Overview
A cruise designed to discover some of the more remote Hebridean islands without the sometimes arduous trek out to St Kilda. This cruise will focus on the fabulous Monach Islands and the small remote islands off the south of the Western Isles. Daily walks, seabirds, eagles and a great time of year for cetaceans. The itinerary is dependent on weather – balancing shelter with reaching our preferred destinations – but may include, for example, some of the following destinations: Mull, the Small Isles (Rum, Canna, Eigg and Muck), Skye, Coll and Tiree in the Inner Hebrides. In the Outer Hebrides possibilities include Eriskay, Barra Head, Mingulay, Vatersay, North and South Uists and Benbecula etc. We will aim to spend a few days at the lovely low lying Monachs and explore these wonderful islands with their seabird and seal colonies, acres of flat sandy beaches and interesting archaeological remains. Expect sea and golden eagles, cetaceans (such as dolphins, minke whales and basking sharks) and seabirds such as gannets, guillemots, terns, skuas and razorbills. This cruise will not visit St Kilda. Highlights: Dispersing seabirds and their young from their breeding colonies, including Auks, Terns, Gulls, Skuas, Petrels & Gannets – responsible viewing of Golden & Sea Eagles on their territories, with sightings of fledged young ending their season – Rum’s massive Manx Shearwater colony will still be feeding young and allows incredible views as they raft offshore or shear the waves in feeding parties – striking dragonflies & butterflies, or the rare Great Yellow Bumblebee found only on a few Scottish islands. We will also expect good sightings of dolphins, particularly common dolphin, perhaps Bottlenose and Risso. This time of year is also particularly good for Basking sharks and Minkes.