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 | 0 | --- | Elizabeth-G | Fully Booked |
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
We set off from Oban in the Elizabeth G under the expert skippering (is that a word ?) of Alistair, Bosun Craig was ever attentive providing drinks and excellenttable service, Zoe our guide pointing out various wildlife species and Charle our Chef providing delicious meals and snacks all throughout the cruise. I would nominate Charlie for Master Chef. Alistair plotted our course northwards, we saw Dolphins on our first day, poor Zoe couldn't get me to say pods, "herds of them" was my cry, it was amazing that these highly intelligent creatures would actively go out of their way to interact with us, it happened every day and our faces ached with the smiles these fantastic animals generated. We saw Minke whales almost every day as well The Elizabth G may be 60 years old but she is in excellent condition, strong, reliable, steady in a strong wind and swell because of her stabilisers, she has character and a beauty all of her own. She is big enough to give you confidence that she can tackle what mother nature throws at her but small enough to anchor in some truly amazing places. Every day you go ashore and explore another new location. (Weather permitting) Every member of the crew is dedicated to making sure you get the most out of your cruise, excellent food, excellent care, super knowledge of the flora and fauna. You go to bed every evening with your knowledge expanded, your spirits lifted. If you want to see Dolphins, Whales, Harbour Porpoises, Eagles, Shags, Gannets, Manx Shearwater, Gulls of every type, the list of encounters is limited only by the time/length of your cruise, sign up for a cruise as soon as you can. Alistair, the skipper has the utmost respect for the wildlife you encounter, every encounter is on the animals terms, their safety takes priority, he lets the wildlife come to the boat rather than pursuing it. His storytelling is wonderful, every evening he and Zoe join you and he shows you where you have been, where you are going and what weather to expect, there is even a knowledge test at the end o
David and Tracy Woods-Thomas: 28 August 2023Whale watching in the Northern Minch