We have another exciting new wildlife cruise itinerary for 2020! On their travels throughout the Hebrides, our Skippers and Crews gather knowledge and experience about the behaviour of the different species; where they are likely to be found and at what time of year. Our crew members are all passionate about nature conservation and wildlife. They share their experiences with each other and are just as delighted as our guests to spot animals while cruising. It was one such recent discussion about the whales that can be seen in late summer in the Northern Minch that sowed the seed for our latest new addition to our cruising calendar. The Minch is the Atlantic sea channel between the Outer Hebrides and the North West Highlands of mainland Scotland. It is usually named North Minch or the Northern Minch to differentiate it from the Little Minch between the Inner Hebrides and the southern area of the Outer Hebrides. The Northern Minch is full of life, in particular cetaceans and seabirds and August is a good month to visit when many species are passing throught
Our new 10-night cruise “Whale watching in the Northern Minch” departs from Oban on August 15th 2020 aboard Elizabeth G. The particular rare cetaceans we are hoping to see in the Northern Minch include humpback whales, fin whales, sei whales, pilot whales, orca, Risso’s dolphins and white beaked dolphins. We will be on the lookout for Minke whales, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and porpoises throughout the cruise. There will be many sea bird species to spot including Manx, sooty and great shearwaters; storm and Leaches petrel and great, arctic, pomarine and long tailed skuas. Potential stopovers include the Summer Isles, Handa Island & Sea Stack, Loch Laxford, Loch Nedd, Kylesku, the Badcall Islands and Stornoway. This cruise really will be the trip of a lifetime, with our specialist vessel and crew, ensuite cabins and fabulous food as well as the chance to see amazing wildlife.
As always, all our sightings will be reported back to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust. To find out more about the species we hope to see, have a look at the excellent species index on the HWDT website
This cruise will also be available on two dates in 2021. Find out more about “Whale Watching in the Northern Minch” 10-night cruise
I recently had the pleasure of embarking on an unforgettable cruise to the Hebrides Cruises ( Skye, Small Islands,and the Shiants, in Scotland ( May 13-21, 2023), and I must say it was an experience that exceeded all expectations. The 8-day journey was filled with breathtaking scenery, fascinating insights, and a genuine sense of camaraderie among the 8 participants and 4 staff members on board. One of the highlights of this cruise was undoubtedly the exceptional staff. From the knowledgeable and enthusiastic naturalist to the experienced skipper, each member of the team showcased a remarkable dedication to our well-being and enjoyment throughout the trip. The naturalist's expertise and passion for the islands were evident in every interaction, making each wildlife sighting and nature excursion a truly enriching experience. The skipper's lifelong knowledge of the islands and the sea, along with his emphasis on safety, instilled a sense of confidence and allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the Hebrides. Not to be forgotten is the cook, whose culinary skills transformed each meal into a delightful gastronomic experience. Not only were the dishes healthy and delicious, but they were also beautifully presented, showcasing the cook's artistic talents. Finally, and not any less significant, was the boat swain's excellent customer service, always attentive to our needs and ensuring our comfort throughout the journey. His prompt response to any request with a touch of his humor, further added to the overall exceptional service on board. What set this cruise apart was the intimate atmosphere created by the small group size and the daily rituals shared among the participants. The shared adventures and delicious meals fostered a sense of closeness and allowed for meaningful connections to be formed. We gathered each day to recount our sightings of birds and sea life, engaging in storytelling and discussion. This combination of shared experiences and diverse perspectives, with travelers from different
Alison Kinsey: 13 May 2023Skye, the Small Isles and the Shiants