Safety note: Harmless to people despite its size; observe without crowding.
The second-largest fish in the world and another gentle giant. It swims near the surface with its enormous mouth agape, filtering plankton through comb-like gill rakers, and is often seen basking in cool water in summer.
Habitat
Cool temperate seas, often near the surface along both US coasts.
Diet
Zooplankton filtered from the water while swimming.
How common
Rare
Best time to see a Basking Shark
The best time to see a Basking Shark is April–June, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 72 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Recent Basking Shark sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Basking Shark?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.
5,300+species
63national parks
50states