Spring Watch Mull – Island of Eagles (2027)

Late April is an excellent time to observe birds of prey. Eagles – both Golden and White-tailed – along with Peregrines, will have recently hatched young to feed, keeping the adults busy. Smaller raptors such as Hen Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl will also be active, with male Hen Harriers beginning their spectacular “sky-dancing” display flights or provisioning the female while she incubates eggs.

Lunga will be bustling with arriving seabirds, including burrow-nesting Puffins, alongside auks, Fulmars and other summer breeding visitors. We will also pass Staffa and its famous basalt cave, which inspired Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture. Further detail on these islands can be found on our cruising area page.

But this cruise is not only about raptors and wildlife. There is also the opportunity to visit Iona Abbey and explore the island’s rich ancient history. We may also visit Tobermory, with its colourful harbour front, local culture, and a choice of short walks in the surrounding area. Later in the voyage, there may be opportunities to be dropped ashore for a coastal walk and picked up a few miles further on, led by our experienced guides who live aboard Hjalmar.

If time is short, or you simply want to experience a cruise aboard a micro ship like Hjalmar, this voyage offers a perfect introduction to a holiday at sea.

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 6 nights. Casting off at 15:30 then heading for the first night’s 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. If sea conditions allow we will land and visit the Puffin colony and stretch our legs. 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.

Day 3-4: 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.  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 might be lucky enough to encounter Corncrake which will just be arriving from Africa. We will anchor in the vicinity of the Ross of Mull.

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, 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