rewarding long term. Young seal pups especially often swim up the kayaks to nibble the carrying toggles and nuzzle the smooth hull.
Being totally wild and generally quite curious, Basking Sharks can and will continue feeding right up to and beneath kayaks and other small craft. When they pass beneath your kayak, the sheer size of these awesome creatures can take your breath away!
Passing within inches of water craft, their excellent spatial awareness ensures they do not actually touch. Purposeful contact by humans is an offence and totally unnecessary.
Author - Keirron

Working with the Environment

Year on year the number of incidents of marine wildlife harassment have increased. Marine conservationists throughout the UK are aware that marine wildlife, such as dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks, may be physically harmed and can show serious signs of stress when approached in an insensitive manner by leisure or commercial pleasure craft. So sea kayaking offers a sensitive way to come very close to these animals. Kayakers who are interested in this trip must be prepared to act respectfully and sensitively to the marine wildlife they come into contact with.

Expedition Details

The Expedition will leave from Holyhead Harbour on the 27th June to the 3rd July. Participants should meet at the SKUK office on the 26th June.
There will be a live-on boat that accommodates up to 10 people (including instructors and staff). Therefore places on this trip are limited There are only six places available.
The boat will be the expedition base for the whole week.
Kayaks can be stored on deck alongside all kayaking equipment.
The boat is beautifully and newly decorated. It has all the necessary facilities, including: a fully functioning kitchen with oven and dishwasher, hot showers, toilets, bunk beds, electricity, cupboard space, and a small living room 'view point' and a seating area.
There will be a half day in the middle of the trip to give people a chance to spend an afternoon on the Island. There are many places of interest to visit. Information will be at hand about suitable places to visit.
Tidal race information and advice will be provided by the trip organizers and there will be contact with local coast guard from the boat office. The boat is equipped with all the necessary up to date navigation and communication tools.

Cost £750 / head to include:
Use of Motor vessel
All food
Equipment
Guides

Alternatively you may send an e-mail to
Or call us on +44 (0) 1407 765 550 or +44 (0) 1407 762 425

General information