Whale Watching Trips

A Wildlife Experience!

THE VESSEL -

Alpha Beta is an exceptionally well-equipped and maintained motor vessel. She is heavily constructed of GRP by Colvic. She is forty five feet long, displaces fifteen tonnes, and has fantastic sea keeping qualities.

What we may encounter!

Warmed by the Gulf Stream, the Hebrides is an area of outstanding beauty and productivity that has an abundance of wildlife.

Minke whales

Experience these magnificent 10 metre whales, that return each year to the area to feed on the plentiful fish stocks. Observe the fantastic feeding behaviour as they lunge from the water to scoop up the fish or the curious juvenile which often approach and interact with the boat, which leaves you wondering "who's watching who!"

Harbour porpoises

Groups of porpoises are frequently sighted throughout our trips, the smallest cetacean found in British waters. Nicknamed "puffing pigs" these delightful creatures can be observed foraging and occasionally surfing in the waves. Tiny calves are often seen accompanying their mothers.

Dolphins

Common and Risso's dolphins are often encountered throughout the summer, although bottlenose and white-beaked dolphins are also occasionally seen. Dolphins are particularly playful with boats, riding the bow to give you a close up view of these beautifully streamlined animals.

Killer whales

These majestic predators pass through our area on occasion and you may be on the lucky trip that encounters them. These whales are a spectacular sight with their dramatic black and white markings and fearless ambience as they sweep through the area.

Basking Sharks

We often encounter these huge plankton feeders. Being the second biggest fish in the world, reaching lengths of 11 metres, they are awesome to watch as they swim in the tidal currents, mouth agape, filtering out plankton.

Other cetaceans

Sei whale and northern bottlenose whale are occasionally seen in our waters but are by no means regular visitors.

The marine scene here in the Hebrides is a fascinating dynamic interaction of many species.During your cruise it is likely that you will also encounter several species of seabirds such as kittiwakes, herring gulls, gannets, puffins, guillemots, razorbills, Manx shearwaters, arctic and great skuas amongst others. The islands provide the perfect habitat for colonies of common and grey seals. These curious creatures are often sighted foraging out at sea or hauled out on rocks basking in the sunshine!

Looking after the wildlife Inter-Island Cruises is a member of The Scottish Marine Wildlife Operators Association, which means we operate under a strict code of conduct when encountering wildlife. This allows you to enjoy your wildlife experience with minimal disturbance to the animals. All our sightings of whale, dolphin, porpoise and environmental data are recorded to support the valuable work of the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, a local charity, dedicated to marine conservation.

Some comments from satisfied passengers

' Very Friendly staff '

' Enthusiasm of staff was infectious and made the whole wonderful day. Will be coming back'
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' Thank you for a lovely trip and thank you Sarah for looking after me while I was not feeling too good '

' One of the best trips we've ever had '

' Have been on trips since 1998.always excellent '

' The informality and enthusiasm of the crew was much appreciated '

' This trip was just as professional and good as last year. Brilliant ! '

' Expert and enthusiastic advice made for a very rewarding and memorable day out '

' Only to say the trip was brilliant '

' Good value for money '

' A most pleasant experience obviously weather makes a big difference but we were lucky '

' Would strongly recommend this team '

' Friendly, knowledgeable and considerate to the sealife '

' V. impressed by environmental care shown. Warning to keep clear of puffin burrows and not to over-stress shags '

' Would definitely recommend anyone to take this trip if they were visiting Mull '

' Excellent and informative trip '

' All aspects of our day were excellent '

' J&S were superb and provided a unique experience finding a number of whales when none were expected due to several naval vessels on exercise. My 70th Birthday Treat was memorable ! '

' An excellent trip. Better than I expected '

' I have already recommended this trip and will return to do it myself '

 

Inter-Island Cruises - Whalewatching Packages -

- www.accommodation.mull.com - Discover Mull -

- Web Design by Jim Spence - Hebredian Whale and Dolpin Trust -

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