Reflecting on a great season for cetacean sightings
Lynsey Bland, Hebrides Cruises Wildlife Guide
With only a few weeks left of the 2017 season, it is clear that it has been a very good year in terms of wildlife sightings, especially of whales, dolphins and porpoise. Minke whales have been spotted on every single trip I have been on this season so far. The best sighting of the season took place just north of Ardnamurchan point on September 2nd. Over 300 common dolphins, 3 minke whales and hundreds of Manx shearwater and gannets, gathered together in one area of the sea, feeding on shoals of mackerel. This made for an incredible spectacle which is only rarely observed in the Hebrides. Other species spotted this season include bottlenose dolphins, risso’s dolphins and a rare humpback whale.
Reporting sightings via the Whale Track app to HWDT
Whenever we have had a cetacean sighting during the season, data has been collected and reported to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, based in Oban, via the Whale Track app. In August, HWDT launched their new sightings app which makes the reporting of cetacean sightings quick and simple. In just over a month, over 1000 sightings of 8800 animals have been reported to HWDT, proving that the Hebrides is one of the best place in Europe to spot cetaceans.
Hebrides Cruises was involved in the initial testing of the app and have been using it on board both boats since it was launched. I use the app on a daily basis when on board one of Hebrides Cruises vessels and have reported 83 sightings to HWDT this season so far. Other members of the Hebrides Cruises crew, even Chef Ross Harris, have also reported sightings using the app. The data collected is extremely important and it contributes to the understanding of where species are in the Hebrides and how many are in our waters. Hebrides Cruises will continue to use the Whale Track app and we also encourage our guests to get involved and report their sightings to HWDT too.
Brilliant! Skipper Neil sorted a weather window which allowed us to spend 2 nights in Village Bay. He was very kind and caring although he had a slightly worried look on his face when I decided to go swimming off the boat when we arrived at St Kilda!! He was an absolute professional and we felt very, very safe with his outstanding knowledge and skippering skills, ( couldn’t understand him though, I hope I gave appropriate responses!) Lindsey was absolutely amazing, she injected an enthusiasm and delight at sharing her wildlife knowledge and quite understood when I cried when I saw whales and dolphins! She is a really excellent ambassador for your company - she really made sure we got the best out of our holiday. Jasmin was superb with her dinner arrangements and drinks service also keeping our cabins welcoming. Last but not least Charlie what can I say apart from amazing food and I do have a complaint here though…my waistline expanded somewhat! The cruise exceeded our expectations and we had an amazing time with the current crew on Emma Jane xx
Linda Wright: 24 July 2025St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides