Is Basking Shark Surface Feeding (Shetland) happening right now?
As of today, peak season now, through ~July 31. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) gather in coastal Shetland waters to feed at the surface on dense plankton patches.
These are large, slow-moving sharks that often feed with mouths open near the surface, making them visible from boats and headlands during calm, warm conditions.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Sumburgh Head (RSPB) and Sumburgh Harbor Boat Operators |
| Lerwick Harbor and Bressay Sound Boat Trips |
| + 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.