Wellness-boosting wildlife watching cruises with Hebridean Adventures
Posted on Wed 29 Sep 2021 · by Hebridean Adventures
Once you are at sea, you can't help but feel relaxed as you soak up the scenery and the wildlife.
There is nothing more exhilarating than exploring Scotland’s blue spaces and witnessing the wondrous wildlife our nation has to offer. Surrounding yourself with the water has long been known as a great way to improve your physical health. It can also provide a welcome boost to your well-being.
We think one of the best ways to improve your wellness through water is by stepping aboard one of our wildlife-watching cruises to see the magnificent marine life the Hebrides has to offer. Take a look at what each of our cruises has to offer and find out which one suits you best for starting your water wellness journey.
Plan a staycation with an aquatic twist on a Scottish wildlife-watching cruise around the Outer Hebrides
One of the cabins on our boat, the Monadhliath.
If you’re looking for a different way to spend your staycation next year, why not try one of our various exciting Scottish wildlife cruises? With cruises ranging from two to six nights and covering the waters from the Western Highlands and Skye to Lewis, Harris and beyond, there is something to suit everyone. Cruise aboard our specially-converted fishing boat, MV Monadhliath, and explore some of the richest waters for spotting aquatic wildlife in the UK such as whales, dolphins and porpoise, not to mention the stunning seabird colonies on the cliffs of the Shiant Isles and St Kilda, starring everybody’s favourite, the puffin. Making our cruises the perfect break away from reality to improve your well-being through the soothing power of the ocean.
We can carry up to 8 guests and have a range of itineraries to choose from, or for a special treat why not get a group of family or friends together and ask us about a private charter and have the boat all to yourselves!? We also have a choice of special fundraising cruises where we donate a percentage of the overall trip cost to help support our chosen partners such as the Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust (HWDT) and Sea Watch Foundation. On our non-fundraising cruises we also cover the cost of a free 1-year membership of HWDT to each guest on board.
Please contact us today or browse our website to plan your 2022 staycation in Scotland!
Full Day Wildlife Trip
Sitting on the Shiant's looking down at the Monadhliath.
Sometimes in the Spring and Summer months we also occasionally run a day-tip schedule when we have a break in our cruise schedule. There are so many wonderful places along Scotland's coasts and in our waters to see amazing aquatic wildlife, but the Hebrides in particular, are filled with many opportunities. Leaving from Stornoway Harbour, our full-day tour heads out to the Minch and our usual destination are the beautiful and dramatic Shiant Isles located a short hour and a half sail to the south through some of the best cetacean-watching waters in Britain.
Having the full day aboard our boat gives you the best chance of spotting a wide variety of birds and animals. You will be able to marvel at the abundance of seabirds in the skies of the Hebrides whilst searching the local hot spots for whale and dolphin activity, including the North-East Lewis Marine Protected Area (MPA), especially designated for our local Risso’s dolphin population.
Whale and Dolphin Trip
Risso's dolphin showing typical scarring
We also occasionally run shorter 3/4 day trips lasting just four to five hours. Please keep a watch on our website and Facebook page or drop us a line if you are planning a visit. This favourite action-packed trip leaves Stornoway Harbour with our skipper taking you out in to the Minch, the strip of ocean between the Outer Hebrides and the Highlands. Our knowledgeable crew will help identify, and tell you about, the species you are most likely to spot which could include whales, dolphins, eagles and seabirds.
You will have the opportunity to observe these aquatic animals in their natural watery habitats, allowing you to take in all the benefits of water without having to get into the water. No two trips are ever the same and Scotland’s rich marine wildlife means you are most likely to encounter seals and porpoises, too.