Our unique cetacean research expedition cruise ventures to the former whaling grounds west and north of Scotland to help provide an answer to the question - do giants still roam in these seas?
One hundred years ago, an intensive commercial whaling industry was at its peak in the west and north of Scotland. The whaling industry drove many whale species close to extinction, but a dramatic decline in whale hunting has given hopes of recovery of species numbers.
Acoustic research shows that the continental shelf-edge to the west and north of St Kilda, known as the Rockall Trough, is still an important migratory corridor for large baleen whales and sperm whales; but an actual search for and documentation of whale sightings has never been conducted. Information on any whales seen from our research cruise would be a significant contribution to the knowledge of whales and their potential recovery. Our specialist on-board Guide is Dr Conor Ryan who has conducted important studies on the ecology of whales and the history of whaling in Scotland.
Our ocean-going vessel, Elizabeth G, is well suited to the challenges of a voyage to the Rockall Trough, and encounters with large whales such as fin and humpback whales. It is thought that blue whales may also be present in this migratory corridor but Dr Ryan is pessimistic about a sighting which would be extremely rare. Given the prevailing settled weather conditions and what is known about the migrations of these species, August is the best month for this one-off annual cruise to venture to the far west and see what can be found. If the weather is against us, alternative plans are in place to maximise chances of encounters of whale in more sheltered areas.
On departing Oban, Elizabeth G is bound for the Northern Minch on the lookout for several species of whale, as well as basking sharks and dolphins. Given favourable conditions, our vessel will venture to the north or west of the Outer Hebrides as the best base to explore the Continental Shelf which is roughly a 4 hour steam from the Isle of Lewis. Other potential destinations include the Flannan Isles, St Kilda, Loch Roag and the Butt of Lewis before working our way back across the Minch, noting the difference in cetacean species seen out in the North West, compared to the Northern Minch. All species seen will be logged with Hebridean Whale Trust Whale Track App which will provide original, specialist research of great value to the understanding of these animals. Due to the expedition nature of the cruise, guests will spend more time at sea than on our other itineraries, but there will be opportunities for shore visits including the site of the Bunavoneader Whaling Station. Guests will of course enjoy the usual exceptional hospitality and gourmet meals from our onboard crews.
Read the report on the August 2024 cruise
Read the report on the August 2025 cruise
Read the review of the August 2025 cruise
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Cruise Dates 2026
Master cabin available (Emma Jane & Lucy Mary Only).
Reviews
22 August 2025
An expedition cruise searching for giants, what a fabulous idea for a trip and it delivered! Over eleven days with some early mornings and late evenings we sailed to the edge of the Continental Shelf, around the Butt of Lewis, zig zagged across the Northern Minch then down to the east of Skye under the bridge around Ardnamurchan and back to Oban via Tobermory and the Sound of Mull. It was an absolute privilege to watch, in their environment, the frenzied feeding of minkes, dolphins, gannets and various other sea birds on a variety of differing sea states. All made possible by the excellent and dedicated skippering of James and the ever vigilant spotting of Connor assisted by the equally sharp eyed Lindsay. The reason for OUR frenzied feeding was the delicious top quality food prepared by Charlie and served by Lindsay. A fabulous crew who tended to our every need. We did spend a little time on land, with fascinating walks around islands and headlands led by the hugely knowledgeable Conor who would suddenly dive off into the woods and reappear with a rare fungi or stop at a tree trunk or stone wall and introduce us to a whole new world of lichens and mosses. This was our tenth year with Hebrides Cruises on Elizabeth G and each one has been superb in it’s own way. We have already booked for 2026 and are now looking at 2027.
Jill and Dave Jones
22 August 2025
What a brilliant cruise out beyond St Kilda, along the Rockall Shelf edge and round the top of Lewis and into the Minch. Three kinds of Dolphin, Basking Sharks, Minke Whales and a distant Fin Whale were the some highlights. Bird life rewarded us with the St Kilda wren and a juvenile Barred Warbler whilst on Hirta on the island, four types of Shearwater and a Sabine’s Gull. Elizabeth G was well suited for the challenges of our extended sailing times and the unpredictable seas off the north western islands of Scotland. The crew of James, Conor, Lynsey and Charlie were all brilliant in their navigating, guiding, cooking and supporting the guests getting the most out of our research expedition cruise. Thank you
Colin & Carol W
Need extra info?
If you have any enquiries about our cruises or would like an informal chat about your plans, please email using our Contact Us page. If you prefer phone Emma any-time on +44 (0) 75851 51611 or +44 (0)1631 711 986
The trip lived up to all our expectations, fantastic scenery, great wildlife and best of all, exquisite food. Although the weather prevented us from visiting the Flannel Isles, our skipper Rob, more than made up for that by expertly navigating to white shell beaches, turquoise blue bays and sheltered coves. Our wildlife guide, Will, was extremely knowledgeable on all aspects of the myriad birds, marine life and cetaceans we saw. For me the highlight he found were the By-the-wind-sailor, tiny violet jewels with a perplexing life cycle. And to top it all, Charlie produced the most delicious food for every meal and at times between meals! All together a great trip.
Stephen Lewis: 9 June 2025Far-flung islands: Harris, Taransay & the Flannan Isles