WHERE CAN YOU EXPECT TO SEE THEM?
The following destinations have been chosen to feature in our top
five marine life watching hot spots as they are all known to have
an abundance and variety of aquatic life and hold excellent track
records for sightings. Consequently, they are now all well served
by a range of knowledgeable and experienced operators who will ensure
that you get the most from your trip.
Whales, dolphins and basking sharks, for instance, have been sighted
from all of these locations. Some species however, are less widespread
and some locations offer more sighting opportunities than others. For
the comical puffin, Staffa or the Treshnish Isles (via Mull) is your
best bet. Mull and Skye are recommended destinations for seeing sea
eagles, and Skye is as good a place as any to spot an otter – just so
long as the otters themselves are feeling up for it!
Each destination has enough to keep you out of mischief for a week or
more but equally, a typical highland itinerary will often incorporate
two, three, if not all, of them. As destinations they do all share
certain similarities but at the same time have unique characteristics
and charms of their own. Hopefully this brief run down will help you
pick the right place for you.
FOR DETAILS OF WHERE TO STAY CLICK
ON A DESTINATION OF YOUR CHOICE
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ISLE OF MULL |
One of the most popular of all the Hebridean islands known for its colourful
harbour at Tobermory as well as its diverse and scenic landscape. Home to
the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust and Sealife Surveys, Mull is recognised
for its abundant wildlife. This is one of the few places on the west coast
where visitors may get the opportunity of seeing puffins and sea eagles.
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ISLE OF SKYE |
An Island known for its rich, romantic history and breathtaking landscape,
which encompasses unique geological formations such as the Old Man of Storr
and the precipitous Cuillin Hills. There are regular whale, dolphin and
other cetacean sightings off the islands south coast and a number of excellent
operators. Skye has a strong association with the otter and sightings are not
uncommon. Good opportunities for sighting sea eagles also.
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OBAN |
Oban is known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’ and as such features on most
west coast and island itineraries. It is the main terminus for ferries
for Mull, Coll, Colonsay and Tiree and is an attractive port with a lively
and bustling atmosphere. Oban is a great base from which to explore the
surrounding area, as there is much to see and do, whilst at the same time
benefiting from a variety of marine, and wildlife watching opportunities.
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GAIRLOCH, WESTER ROSS |
The region of Wester Ross is regarded as one of Scotland’s last great
wildernesses. In many ways it crystallises the very essence of a highland
landscape with its vast majestic mountains and remote sea lochs. Its
coastline is punctuated with a collection of very picturesque fishing
villages and wonderful sandy beaches. We have included it here as a key
marine-life watching destination due to the presence of the Gairloch Marine
Life Centre run by Marine Biologist Ian French.
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INVERNESS |
A great central base for those wishing to explore the central Highlands and
Moray Firth coast, but who wish to benefit from the wining, dining, shopping
and cultural opportunities this attractive city has to offer. The Moray Firth
is famous for its ‘resident’ bottlenose dolphins and is also home to the Whale
and Dolphin Conversation Society. There are plenty of sighting opportunities to
be had in and around this part of the coastline either by taking a boat trip or
by watching from prime land-based locations.
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