Gannet Underwater Photography - Bass Rock, Scotland

The Experience

Close up with Britain's biggest seabird.

This specialist photography expedition to the waters around Bass Rock places you in the middle of one of the UK's most spectacular wildlife events, a Northern Gannet feeding frenzy.

Working from a dedicated photography charter, the workshop is led by experienced marine wildlife photographer Brian Matthews and focuses on capturing fast-moving seabird behaviour both above and below the surface.

Northern Gannets dive from heights of over 30 metres, hitting the water at speeds approaching 60mph in a burst of wings, bubbles and spray. From the boat, participants will photograph flight behaviour, plunge diving and feeding activity, alongside opportunities to work close to Bass Rock and its internationally important colony.

Weather and sea conditions permitting, participants will also have the opportunity to enter the water for surface-level and underwater photography as the birds feed around the boat. Those who prefer not to enter the water will still have extensive photographic opportunities from the vessel throughout the session.

The workshop is suitable for photographers and filmmakers who are comfortable working in open water and marine conditions. Participants will rotate in and out of the water in small groups while feeding activity continues.

Brian will be in the water throughout the session to support participants, helping photographers safely enter and exit the water, moving camera equipment between the boat and water, retrieving items when needed, providing guidance on positioning and camera settings, and helping participants make the most of the photographic opportunities as conditions change. Safety on and around the vessel remains the priority throughout the workshop.

To encourage natural feeding behaviour close to the vessel, herring will be used as chum. This can create wet, noisy and occasionally messy conditions onboard, all part of working within an active marine wildlife environment.

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Early Departure

Pre-dawn or sunrise start for best light and bird activity

camera

Three Approaches

On-boat, surface/split-level and underwater photography

group

Max 5 People

We will use a in water rotation system so everyone gets plenty of time in the water

school

Full Coaching

Field guidance throughout from Brian Matthews

Getting the shot

What you will be shooting

The session is structured around three photographic approaches to get as many different images as we can. You will work across all three depending on conditions and bird activity.

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On-Boat

Colony & Flight Shots

Early departure to chase the light. Landscapes of gannets and the mighty Bass Rock. Longer lenses for colony behaviour, and flight shots.

waves

Surface Level

Eye Level & Split Shots

Camera at water level, capturing gannets hitting the surface and above-below split compositions. Dome port techniques introduced. Positioning near active feeding areas.

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In-Water

Underwater Behaviour

10-minute rotations in the water during active feeding. Gannets dive and swim around you. Bubble trails, dive sequences and pursuit behaviour, subject to sea conditions.

Book Your Place

Bass Rock Gannet Photography Experience

£450 per person

check_circle4–5 hours on the water
check_circleDedicated charter · Max 5 photographers
check_circleOn-boat, surface and in-water photography
check_circleField coaching from Brian Matthews
check_circleWeight belts provided - ask about other equipment needs on booking

Booking Terms

info 30% non-refundable deposit to secure your place
info Balance due 14 days before the trip date
info Rescheduling at no cost if weather prevents the session
info Price applies to the 2026 season. Subject to revision.

Register Interest

Brian will be in touch with available dates within 48 hours.

First Name

Last Name

Email

Preferred dates (if known)

In-water photography experience

Equipment needed

Underwater housing with camera (limited - check availability) GoPro 13 with pole (available to hire) Other equipment query

Questions or notes (optional)

Day Schedule

5 hours to get some great new images and a rare chance to get in the water with hundreds of gannets.

The exact timing adapts to tides, light and bird activity - but this is the typical structure for the day. Total time on the water is 4–5 hours.

Weather policy: If conditions prevent a safe or productive session, the trip will be rescheduled at no additional cost. Safety decisions by the skipper and Brian are final.

In-water safety: All participants are tethered to the boat while in the water. This prevents drifting and keeps everyone within easy reach of the vessel at all times. Brian will be in the water throughout to assist.

What's included

check_circle Dedicated photography charter with Blue Wild Boats
check_circle All on-water time - boat and in-water sessions
check_circle Field coaching from Brian Matthews throughout
check_circle Pre-trip briefing and camera settings guide
check_circle Weight belts provided
check_circle Some underwater camera housings with cameras available - check availability on booking
check_circle Need help with equipment? Ask the team when booking and we will do our best to help

Not included: accommodation, travel, meals, personal camera gear

AM

Pre-Departure

Meet at Dunbar Harbour

Meet Brian and the Blue Wild team at the harbour. Kit check, issue hire kit, housing setup, quick camera settings briefing. Discuss the day's conditions and the day's plan.

schedule Typically 05:30 – 06:30 depending on season, we will confirm before the trip

01

On-Boat Session

Colony & Flight Photography

Boat heads to Bass Rock ready for colony shots, gannets in full flight, wide atmospheric scenes. We will find the best positions and light. We will be able to accommodate some specific requests and ideas. We will start chumming to get some diving and flocking images and video.

schedule ~60–90 minutes

02

In-Water Session (conditions permitting)

Eye Level, Split Shots & Underwater

Wet entry from the vessel. Each person rotates through time in the water - eye level and split-level shots as gannets hit the surface, then underwater as they dive around you. Bubble trails, impact sequences and pursuit behaviour. While waiting for your rotation there will be plenty of opportunities to shoot from the boat, with gannets feeding and diving all around.

schedule ~10 min per person in water · sea state and visibility dependent

03

Final Phase

Return to Dunbar Harbour

Once the food is finished we can take a few last shots, and focus on getting dry and warm as we return to Dunbar Harbour.

schedule ~30–45 minutes

home

Back at Harbour

Debrief & Depart

Quick kit check to make sure everyone has everything and return any hire kit. Quick debrief and back home or to your hotel.

schedule Typically back by 11:00 – 12:00 depending on departure time

Field Conditions

What to expect on the water

This is a working photography session in open North Sea conditions. We do not downplay the physical side of the day - it is part of why the photography is rare and valuable.

waves

Moving Vessel

All photography is from a moving boat. Sea state varies. Sea sickness medication is recommended if you are susceptible.

thermostat

Cold Water

North Sea temperatures are cold year-round. A 7mm wetsuit with hood is strongly recommended for anyone entering the water.

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Weather Dependent

Schedule adapts daily to conditions. In-water sessions are subject to sea state and underwater visibility. No guarantees given, but we will give you as much warning as possible.

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Dress Warm

Even in summer the North Sea can be cold and windy. Bring warm layers for on the boat, and a good waterproof jacket. You will be glad you did. Ask the team before the trip for clothing tips.

check_circle This day suits you if…

check You are comfortable on small boats in open water
check You can get in and out of the water on a ladder with little help
check You shoot DSLR or mirrorless and are confident using its settings
check You are comfortable in water that could be around 10°C - with a wetsuit provided
check You are comfortable in open water at snorkel level - head in the water
check You have some experience with photography or film in open sea conditions

info Worth knowing before you book

arrow_right No freediving certification is required, being a confident snorkeller is sufficient
arrow_right Tuition is available throughout for those new to in-water wildlife photography
arrow_right Some underwater camera housings with cameras are available - check availability when booking
arrow_right Dunbar is 30 minutes from Edinburgh by train - easy day trip

Kit & Equipment

What to bring

Bring your own in-water kit where you can. Weight belts are provided. Some underwater camera housings with cameras are available to hire - please check availability when booking. If you need help sourcing anything else, ask the team and we will do our best to help.

Must bring

check_box 7mm wetsuit with hood
check_box Fins, mask & snorkel
check_box Gloves (5mm minimum)
check_box Dry bags / waterproof cases for your camera gear
check_box Warm layers and a good waterproof jacket

Provided by us

check_circle Weight belt

Camera gear

check_box Camera body - DSLR or mirrorless
check_box A range of lenses, 14–500mm — you will use them all
check_box Underwater housing with camera - some available to hire, check availability on booking
check_circle GoPro 13s with poles available to hire, great for all video (above and under the water) up to 5K

Recommended

check_box_outline_blank Sea sickness medication - better to take it and not need it

Brian Matthews with underwater camera housing

train Getting There

location_city From London
train London Kings Cross → Dunbar: direct LNER service, approximately 4 hours
flight London Heathrow / Gatwick → Edinburgh Airport: approx. 1.5 hours
location_city Edinburgh to Dunbar
train Edinburgh Waverley → Dunbar: 30 minutes by direct train
flight Edinburgh Airport → Dunbar: 45 minutes by taxi / road
directions_car A1 from Edinburgh city centre: approximately 30 minutes
anchor Meet point: Dunbar Harbour - details provided on booking

Your Guide

Brian Matthews

Award-winning wildlife & conservation photographer

Brian W Matthews is an award-winning wildlife and conservation photographer with over two decades of experience. A former physicist, he turned a lifelong passion for the natural world into a full-time photography career, travelling to more than 50 countries from the Arctic to the Amazon.

He is a three-time finalist in the prestigious Wildlife Photographer of the Year - including his acclaimed image Storm Warning - and has received commendations in Nature's Best, Travel Photographer of the Year, GDT European Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and others. His work has been published in BBC Wildlife Magazine, The Guardian, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Outdoor Photography, and Terre Sauvage.

For the past four years Brian has been working on an ambitious project documenting the UK's Coast and Islands - from the storm-battered cliffs of Shetland to the Scilly Isles - focusing on coastal biodiversity, the people who protect it, and the pressures it faces. Bass Rock and its gannet colony sits at the heart of that project.

On this day Brian will be in the water alongside participants throughout the in-water sessions, providing hands-on support with positioning, timing and camera settings - as well as getting his own shots.

emoji_events3x Wildlife Photographer of the Year water_dropIn-water Guide public50+ Countries

bwmphoto.com open_in_new @bwmphoto photo_camera