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.
View the blog report on the first research cruise on August 2024
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Cruise Map
Cruise Dates 2025
| Date | Nights | Spaces | Price p/p | Vessel | Book Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 August 2025 | 10 | 0 | --- | Elizabeth-G | Fully Booked |
Master cabin available (Emma Jane & Lucy Mary Only).
Cruise Dates 2026
| Date | Nights | Spaces | Price p/p | Vessel | Book Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 August 2026 | 10 | 6 | £4,200.00 | Elizabeth-G | Book Now |
Master cabin available (Emma Jane & Lucy Mary Only).
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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
Our cruise to St Kilda was a huge success. We made it safely to these wonderful isles thanks to James and his experience of the Hebridean weather and what a day we had there. Bright sunshine with no wind and a spectacular walk with magical views and then a fantastic cruise around Boreray and the stack with calm seas and thousands of birds. James provided us with a sunny day on the Shiants and we also had some lovely walks on Vatersay, Scarp, Isay and around the Viking canal at Rubha an Dunain. Lindsay’s ability to spot wildlife was amazing and as always we really enjoyed her company up on the fly deck. Jaya’s food was perfect and Sofia could not have been more attentive. A wonderful trip, our 5th on Emma Jane and we look forward to many more.
Jenny & John Bartram: 8 June 2024St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides