Encountering Giants: A Journey with Basking Sharks off Achill Island
Blog
We are buzzing to tell you all about our incredible day exploring the coast line of Achill Island and searching for the second largest fish in the ocean, the gentle giants - Basking Sharks 🦈 but first, a massive shout out to Mick Blacksod Sea Safari & Joshua Nueva, without them we would’ve never had the chance to experience what we have. Their respect and knowledge of these incredible animals amazes us.

We arrived at Blacksod pier at 2pm, we were kitted out with dry jumpsuits and life jackets and boarded our boats at 2:30pm to head on an adventure of a lifetime. It wasn’t long to we came across a pod of dolphins. The engines were turned off and the dolphins came closer and closer. The operators were so respectful of the wildlife. We then moved on towards keem bay. Getting to see the cliffs and mountains of Achill from the water was a whole other experience in itself. We were honestly mind blown and smiled ear to ear the entire time.

We arrived at Keem Bay, one of our favourite locations in Ireland. The beauty here is out of this world and getting to see it from the water was incredible. It was long before we spotted the black fins in the water. We couldn’t believe our luck, 2 Basking Sharks were feeding in the bay. Again, the engines were turned off and we admired them from over 20 metres away. We could’ve sat for hours admiring these gentle giants. Here Rónan had the chance to put the drone up, the view from above was out of this world. With the crystal clear waters of Keem Bay and the clear skies, we could see every detail of these amazing creatures.

On our journey back to Blacksod pier we came across Seals and some sea birds. Then, we spotted the black fins once again. Another Basking Shark. You honestly couldn’t have wiped the smile of our faces! The price for this tour was €80pp and we were out for over 3hours! Incredible value.

We can’t thank Blacksod Safari & Joshua enough for the experience and we cannot wait for our next one! Won’t be long until the Humpback Whales will make an appearance on our shores 👀🤞


**please remember that they are wild animals, they are still currently classed as “endangered”. The ocean is their home. It’s our responsibility to protect them. It is illegal for anyone to disturb/harass/prod them under the “Wildlife Act”.
  • My Winter Escape at The Lodge at Ashford Castle

    The Lodge at Ashford Castle offers a beautiful blend of history, comfort and relaxed Irish hospitality. Overlooking Lough Corrib, this former estate manager’s residence combines stylish rooms, excellent dining and...

    Read More

    My Winter Escape at The Lodge at Ashford Castle

    The Lodge at Ashford Castle offers a beautiful blend of history, comfort and relaxed Irish hospitality. Overlooking Lough Corrib, this former estate manager’s residence combines stylish rooms, excellent dining and...

  • Solo Only Crete Adventure - My Honest Review of...

    Experience a taste of Crete with our review of a solo group escape with Rory's Travel Club. Based at the welcoming Mistral Hotel in Chania, enjoy sun-soaked days, authentic Greek...

    Read More

    Solo Only Crete Adventure - My Honest Review of...

    Experience a taste of Crete with our review of a solo group escape with Rory's Travel Club. Based at the welcoming Mistral Hotel in Chania, enjoy sun-soaked days, authentic Greek...

  • I Walked 115km of the Camino Frances: Rory's Ti...

    Rory shares his experience walking 115km of the Camino Frances over five days, including his favourite moments, practical tips and lessons learned along the way. From avoiding blisters and travelling...

    Read More

    I Walked 115km of the Camino Frances: Rory's Ti...

    Rory shares his experience walking 115km of the Camino Frances over five days, including his favourite moments, practical tips and lessons learned along the way. From avoiding blisters and travelling...

    • My Winter Escape at The Lodge at Ashford Castle

      My Winter Escape at The Lodge at Ashford Castle

      28 Sep 26

      The Lodge at Ashford Castle offers a beautiful blend of history, comfort and relaxed Irish hospitality. Overlooking Lough Corrib, this former estate manager’s residence combines stylish rooms, excellent dining and...

      28 Sep 26

      My Winter Escape at The Lodge at Ashford Castle

      The Lodge at Ashford Castle offers a beautiful blend of history, comfort and relaxed Irish hospitality. Overlooking Lough Corrib, this former estate manager’s residence combines stylish rooms, excellent dining and...

    • Solo Only Crete Adventure - My Honest Review of RTC Group Trip

      Solo Only Crete Adventure - My Honest Review of...

      18 Sep 26

      Experience a taste of Crete with our review of a solo group escape with Rory's Travel Club. Based at the welcoming Mistral Hotel in Chania, enjoy sun-soaked days, authentic Greek...

      18 Sep 26

      Solo Only Crete Adventure - My Honest Review of...

      Experience a taste of Crete with our review of a solo group escape with Rory's Travel Club. Based at the welcoming Mistral Hotel in Chania, enjoy sun-soaked days, authentic Greek...

    • I Walked 115km of the Camino Frances: Rory's Tips & Tricks

      I Walked 115km of the Camino Frances: Rory's Ti...

      09 Sep 26

      Rory shares his experience walking 115km of the Camino Frances over five days, including his favourite moments, practical tips and lessons learned along the way. From avoiding blisters and travelling...

      09 Sep 26

      I Walked 115km of the Camino Frances: Rory's Ti...

      Rory shares his experience walking 115km of the Camino Frances over five days, including his favourite moments, practical tips and lessons learned along the way. From avoiding blisters and travelling...