Guests on many of our 2015 cruises will be invited to take part in important research on the distribution of the larger marine animals which we encounter on our voyages throughout the Hebrides. This is possible because we are delighted that Vivi Bolin will be coming on board as onboard and onshore Guide for our guests. Vivi is a biologist with a masters degree in conservation biology and a personal passion for seabirds and cetaceans. She is expert in spotting and identifying whales and dolphins.
Cetaceans, seals and basking sharks as well as sunfish sightings will be recorded using Logger, software used by scientists across the world. Vivi will record sightings, and guests will also have the unique opportunity to get involved if they wish. The data recorded during the cruises will be shared with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust to feed into important scientific analysis. Passengers with SLR cameras will also be encouraged to take photographs of dorsal fins; good quality shots are very valuable to scientists as the pictures can be used to track individual whales and dolphins.
Vivi worked for the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group and BirdWatch Ireland and moved to Mull to work for the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust. Vivi is from Finland and currently living on the Isle of Mull.
Hi Emma - Thank you we had a fantastic time and its probably the best holiday we have ever had. We couldn’t fault the boat or the crew in any way and the only worry we have is that the bar has been set so high its difficult to know how to reach it never mind beat it again. However we will be back to cruise with you again as it was so good. I have to mention the crew we had, they were all, without exception, absolutely brilliant . Having Hannah with her knowledge and enthusiasm was a real bonus and as my wife is the real wildlife fan it made it for her, she spent so much time up on the bow with Hannah and a couple of the other guests I thought she wouldn’t come in for meals sometimes. However the draw of Mags meals did bring her in and it was excellent. I don’t know if we were lucky with the guests but everyone got on very well and it made the whole trip very enjoyable. Thank you so much for giving us such a fantastic experience.
K McKechnie: 1 July 2024St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides