The Hebrides - A Wildlife Cruise

Between the Scottish Mainland and the Outer Hebrides, lie a number of Inner Hebridean Islands whose sheltered waters and deeper offshore troughs make this ideal feeding grounds for marine life. At the end of the seabird breeding season, young birds will be on the water, learning how to survive at sea, but it is mainly the larger wildlife that we will be focusing on during this cruise. A number of different whale and dolphin species feed in these waters, and the second largest shark, the basking shark, also spends the warmer months here. Many pairs of White-tailed Eagle now nest on these islands and we are likely to come across these magnificent birds. During our night anchorages, there is a good possibility of spotting Otter along the shorelines.

After embarking in Oban, we will initially head towards Mull, to overnight in a sheltered sea loch. From here we aim to work our way around to the west, past the Ross of Mull and Iona, out towards the Treshnish Islands then onto Coll and Tiree, before heading to the Small Isles, then finally returning towards Oban via the Morven Peninsula, although our exact itinerary will be dictated by the weather, recent wildlife sightings and the experience of the captain and crew.

Grading

Grade B. Walks will mainly be easy to moderate day walks, however there may be some steeper slopes on some of the islands and good footing is required for moving around the boat while at sea. You will also need to be able to get in and out of the small RIB on stony beaches where there may be slippery rocks.  

Focus

The tour is focused on cetaceans and marine life, as well as other wildlife.