Basking Sharks in North Devon: What They Are, When They Arrive, and How to See Them
June 17, 2026
There is a version of the North Devon coast that most visitors never see. The same cliffs and coves that are photogenic in daylight become extraordinary in the hour before sunset, when the light drops to the west and the cliff faces catch it in shades that no filter can replicate. This is the coast the Sunset Safari was built for.
What Is the Sunset Safari?
The Sunset Safari is a dedicated evening departure on our high-speed RIBs, timed to run through golden hour along the North Devon coastline. Departing from Ilfracombe harbour, the trip heads along the coast with the low sun illuminating the cliff faces, sea caves, and wildlife from the west.
The route varies depending on conditions and what we are seeing on the water, but typically takes in the seal haul-out sites, the rocky headlands east of the harbour, and the open sea sections where dolphin, porpoise, and basking shark encounters are most likely in summer.
Why Is Evening Better for Wildlife?
Several of the species most commonly encountered on North Devon safaris are more active in lower light conditions. Grey seals are particularly active at dusk, moving between haul-out sites and beginning their evening feeding activity. Seabirds returning to roost on the cliff ledges create significant activity in the hours before dark. Harbour porpoise are often more visible at the surface in the calmer conditions that frequently accompany evening.
The light also helps. A flat calm sea in evening light allows you to see fins and surfacing animals at much greater distances than a bright midday sea with its glare and chop.
The Photography Dimension
The Sunset Safari is one of the most popular trips among photography enthusiasts visiting North Devon. The quality of light in the hour before sunset on this coastline, with its Devonian slate cliffs, dramatic headlands, and open sea views to the western horizon, is exceptional. The combination of wildlife encounters and golden-hour cliff photography in a single trip makes it one of the most rewarding boat trip experiences available anywhere on the English coast.
What to Wear and Bring
Evening on the water is cooler than afternoon. A warm layer and a windproof jacket are essential for the Sunset Safari regardless of how warm the day has been. The light drops quickly after golden hour and the return to harbour can feel noticeably cooler.
A camera with a zoom lens makes the most of the wildlife and landscape opportunities. For those using smartphones, the latest models perform surprisingly well in golden-hour light.
Booking the Sunset Safari
The Sunset Safari runs on selected evenings throughout the summer season. Departures are timed around sunset, so times vary across the season. Check current schedules and book in advance as these trips fill quickly, particularly in July and August.
Book at ilfracombeseasafari.co.uk or call us on 07761 800004 to check availability.