Autumn Watch around Mull – Otters and Eagles (2027)

Mid-September is a wonderful time to experience Mull. The islands are quieter, the light is softer, and wildlife watching is often at its best, particularly for birds of prey. Both Golden and White-tailed Eagles will have newly fledged youngsters still dependent on their parents, while juvenile Hen Harriers, Merlins and Short-eared Owls disperse across the landscape, often making them easier to observe.

At sea, we are likely to encounter local dolphin and whale species, including Bottlenose and Common Dolphins and Minke Whales. As autumn progresses, sightings of larger whales become increasingly possible, with Fin and Humpback Whales, the occasional Orca, and even Basking Sharks all recorded at this time of year. On rare occasions, we have even been treated to sightings of Northern Bottlenose Whale.

But the voyage is not only about wildlife. There are rich cultural opportunities too, including time ashore on Iona to explore the abbey and the island’s deep historical significance. We also make a close pass by Staffa, with its striking basalt columns and the cave that inspired Mendelssohn’s famous overture, and there may be an opportunity to visit Tobermory.

For those who enjoy walking, we can also drop guests ashore and collect you again a few miles along the coast. Throughout the voyage, you’ll be accompanied by our knowledgeable and experienced onboard team, helping you make the most of both time at sea and time ashore.

Please note on our best days our itinerary will be smooth transits from one anchorage to another as shown on the programme we have offered. However, this is the West Coast of Scotland, and we are governed by mother nature. So, on occasion, for your comfort and safety, we may need to tweak the original course that we are looking to follow. But wherever our tweaking takes us, our trip and destination anchorages will always be special.

Day 1: Oban; seafood capital of Scotland and known as the Gateway to the Isles. Our departure point will be the pontoons just off Oban’s North Pier. We look to start boarding Hjalmar Bjorge at around 14:30, a short briefing introducing our new guests to life aboard ship, its safety procedures and getting you settled into your new home for the next 5 nights. Casting off at 15:30 then heading for the first nights anchorage at Tobermory.

Day 2: A couple of hours in the colourful town of Tobermory and a short walk if you wish round to Rubha nan Gall and the lighthouse.. Late morning we will make our way to the Treshnish isles and the island of Lunga in particular. The afternoon will give plenty of time to properly explore these magical group of islands and opportunities to encounter varied wildlife. We will make for Ulva and a secure sheltered anchorage for the night. The breeding seabirds may have departed but migratory species will be on passage along with Whale and Dolphin activity which is good at this time of year.

Day 3: From Ulva we will make our way south passing Staffa and it’s basalt columns and then head towards Mull and the sea lochs of Loch na Keal and Scridain. With time ashore, it is a great opportunity to watch out for both eagle species and other raptors. Mull is great for otter spotting so we will keep an eye out for them. Anchorage on the Ross of Mull.

Day 4: Today we will head for Iona and spend the day on this great little island. Good walks on the west side of the island and of course the Abbey to visit. We will anchor in the vicinity of the Ross of Mull. Keep an eye out for Otter.

Day 5: Making our way east along the Ross of Mull keeping an eye out for various species of raptor and the three species of Diver. Red and Black throated divers plus the wintering and often over summering, Great Northern Diver. If weather permits we will drop guests off at Loch Buie and an optional walk for a few miles over to Loch Spelve where the boat will be waiting at our final anchorage for the night. Loch Spelve; our favourite spot for the final night of your adventure. Loch Spelve is found on the east coast of Mull, an hours steam from Oban; very sheltered and a hot bed of Eagles, Red Deer and Otters. With spectacular mountain scenery, local walks and the possibility of Mussels from the local Mussel farm.

Day 6: After a very hearty breakfast to see you on your way, it’s back to Oban for 10:30. ready for departure and a fond farewell.