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Books published by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

HWDT book on Argyll

HWDT book on Coll and Tiree

HWDT book on Mull

Available directly from the HWDT (see their website) or from their shop in Tobermory on Mull.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Wildlife watching tours, trips and courses

There are a multitude of professional tour operators within Scotland offering a diverse range of activites of interest to nature lovers. The listing below is arranged by region.

Quick links to Scottish Regions:

Western Isles


Eda Frandsen

Mallaig.

Tel 01687 462917

Liveaboard cruises on board a 60 year old gaff cutter. Destinations include St Kilda, the Orkneys, the Shetlands and North Rona, as well as the Hebrides.

www.eda-frandsen.co.uk


Guideliner Hebridean Wildlife Cruises

Western Isles

Tel 01470 532393

Twelve day cruises leaving from Dunstaffnage, near Oban. Covers western isles and usually St Kilda.

www.guideliner.co.uk


Island Cruising

Isle of Lewis

Tel 01851 672381

Four and six day cruises, can include St Kilda.

www.island-cruising.com


Kilda Cruises

Tarbert, Isle of Harris.

Tel 01859 502060

Day trips to St Kilda, the Shiant Isles, the Monach Isles, the Flannan Isles or Rona on board the Orca, a 42-foot motor cruiser.

www.kildacruises.co.uk


Northern Light Charters

Oban.

Tel 01631 740595

Four small ships offer both individuals and groups a rare opportunity to travel the unpolluted waters of North West Scotland, throughout the Inner and Outer Hebrides and to St Kilda. Also around the Orkney and Shetland islands plus itineraries taking in the Faroes, Iceland and Norway.

www.northernlight-uk.com

Poplar Cruises

Oban.

Tel 01740 620562

28 metre motor yachtCruise destinations include St. Kilda, the Monach and Flannan Islands, Mingulay, Skye, the Small Isles and Mull.

www.northernlight-uk.com

Scenic Cruises

Flodabay, Isle of Harris.

Tel 01859 530310

Coastal mini-cruises for families or small groups along the east coast of the Island of Harris on board M.V. Lady Catherine.

www.scenic-cruises.co.uk


Sea Harris

Tarbert, Isle of Harris.

Tel 01859 502007

Wildlife day trips to St Kilda and the Shiant Isles plus private charter to many other Hebridean Islands aboard the Enchanted Isle, a purpose built 42ft motor cruiser, equipped with toilet facilities & comfortable indoor seating for up to 12 passengers. (mobile 07760216555).

www.seaharris.co.uk


Sea Trek Outer Hebrides

Uig, Isle of Lewis.

Tel 01851 672 464

Offering wildlife trips, special charter or family trips from one or two hour excursions, to day trips to the outer isles.

www.seatrek.co.uk


Strond Wildlife Charters

Sound of Harris.

Tel 01859 520204

Providing day cruises in the Sound of Harris. An area rich in wildlife, particularly seals, seabirds and otters.


Western Edge

Berneray, North Uist

Tel 01506 824227

Taking you to the uninhabited Hebridean Islands onboard "ANNAG", a modern, fast cruising yacht designed for chartering. Destinations include Taransay, Flannan Isles, Scarp, Monach Islands, Mingulay, Barra, and St Kilda.

www.westernedge.co.uk

Western Isles Wildlife

South Uist

Tel 01870 620241

From half day and day trips up to week long wildlife watching tours with a highly experienced leader. Explore the wildlife of Barra and the Uists, and further afield within the Western Isles. Available all year round. There are a number of tours depending on what you would like to see most whether it's a day out to experience a variety of the wildlife e.g. otters, eagles and corncrakes (in spring); or more specialised tours for Hebridean Marsh Orchid and more bird orientated excursions where they will search out the most species that they can find in a day (recent tours have seen Bonaparte's Gull, Mourning Dove and Killdeer) (mobile 07733 026 663).

www.western-isles-wildlife.co.uk


Scottish Highlands


Activities Outdoors

Achnaha, Ardnamurchan.

Tel 01972 510212

Activities Outdoors is a small fishing, guiding and coaching business, which also includes equipment hire. Activities include boat trips, guided walks and GPS training.

www.battez.org/activoutdoors


Aigas Field Centre

Beauly, Inverness.

Tel 01463 782443

Holiday programmes plus accomodation based on the wildlife, scenery and history of the wild Highlands of Scotland. Also undertake expeditions based in Orkney and Shetland.

www.aigas.co.uk


Aquaxplore

Elgol, Isle of Skye.

Tel 0800 731 3089

9 metre offshore RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) to experience the remote and beautiful isles of Canna, Rum, Soay, the west coast of Skye, the Cuillin and Loch Coruisk.

www.aquaxplore.co.uk


Ardnamurchan Charters

Glenborrodale

Tel 01972 500208

Wildlife trips around the Sound of Mull, the Islands of Rhum Eigg and Muck, Treshnish Isles & Iona, Coll, Tiree

www.west-scotland-marine.com/Charter.html


Bella Jane

Elgol, Isle of Skye.

Tel 0800 731 3089

Explore Loch Coruisk and spend time ashore in the heart of the Cuillins.

www.bellajane.co.uk


Caledonian Discovery

Fort William.

Tel 01397 772167

Spacious, comfortable holiday barge complete with attentive crew, excellent cook and friendly skipper, traversing sixty miles of Lochs in wonderful Highland scenery.

www.fingal-cruising.co.uk


Calum's Plockton Seal Trips

Plockton.

Tel 01599 544 306

One hour trips aboard the Argus to view the local seal colony and other wildlife.

www.calums-sealtrips.com


Corrour

Near Fort William.

Tel 01397 732200

Guided walks available on the Corrour Estate.

www.corrour.co.uk


Dolphin Ecosse

Cromarty

Tel 01381 600323

Dolphin centre and award winning boat trips to see the dolphins.

www.dolphinecosse.co.uk


Eda Frandsen

Mallaig.

Tel 01687 462917

Liveaboard cruises on board a 60 year old gaff cutter. Destinations include St Kilda, the Orkneys, the Shetlands and North Rona, as well as the Hebrides.

www.eda-frandsen.co.uk


Gairloch Marine Life Centre and Cruises

Gairloch

Tel 01445 712636

One and two hour cruises to watch whales, porpoises etc.

www.porpoise-gairloch.co.uk


Highland Wildlife and Birdwatch Safaris

Aviemore.

Tel 01479 811169

Minibus safaris for day or half day.


Loch Shiel Cruises

Glenfinnan

Tel 01687 470322

Variety of wildlife cruises aboard M.V. Sileas between Glenfinnan and Acharacle.

www.highlandcruises.co.uk


Mary Doune

Knoydart.

Tel 01687 462667

Day trips or liveaboard excursions around southern Skye, the Small Isles or further afield.

www.doune-knoydart.co.uk

Misty Isles Boat Trips

Elgol, Isle of Skye

Tel 01471 866288

Twice daily boat trips with experienced local skipper to Loch Coriusk with time ashore to explore. One way trips also available. Trip passes seal colonies, and allows possible cetacean and eagles sightings.

www.mistyisleboattrips.co.uk


MV Shearwater Cruises

Arisaig.

Tel 01687 450224

Cruise to the Islands of Eigg, Muck & Rum from Arisaig, the only 7 day service to these islands with time ashore to explore .

www.arisaig.co.uk


Rua Reidh Lighthouse

Gairloch.

Tel 01445 771263

Day walks, long weekends or longer breaks wildlife watching in the Torridon Mountains.

www.ruareidh.co.uk


Sea.fari Adventures Skye

Armadale Bay, Isle of Skye.

Tel 01471 833316

Fast boat trips around South Skye and the Small Isles on board a 9.5 metre RIB.

www.whalespotting.co.uk


Seaprobe Atlantis

Kyle of Lochalsh.

Tel 0800 980 4846

Glass bottom boat trips within the Marine Special Area of Conservation at Kyle of Lochalsh on the UK's only semi-submersible passenger vessel.

www.seaprobe.freeserve.co.uk


Speyside Wildlife

Aviemore.

Tel 01479 812498

Wildlife watching holidays or a guide for a day or two in the Cairngorms National Park.

www.speysidewildlife.co.uk


Summer Queen Cruises

Ullapool.

Tel 01854 612472

Offers a two hour wildlife cruise or longer four hour trip to the Sumer Isles.

www.summerqueen.co.uk


Wildshots

Kingussie

Tel 011540 651352

Photography holidays and workshops in the scottish highlands.

www.wildshots.co.uk


Wild Outdoors

Ladybank.

Tel 01337 831 196

Day walks and wildlife holidays from the wild coastal beaches to the high mountain tops.

www.wildoutdoors.info



Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs


Argyll Charters

Oban.

Tel 01631 563387

One to four hour wildlife watching trips on board Mara Mhor. The purpose built (2006) catamaran runs smoothly and quietly giving a very stable, comfortable ride in all conditions. Disabled access and a very spacious, flat deck area. Based in Oban but open to private charter within the area. Tours include the Creag Islands, Lismore, Sound of Mull, Corrywreckan Whirlpool and the Firth of Lorn.

www.boatwildlifeoban.co.uk


Coll of the Wild

Coll and Tiree

Tel 01879 230241/402

Exclusive wildlife holidays throughout the year on the beautiful Hebridean islands of Coll & Tiree.
Come and experience the wealth of wildlife on these stunning islands, including corncrakes, breeding  waders, raptors, orchid-studded machair, rare plants, wintering wildfowl, divers, great yellow bumblebee, whales and dolphins, basking sharks, seals & otters. You will benefit from the local knowledge of the islands former RSPB warden with 10 years of experience in the area.

www.collofthewild.co.uk


Craignish Cruises

Ardfern.

Tel 0845 397 9824

Boat trips and private charters from Ardfern to Gulf of Corryvreckan whirlpool, Jura, Scarba, The Garvellachs and beyond.

www.sealeopard.org


Guideliner Hebridean Wildlife Cruises

Near Oban

Tel 01470 532393

Six day cruises leaving from Dunstaffnage, near Oban. Covers west coast and inner isles.

www.guideliner.co.uk


Islay Birding

Port Charlotte, Islay

Tel 01496 850010

Daily birding tours, travelling by landrover.

www.islaybirding.co.uk


Isle of Mull Wildlife Expeditions

Ulva Ferry, Isle of Mull.

Tel 01688 500121

The Island of Mull is one of the most diverse wildlife destinations in the world and your trip is designed to maximise your chances of seeing golden eagles, otters, white tailed sea eagles, porpoise, hen harriers and a whole host of fascinating Hebridean wildlife.

www.torrbuan.com


Loch Goil Cruisers Motor Boat Hire

Lochgoilhead.

Tel 01301 703382

Hire fleet of modern charter boats each with an internal diesel engine, wheel steering for easy handling, half cover for shelter and seating for up to ten people (recommend maximum of eight for comfort). Perfect for enjoying the stunning scenery and diverse wildlife. There are ducks, gannets, cormorants, oystercatchers, herons, seals and porpoises in the loch and deer on the hills.

www.lgc-motorboathire.co.uk


Loch Visions - wildlife and photography experiences

Kilchrenan.

Tel 01866 833272

A day's wildlife and digital photography experience, on the magnificent banks of Loch Awe, with award winning professional Philip Price. All equipment's provided, including pro standard cameras. The day covers tuition, access to unique wildlife zones and a Photoshop session.

www.lochvisions.co.uk


Mull of Kintyre Sea Tours

Campbeltown.

Tel 0870 720 0609

Fast and exhilarating boat trips designed to maximise opportunities to see the varied wildlife and many of the historic coastal sites found on the spectacular cliffs of the Mull of Kintyre.

www.mull-of-kintyre.co.uk


Northern Light Charters

Oban.

Tel 01631 740595

Four small ships Chalice, Hjalmar Bjorge, Elizabeth G and Hans Hansson offer both individuals and groups a rare opportunity to travel the unpolluted waters of North West Scotland, throughout the Inner and Outer Hebrides and to St Kilda. Also around the Orkney and Shetland islands plus itineraries taking in the Faroes, Iceland and Norway.

www.northernlight-uk.com


Sea.fari Adventures Oban

Easdale, Isle of Seil.

Tel 01852 300003

RIB rides to the nearby islands of Scarba, see the Corrywreckan whirlpool or visit Jura. Landing trips to the Garvellachs.

www.seafari.co.uk


Sealife Adventures

Isle of Seil, near Oban.

Tel 01631 571010

Wildlife and whale watching from large, comfortable hardboat. Skippered by Marine Biologist and wildlife cameraman.

www.sealife-adventures.com


Sea Life Surveys

Dervaig, Isle of Mull.

Tel 01688 302 916

Whale watching, wildlife and sightseeing boat trips on a daily basis from the Isle of Mull.

www.sealifesurveys.com


Turus Mara

Isle of Mull

Tel 01688 400242

Wildlife and seabird cruises. Visit Staffa, Iona, and sea bird colonies including puffins.

www.turusmara.com



South West Scotland


Cumbrae Voyages

Largs.

Tel 0845 257 0404

Voyage around the Cumbraes in a Rigid Inflatable Boat to view the scenery and wildlife which surrounds these Islands. Each trip provides a mixture of exhilaration and sensitive appreciation of the fantastic wildlife.

www.cumbraevoyages.co.uk


Drumlanrig Landrover Experience

Thornhill.

Tel 01848 331555

Join the Buccleuch Ranger Service on a journey from the delightful River Nith to the rugged beauty of the high tops of the Lowther Hills, enjoying a wildlife spectacle along the way.

www.buccleuch.com



Orkney & Shetland


Aigas Field Centre

Beauly, Inverness.

Tel 01463 782443

Holiday programmes plus accomodation based on the wildlife, scenery and history of the wild Highlands of Scotland. Also undertake expeditions based in Orkney and Shetland.

www.aigas.co.uk


Eda Frandsen

Mallaig.

Tel 01687 462917

Liveaboard cruises on board a 60 year old gaff cutter. Destinations include St Kilda, the Orkneys, the Shetlands and North Rona, as well as the Hebrides.

www.eda-frandsen.co.uk


Northern Light Charters

Oban.

Tel 01631 740595

Four small ships Chalice, Hjalmar Bjorge, Elizabeth G and Hans Hansson offer both individuals and groups a rare opportunity to travel the unpolluted waters of North West Scotland, throughout the Inner and Outer Hebrides and to St Kilda. Also around the Orkney and Shetland islands plus itineraries taking in the Faroes, Iceland and Norway.

www.northernlight-uk.com


Shetland Wildlife Tours

Maywick

Tel 01950 422483

Daily wildlife cruises to Noss National Nature Reserve.

www.shetlandwildlife.co.uk



Aberdeen & Grampian Highlands


Gemini Explorer

Buckie.

Tel 0774 762 6280

Wildlife watching cruises along the Moray Firth.

www.geminiexplorer.co.uk


Puffin Cruises

Macduff.

Tel 01542 832560

Daily sightseeing and fishing trips from Macduff Harbour along the scenic Moray Firth coastline.

www.puffincruises.com


Walk Deeside

Aboyne.

Tel 01339 880081

Guided walks with a strong emphasis on local environmental issues; conservation policies, access, land use practice, Natural Heritage designations and the Cairngorms National Park.

www.walkdeeside.com



Perthshire, Angus & Dundee and the Kingdom of Fife


Anstruther Pleasure Trips

Anstruther

Tel 01333 310103

Boat trips to the Isle of May (National Nature Reserve) to view seals and sea birds.

www.isleofmayferry.com


Highland Adventure Safari's

Aberfeldy

Tel 01887 820071

Landrover safari's into the perthshire hills on private roads. The perfect day out which can be tailored for stag and hen parties, weddings and even for childrens parties with eye-spy sheets.

www.highlandadventuresafaris.co.uk


Kindrogan Field Centre

Blairgowrie

Tel 01250 881286

Field Studies Council fieldcentre offering leisure and professional training courses covering virtually every aspect of learning about the countryside, its wildlife and the environment.

www.field-studies-council.org/kindrogan



South East Scotland


Clifftop Discovery

St Abbs

Tel 01890 771838

Cliff top landrover trail from St Abbs NNR past seabird colonies. Geology, scenery and natural history.

www.clifftopdiscovery.co.uk

 

 

 

When choosing a tour or trip, check to see if they are members of a professional organisation which encourages their members to follow a code of conduct.

For example:


Wild Scotland
(Scottish Wildlife & Nature Tourism Operators Association)

Scottish Marine Wildlife Operators Association


Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code