Shark Watching in Sennen: A Cornish Adventure

Sennen, Cornwall is beautiful, with clear blue water and an unspoilt beach that stretches out to Land’s End. But there’s more to this quiet village than beaches and walks. Beneath the surface lies a wildlife adventure – shark watching. As marine wildlife tourism grows more and more people are coming to Sennen to see these amazing creatures.

Whether you’re a wildlife buff or just a curious traveller, shark watching in Sennen is an experience like no other.

The Sharks You’ll See

Cornish waters are home to an amazing array of marine life, including several shark species that pass through these waters throughout the year. Here are the ones you might see on a shark-watching trip in Sennen:

Basking Sharks The gentle giants of the shark world, basking sharks are the second biggest fish in the sea. Despite their massive size – up to 12 metres long – these filter feeding sharks are not a threat to humans, they feed on tiny plankton. Basking sharks are often seen swimming close to the surface, so are easy to see during the summer months. Seeing these gentle giants is truly breath taking.

Blue Sharks With their sleek bodies and blue colour, blue sharks are found in deeper waters off the Cornish coast. Blue sharks are less common than basking sharks but sometimes venture into Sennen during the summer months. Seeing one of these beautiful predators is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream.

Porbeagle Sharks Often compared to great whites due to their shape, porbeagle sharks are regular visitors to Cornish waters. They tend to be shy but lucky people have seen them off the coast of Sennen. Like most sharks in these waters, porbeagles are not a threat to humans and add to the area’s biodiversity. Recent sightings have shown an increase in these amazing species in the waters around Cornwall so Sennen is the perfect spot for shark enthusiasts.

 

Shark Watching in Sennen

For those who want to see these incredible creatures up close there are several shark-watching tours from Sennen Cove. Local guides with a passion for marine life and conservation offer tours that are safe and unforgettable.

Shark watching tours run from May to September when the basking sharks and other species are in the area. When you book a tour you can expect an educational experience where the guides will share their knowledge of the marine ecosystem while getting you the best views of the sharks.

Many operators are eco-friendly and conservation driven so the sharks and their habitat are protected. By joining a tour you’re not only having an amazing experience but also supporting conservation efforts that protect these species for future generations.

Best Time to See Sharks

If you’re coming to Sennen for shark watching the best time to visit is May to September when the water is warm and the plankton and marine life comes closer to the shore. This is when the basking sharks are most active as they follow the planktonic blooms along the Cornish coast.

While shark sightings can happen throughout the summer, the early part of the season is often the best, especially for basking sharks. Blue and porbeagle sharks are more unpredictable but late summer is when you see more.

Safety and Conservation

If you’re new to shark watching safety is a concern. But you’ll be pleased to know shark watching in Cornwall is safe and fun. The sharks in Cornish waters are not aggressive towards humans. In fact basking sharks, despite their size, are gentle and not interested in anything other than their plankton diet.

Shark watching tours take great care of your safety and the sharks. Ethical shark watching is also about respecting the sharks’ environment. Keeping a safe distance and not disturbing the natural behaviour of the animals is key. The tour guides will give you all the advice you need to practice responsible wildlife tourism.

Why Sennen is the Perfect Shark Watching Destination

Sennen is the perfect spot for a shark watching holiday. Its clear waters, rugged coastline and peaceful surroundings make for a beautiful backdrop for your adventure. Add to that the bonus of Land’s End nearby and Sennen has wildlife watching and one of Cornwall’s most scenic locations.

After a day at sea there’s no better place to unwind than back in the comfort of a Vellandreath Cornish Cottage. In the peaceful Cornish countryside these cottages are the perfect retreat for those who want to get back to nature in Sennen. Imagine unwinding by the fire after a day of exploring, listening to the sound of the sea as you reflect on your shark watching experience.

Shark watching in Sennen is a special and amazing experience, for those who love marine life or just looking for an adventure it’s a must do on your next Cornish trip.

Book Your Shark Watching Today!

Combine your shark-watching holiday with a stay in one of our charming cottages. Visit our booking page to find your perfect retreat and make your next Cornish getaway unforgettable.

Late availability offers

We have some great late availability offers for cottages at Vellandreath Cornish Cottages: