We have another exciting new wildlife cruise itinerary for 2020! On their travels throughout the Hebrides, our Skippers and Crews gather knowledge and experience about the behaviour of the different species; where they are likely to be found and at what time of year. Our crew members are all passionate about nature conservation and wildlife. They share their experiences with each other and are just as delighted as our guests to spot animals while cruising. It was one such recent discussion about the whales that can be seen in late summer in the Northern Minch that sowed the seed for our latest new addition to our cruising calendar. The Minch is the Atlantic sea channel between the Outer Hebrides and the North West Highlands of mainland Scotland. It is usually named North Minch or the Northern Minch to differentiate it from the Little Minch between the Inner Hebrides and the southern area of the Outer Hebrides. The Northern Minch is full of life, in particular cetaceans and seabirds and August is a good month to visit when many species are passing throught
Our new 10-night cruise “Whale watching in the Northern Minch” departs from Oban on August 15th 2020 aboard Elizabeth G. The particular rare cetaceans we are hoping to see in the Northern Minch include humpback whales, fin whales, sei whales, pilot whales, orca, Risso’s dolphins and white beaked dolphins. We will be on the lookout for Minke whales, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and porpoises throughout the cruise. There will be many sea bird species to spot including Manx, sooty and great shearwaters; storm and Leaches petrel and great, arctic, pomarine and long tailed skuas. Potential stopovers include the Summer Isles, Handa Island & Sea Stack, Loch Laxford, Loch Nedd, Kylesku, the Badcall Islands and Stornoway. This cruise really will be the trip of a lifetime, with our specialist vessel and crew, ensuite cabins and fabulous food as well as the chance to see amazing wildlife.
As always, all our sightings will be reported back to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust. To find out more about the species we hope to see, have a look at the excellent species index on the HWDT website
This cruise will also be available on two dates in 2021. Find out more about “Whale Watching in the Northern Minch” 10-night cruise
What a truly memorable week even though the weather was a little wet at times! The Elizabeth G is just perfect for cruising around the islands. Rob, our skipper, took us to the most magical places to drop anchor for lunch and at night. Some of my best memories are, the ship going quite close inshore as we watched a sea eagle flying through a rainbow back to its nest, hearing red deer calling and then fighting as it was the rutting season on the hills surrounding us when we were overnighting in a sea loch, watching wild otters swimming in the kelp with some inquisitive seals when we stopped for lunch and seeing the night sky with no light pollution or planes flying over. Mealtimes are also very special on board with everyone eating together and sharing their stories of the day and listening to the plans for the next day. The cruise on the Elizabeth G was my first holiday travelling solo so I was little nervous about it but I really didn't need to worry at all. The crew were very welcoming and the group of fellow guests were very friendly. There was always a lot of laughter at mealtimes and out on our walks. We were lucky to have Nigel on board who is a fantastic photographer so he was giving us tips on how to take photos of both the scenery and wildlife. If you are thinking of going, just book it, you won't regret it so long as you like good company, wonderful food and fantastic scenery! I am now booked on the St Kilda trip next year and am looking forward to it already...
Melanie Rogers: 24 September 2017