Based for six nights aboard the exclusively chartered Seahorse II, we look for otters, seabirds, corncrakes and cetaceans as we circumnavigate the Isle of Mull, visiting Lunga and Coll en route.
From our comfortable vessel, Seahorse II, we’ll cruise for six nights around the Isle of Mull in search of special wildlife including otters, grey and harbour seals, basking shark, minke whale, and dolphins. Mull’s birdlife includes divers, plus golden and white-tailed eagles, as well as short-eared owl and hen harrier, while the island of Coll is home to corncrakes, breeding waders and special ‘machair’ habitat as well as some exciting flora. Weather permitting, we’ll land on Lunga and Staffa, and view Fingal’s Cave.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Embark Seahorse II & sail to Isle of Mull
After a short introduction to life onboard our small ship, we lift anchor and set sail to our first destination. We begin our cruise by crossing from the mainland to Tobermory, the largest town on the Isle of Mull. The crossing provides a chance to get our sea legs and begin our Hebridean adventure – bottlenose and common dolphins are regularly seen on this passage, as well as seabirds such as gannet, kittiwake, guillemot and razorbill, while near to shore Atlantic grey and common seals may be seen. Once we have settled in, there’s time to savour the stunning views before enjoying some local food.
Accommodation: Seahorse II, 6-nights
Day2: Tobermory to the island of Coll
Today we leave Tobermory after breakfast and cruise around the north coast of Mull, heading west towards the island of Coll. We should have good views of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula to our right, and Mull on our left, until we head out into open water.
We will drop anchor on the north-east coast of Coll, which gives us access to an area of the island where corncrakes are known to breed. We will hope to hear their distinctive calls, and we will have plenty of time to explore the island in search of common and grey seals, wading and seabirds, including shearwaters, petrels and skuas.
Day3: Lunga, Treshnish Isles
Today we leave Coll and set sail for the uninhabited Treshnish Isles, famous for the seabirds which breed in colonies there each summer. The island of Lunga is home to the isles’ largest colony of puffins and, as well as being able to observe and photograph these charismatic auks at very close quarters (only a few metres away), the cliff ledges will also be packed with breeding razorbills, guillemots, shags and kittiwakes.
After a full day on Lunga, we will board Seahorse II again and depart for Mull, where we will anchor for the night. After our evening meal, we’ll hope to enjoy one of the superb sunsets for which this region is famous.
Days4-6: Staffa, Isle of Mull & time at sea
Our itinerary will be flexible for the next three days, but we may visit – weather and tidal conditions permitting, and also taking into consideration the particular interests of the group – the island of Staffa, or spend an extended time at sea in search of cetaceans and other marine life. We will also visit the island of Mull and spend time exploring its coastline and sea-lochs in search of its special wildlife.
The island of Staffa is perhaps most famous for its basalt-columned Fingal’s Cave. However, it also boasts an impressive variety of breeding seabirds, including puffins.
During any time at sea, we will be on the look-out for harbour porpoise, common and bottlenose dolphins, as well as minke whales. Also possible, but less frequently seen, are orca, basking shark and, occasionally, Risso’s dolphin. We can expect fulmar, kittiwake and gannet, or some combination of the three, to be our near-constant companions while at sea, and we should also be on the look-out for puffin, razorbill, and guillemot flying across the water.
During these three days we will also drop anchor on the west and south coast of Mull to enjoy its superb birdlife and flora, as well as seeking out some of its mammals, including seals, otter and red deer. In particular, these areas of Mull are known for their strong numbers of white-tailed and golden eagles.
We will also walk along and inspect sea-lochs for signs of otters – Mull is one of the best places in the British Isles to see this delightful mustelid, while the sea-lochs are also home to red-throated divers.
Day7: Depart Ross of Mull & sail to Dunstaffnage Marina; disembark
Today we must sadly leave the Isle of Mull, and set sail for the mainland, arriving at Dunstaffnage Marina in the early afternoon.
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 7 daysfrom £2,295 pp
Single supplement:
No additional cost
Trip type:
Voyage
Group size: 10
When to go: Jun
Group Departures: We are currently finalising future dates for this tour. Please contact us for further details.
A zoologist by training (specialising in marine ecology and bird biology) Mike spent most of his working career as a teacher of outdoor education.
During these years he explored much of the west coast of Scotland by sea kayak, leading adult trips out to offshore islands. Since retiring he spends his time writing travel and nature guidebooks and exploring wild places around the world. He co-led the first Chinese school backpacking expedition to Iceland and the first beach school course in the Cayman Islands. He lives with his wife and two dogs near Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast.
The Isle of Mull is home to a rich flora and fauna. It’s one of the best places to see otters in the UK, and special birds here include hen harrier, white-tailed and golden eagles as well as red-throated divers. Red deer, seals and a rich marine life are additional draws for the keen naturalist.
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Where: Hebrides
Ideal for viewing: otter, grey seal, golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, minke whale
With a choice of comfortable cabins, a wonderful deck saloon for dining and wildlife viewing, and a high foredeck, the Seahorse II is ideally equipped for cruising around the Isle of Mull and other Hebridean islands, while an onboard chef provides locally sourced fresh food each day.
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