Whales and Wildlife of the North Minch

The middle of summer is the perfect time to focus our amazing adventures on Whales and Dolphins. With the waters being warmer help the plankton and subsequently attracting the fish and the Cetaceans; who are found where the fish are. Basking Sharks move northwards following the plankton blooms too and once you have witnessed one of these 8 metre giants it is something you will never forget.

Some of the species we will be looking for include Minke Whales, Harbour Porpoise and Common Dolphins, Risso and White-beaked dolphin; which often seek out the Hjalmar Bjørge to ride her bow wave. Being nearly eye-to-eye with these graceful creatures.  Dolphin species make for an unforgettable encounter and is often the highlight of our guests  day.

During August, the waters of the North Minch are favourable for observing some of the larger whale species, including Humpback Whales and the Fin Whale, which is the second largest animal to have ever existed.

The high, flat, viewing tops of the Hjalmar Bjørge provide the perfect vantage point to scan the waters for a surfacing whale or leaping dolphins. All the while not forgetting to keep a weather eye open for seabirds.  Such as… Gannets, Manx Sheerwaters, Fulmars, Guillemots, Razorbills, both Great and Arctic Skuas, Manx Shearwaters, Storm Petrels, all the usual suspects.

At this time of year you may also may be lucky enough to spot other scarcer forms of Skua such as the long-tailed or Pomarine species, Sooty Shearwaters and even a Leach’s Petrel hiding amongst the Storm Petrels, for the very observant. White-tailed Eagles patrol many of the local sea lochs and cliffs, with Golden Eagles often spotted over the hill ridges too.

Each evening we anchor somewhere special, where we can watch the sunset with a glass of wine or a whisky! Our skippers know all the best anchorages, so you feel as though you have the islands all to yourself.

On most days we will get a chance to go ashore for a leg stretch and a wander accompanied by our naturalist guide

Please note On our best days our itinerary will be smooth transits from one anchorage to another as shown on the program 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 Loch Sunart.

Day 2-9:  As this cruise is very much aimed at searching for and enjoying the various Cetacean species to be found in the Minch, its neighbouring waters of the Little Minch and the Sea of the Hebrides.  Our itinerary will largely be dictated by the most recent sightings; which we will constantly monitor.  Sea and weather conditions, and the experience of our local skipper will have us roaming around between the coastlines of Lewis and Harris, the Isle of Skye, the Shiant Isles, and over to the west coast of the Highland mainland. Our overnight anchorages will largely be in quiet, remote areas with chances of sighting Red Deer, Otters, Seals and Eagles overhead all possible.

Day 10: 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