Our sixth day of survey began with a relaxing interlude in Tobermory while our wonderful PI (Clare) and ship’s crew battled with the various computers aboard. Eventually, with enough up and running to proceed we sailed West and North into turbulent waters.
While short, it proved to be an excellent day of spotting. Our eagle-eyed captain (Graham) made the first sighting with a trio of magnificent Basking Sharks. We coasted the boat alongside while the photographers aboard were hanging over the sides and snapping shot after shot. The sharks were truly a lovely sight to behold and I feel privileged to have seen them.
The spotting conditions worsened after that, but it was certainly exciting standing in the bow as walls of water repeatedly crashed over them. Despite the high waves though, it didn’t stop Carla from picking out a Porpoise amongst them.
Damp but happy, we sailed into the port at Rum for a quiet evening in the shadow of a Victorian castle.
Robert, Earthwatch volunteer

Travelling through the Sound of Iona

Basking shark dorsal fin