EXPEDITION HEBRIDES: SWIM WITH BASKING SHARKS & EXPLORE SCOTLAND’S WILDLIFE

“Scotland stole my heart years ago—and now I’d love to show you why.”

– Tereza, expedition leader

"Years ago, I came to Scotland chasing the English language and adventure. What I found was so much more — an unforgettable connection to the people, the landscape, the sea. It’s where I learned the language (yes, even the thick Scottish accent!) and fell in love with life off the beaten path.
This expedition was born from that love — and created for anyone who dreams of experiencing Scotland beneath the surface. If the idea of planning, logistics, or the language feels like a barrier — we’ve got you. We’ll take care of the details, guide you safely, and introduce you to Scotland in a way that’s intimate, real, and unforgettable."

Wild nature, thick accents, and empty beaches. Welcome to the edge of the world—the wild archipelago off the west coast of Scotland. Join us on an adventure to one of the most breathtaking and remote corners of Britain, where rolling green hills meet the wild sea, silence is broken only by the noise of seabirds, and time seems to slow down.

But we're not just here for the views! The main highlight of our adventure will be the basking shark. For 7 days, we’ll explore the Atlantic waters around the Scottish isles, with a great chance to encounter these gentle giants in the water. Our base will be the small island of Isle of Coll, from which we'll set out on daily sea adventures. Besides a raincoat, the main thing you’ll need is a spirit of adventure!

What you can look forward to:

• 7 days at sea, exploring wild Atlantic waters in search of basking sharks and other marine wildlife
• A boat trip to the legendary Fingal’s Cave
• Snorkeling in temperate kelp forests and rocky reefs
• Visiting local seal colonies, with the chance to swim or observe them in their natural habitat
• Whale and dolphin watching
• Swimming and relaxing in a turquoise shell-sand lagoon
• Pelagic seabird watching from the boat—keep an eye out for manx shearwaters, gannets or puffins

Isle of Coll

Discover the true wild side of Scotland. Coll is a small island in the Inner Hebrides, about 20 km long and 5 km wide. With a population of around 160 people and limited accommodation and transport options, it’s the perfect place to disconnect. You’ll find beautiful shell-sand beaches and rare ecosystems like machair, unique to the western coasts of Scotland and Ireland. With minimal light pollution, Coll offers spectacular night skies and was designated a “Dark Sky Community” in 2013.

Encountering basking sharks

The waters around the Hebrides are the world’s only Marine Protected Area (MPA) specifically for basking sharks, and one of the few places where you can swim with them. During summer, these sharks migrate to the local islands to breed and feed on plankton. The nutrient-rich waters draw them close to the surface—where we’ll have a chance to meet them, too.

A few fascinating facts about basking sharks:

• They are the second-largest shark species in the world.
• In the 1990s, they were still being hunted for their organs—especially the liver, which was used for oil in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Today, they are listed as endangered.
• One of only three shark species that feed by filtering plankton.
• The largest recorded individual was over 12 meters long. Their dorsal fin can exceed 1 meter.
• Despite their size, their brains are tiny—only about 10 cm in length.
• Though they feed on plankton, they do have teeth—believed to help consume unfertilized eggs in the womb before birth (a process known as oophagy).

Swimming with basking sharks is a highlight of the trip—but it’s far from the only one. What else can you expect?

Marine mammals and birdwatching

Thanks to nutrient-rich waters, we’ll be in one of the world’s key habitats for marine mammals. We may spot dolphins, porpoises, minke whales, or even fin whales.
Expect a bird show too—the sea serves as a hunting ground for seabirds like gannets, shearwaters, and gulls. With a bit of luck, we might even spot puffins!

Crystal-clear lagoons and seal colonies

Scotland is home to about one-third of the world’s grey seal population, and its shores host many colonies. The Hebrides are known for their turquoise lagoons with crystal-clear waters. We’ll stop by one of these — not only for a swim in the clear water but also for a fun encounter with the local seals!

Kelp forests

Did you know that kelp forests are among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, structurally similar to our land forests? They provide shelter to a wide range of marine creatures—from fish and crustaceans to jellyfish and seals. Visiting a kelp forest is a truly unique experience—and we’ll have that opportunity!

Itinerary

Day 1
A long journey ahead: arrival in Scotland and transfer to Oban. Depending on time and energy, we’ll explore the town, do some shopping, and have dinner together. Overnight stay in Oban to recharge for the next day.

Day 2
Early morning ferry transfer to Isle of Coll. First day on the sea.

Days 3–8
Daily boat trips; schedule may vary depending on weather conditions.

Day 9
End of the expedition and transfer back to Oban from the island.

Please note: the program may change depending on the weather and other conditions. We’re heading to northern Britain, and as you might guess, the weather can be quite unpredictable. If sea conditions prevent us from going out, we’ll have an alternative program ready!

Trip dates

July 24 – August 2, 2026

Available spots: 9 out of 10
Instructors: Tereza and Pavel

Price

• Super Early Bird (until August 31, 2025):
  59,900 CZK / 2420 EUR
• Early Bird (until December 31, 2025):
  64,900 CZK / 2620 EUR
• Standard Price (until May 15, 2026):
  69,900 CZK / 2820 EUR
  

Booking deadline: May 15, 2026

What’s included:

• Comfortable accommodation on the beautiful Isle of Coll
• 7-day boat rental for an unforgettable adventure
• Experienced local guides and a professional skipper
• Return ferry tickets between Oban and Coll
• All costs related to organisation

What’s not included:

• Flight tickets
• Transfer to and from Oban
• Meals and beverages
• ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) fee for entry into the UK
• Equipment rental

Who is this expedition for?

You will love this trip if you are into diving, photography and wildlife and ready to explore Scotland’s wild side. Perfect for those with a passion for marine life, seabirds, remote landscapes, and raw nature—both on land and at sea.

Since we’ll be in close proximity to wild animals and swimming in open water, you should have at least LAP 1 certification or equivalent. Basic physical fitness and resilience are also necessary (we’ll be boarding and disembarking boats via ladders, swimming in cold water, and possibly facing changing weather).

Interested or have questions?

We’d love to hear from you. Reach out via email or WhatsApp:
apnoe.space@gmail.com
Pavel: +420 731 009 599
Tereza: +420 739 080 020
(Due to frequent travel, please contact us via WhatsApp)