The Shiant Isles are seldom visited archipelago, yet an internationally important breeding site for hundreds of thousands of seabirds including puffin which is the main focus of our tour.
Our four nights are spent aboard a vessel, allowing us to keep close to the islands. Around 10 per cent of UK puffins and 7 per cent of UK razorbills breed annually on these wild and dramatic isles, and we enjoy two full days photographing the seabirds of the Shiant's. With 150-metre-high cliffs of black columnar basalt, the spectacular islands make a wonderful backdrop for our photography workshop.
We also have a full day exploring the Minch for cetaceans as these productive, relatively sheltered Atlantic waters are home to basking shark, minke, humpback and fin whales, alongside four species of dolphin.
Having a private charter allows for exclusivity and the small group size means that our photographic leader - Kevin Morgans - will be able to provide bespoke photography tuition and you are sure to develop your skill and portfolio.
Typical Itinerary
Day1: Ullapool to The Shiant Isles
This morning meet tour leader Kevin at Ullapool where we take the ferry to Stornaway and transfer to the vessel. After settling into your cabin and a welcome briefing from the skipper we start the cruise south along the east coast of Lewis. Weather allowing, we head ashore for an afternoon walk on the Shiant Island for some exploring before dinner.
Accommodation: Vessel, 4-nights
Days2-3: Explore the Shiants
With cameras packed, we head ashore via dinghy to the islands. During these two days, we have fantastic opportunities to discover and photograph the Shiants, with the photogenic puffins capturing most of our focus. With a picturesque backdrop for our photography, we have a great opportunity to try new techniques and create an exciting portfolio of images, and Kevin will be on hand to provide tuition throughout.
Day4: Whale watching in the Minch
Today we enjoy a whale and dolphin watching trip in the Minch. Minke whales, common and Risso's dolphins and harbour porpoise are all regulars, with white-beaked dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, humpbacks, fin whales and even orca all possible when you spend the day exploring these waters.
Day5: Return to Stornaway then Ullapool
We return up the coast, again through very good waters and coastline for spotting cetaceans and eagles, before arriving back into Stornoway where we say goodbye to the crew and take the ferry to Ullapool.
Please note: Your voyage begins and ends in Ullapool. The itinerary is subject to weather and sea conditions.
Key info
Duration and price excluding international flights: 5 daysfrom £1,995 pp
Trip type:
Voyage
Group size: 7
When to go: Jun
Group Departures: We are currently finalising future dates for this tour. Please contact us for further details.
Kevin is a multi-award-winning wildlife photographer, tour leader, and photographic guide and has seen his work published across the globe.
His work with Atlantic puffins recently won the prestigious portfolio prize in Bird Photographer Of The Year, along with a category win in Golden Turtle & multiple awarded images in MontPhoto, Environmental Photographer Of The Year, Natures Best & Nature Image Awards to name a few.
Kevin has a passion for photographing UK wildlife, but his journey has seen him travel further afield across Europe, Canada, and the polar regions in search of wildlife. He is an experienced guide who has been running 1-1 and group workshops for many years, using this experience to pass on his knowledge of the natural world and how best to capture it.
Lying not far offshore from Lewis in the north-west of Scotland, the Shiant’s are one of the most exciting and remote seabird islands in Britain. These rugged little islands offer not only a fantastic seabird experience but are also steeped in history and offer sensational scenery.
Find Out More about {acc:title}
Where: Outer Hebrides
Ideal for viewing: Atlantic puffin, black guillemot, razorbill, black-legged kittiwake, minke whale
