We are delighted that we have been shortlisted in the Highlands and Islands Thistle Awards 2024 for "Innovation in Tourism"! Our innovation is to undertake primary research on cetacean sightings as the main purpose of selected cruise itineraries. In this way, we can help the understanding, and conservation of, the marine animals that our guests encounter, which is a vital part of their cruise experience. This innovative combination of small-ship cruises, offering both luxury and wildlife research, is the result of a lifetime passion of Hebrides Cruises owner Rob Barlow, with the support and knowledge of his son in law, James, and our enthusiastic crews and guests.
Our close association with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) has been instrumental in our innovation journey, from our initial involvement in the testing of the Whale Track App, to helping us source qualified wildlife crews for our cruises. Our crews’ excellent ability to find, spot and identify cetaceans is a highlight for our guests, as well as providing vital data for the Whale Track App.
Our movement towards research as an integral part of our cruises began in 2022 when “Whale Watching in the Northern Minch” was launched to search for and record certain species. The number and range of whales and other cetaceans seen was outstanding during both the 2022 and 2023 cruises.
Our new cruise “In Search of Giants: Expedition Cruise” is purely for research purposes. Dr Conor Ryan, a specialist whale scientist, will be on board as we search for migrating whales around the continental shelf-edge west of St. Kilda, a research project which has never been conducted. To document this migratory route will be a highly significant contribution to the scientific knowledge of whales and their potential recovery.
These specialist research itineraries provide not only the excitement of new discoveries but also our high standard of luxury accommodation and hospitality aboard our sturdy ocean-going ships, while exploring remote and idyllic areas of the Western Isles and the Hebrides. Apart from cetaceans, other wildlife is regularly seen, from otters and red deer to eagles and many species of marine bird life.
The inaugural “In Search of Giants” cruise departs on August 4th 2024 and is fully booked.
What a wonderful experience. Ever since we enjoyed a week on Lizzie G as a dive boat in 2014, we wanted to return and renew our acquaintance with her on a wildlife cruise. And what a week - it exceeded all our expectations. From the first welcome with Prosecco and amazing scones, to the last sad farewell, we had a fabulous time. Our fellow guests provided lovely company and the crew - whose love and enthusiasm for what they did shone through - looked after us royally. Hannah was an excellent wildlife guide, pointing out the wide range of wildlife we were lucky enough to see, Callum ‘glass of wine anyone’ a caring and attentive Bosun, Charlie provided us with superb Cordon Bleu meals throughout our stay and Alasdair as Skipper was not only superb at ensuring we had the best opportunities to see the wildlife, his company and story telling in the eve were great fun. The range of wildlife as noted every eve by Hannah was impressive, highlights had to be Sea Eagles just ‘posing’ for us as well as flying and passing food, Red Deer stag bellowing on the skyline, other sea birds too numerous to mention, and as for the dolphins….! A trip like this is always weather dependent, and although the elements were against us towards the end of the trip, the itinerary was adapted so we missed none of the highlights. In short - an outstanding week. Thanks to all who made it so.
Louisa & Martyn Nicholls: 9 September 2023Skye and the Small Isles: Hebridean horizons