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.
Excellent on all fronts – a real home from home. Enjoyed all the excursions, very much. Tailored to all abilities, weather and interests where Rob briefed us after dinner about the following day’s itinerary and tucked us into places we would not be able to reach by Ferry or car.
Nick Turton: 24 June 2019St Kilda and the isles of the Outer Hebrides